Zouch

Today's Navigations : Beeston Cut, River Trent, Cranfleet Cut, River Soar

More very hot weather was confidently predicted for today, although we had a little of the overnight rain that has caused flooding further south! However, it was not yet hot when we both woke just after 5 am and quickly agreed to turn this to our advantage and make a  quick(ish!) getaway.

In our case, 'quick' meant that we were on our way just before 7 am. The sky was still largely cloudy but soon cleared away to leave us with bright blue sky for the rest of our trip.

Christine took a short walk along the towpath last evening and spotted there  could well be several boats that have been abandoned. It is not easy for the navigation authorities to be sure and that they are not someone's home, however minimal they may be. Hence the time it takes to have them removed. This one at least should be well on its way to being scrapped, when resources allow (it is quite an expensive task)

We soon arrived at Beeston Lock - paddles are left open at both ends when not being used for the passage of boats. This ensures that the many boats moored along Beeston Cut are not grounded. We met a member of CaRT staff the lock. He said that if one is left closed, someone soon lodges a complaint and he has to come out, when on call, from the other side of Newark.

We had hoped to use the elsan disposal point here. There is a good brick building that until recently offered shower and toilet as well but we were nor surprised to find that they were now permanently closed. What was frustrating was that the elsan seems to have gone as well.

We had not noticed before that there us a small museum and tea room here - we do not know much about it but the milkman has obviously been around and lots of customers for tea are expected!

In  most cases, faced with gates this size it would be reasonable to assume they were at the bottom end of a deep lock. Here, these are the top gates and today the rise was perhaps as little as 150mm. We assume that the lock is designed to protect the cut from really high flooding - even higher than the lock landings.

And so we launched out onto the wide expanse of the River Trent, and were glad that we had cleared the prop last night. We bowled along at a good speed even at only 1200 revs.

Although we were on the lookout to take some photos of particular features, these were more destined for our CanalMap picture database and when we came to look for ones suitable for a blog, we discovered that we had been a bit remiss (like wedding photographer missing out the bridesmaids!)

It was still quite early and a decent breeze added to helping make this a very pleasant cruise for just over an hour. We noted this small ship on our last trip but at that time could not see a name. So, we crossed over to take a closer look but still no name. However there was a CaRT registration number which we later looked up. I seems that it is called Arwenack and was built by Groves and Guttridge at Cowes on the south coast in the 1930s. Beyond that so far we have found nothing so, if anyone knows more, please let us know.

There are two well marked obstacles on this reach - this one is probably about the place where once a ferry crossed over.

At the end of this section is Cranfleet Lock, a bit more of a proper rise or fall - nominally 2.7 m but probably a bit less with less water in the river. Another disappointment followed. On the last noted that the list of facilities on the board beside the lock clearly stated rubbish disposal. However, this t4oo has been withdrawn, according to a local moorer because the waste company declined to come down the approach drive (which does not stop plenty of traffic bringing members of the yacht club or day visitors) At least there was a litter bin so last night's prop waste went there along with an empty drink can that Mike collected on his way up from the landing pontoon.

Beeston Cut is quite short - just before the far end are the automatic flood gates which unsurprisingly were wide open!

At the junction with the River Trent there is a brightly coloured display - we could not make out the inscriptions but it did not seem to be the more usual memorial to a local person who died in an accident.

The crossing over the river to the mouth of the River Soar was event free, thankfully, and we were now on rather more sedate surroundings! We soon passed through another flood lock Redhill.

Once more were on high alert as we passed Redhill Marina, on the look our for Oleanna. Alas we did no better than last time - not enough of either of two boats we did spot under cover was showing to determine if it is Macintosh-inspired (see 15 June here).

At Ratcliffe Lock we remembered to avoid the new large gravel bar that blocks part of the lower lock landing. Whilst waiting for Mike to prepare the lock, Christine could admire the local landmark and wonder how much longer it will stand here.

Mike had a very lucky escape at the top gates. He was closing one and stepped off the good brick lock surround onto the rougher ground beyond. Although he noticed that there was a significant drop (the land must have subsided after the lock was rebuilt) he failed to see a deep pothole. This left him falling to his knees but most fortunately not doing any real damage to either ankle or knee (so far at lea

The River Soar, although not to be taken for granted, is a much more intimate affair than the Trent. The temperature was quickly getting up to forecast.

There was nothing significant about Kegworth New (Deep) Lock, one of the risers was missing and so our carefully planned way of securing the boat with Christine in it, we just had to come up gently. And gentle it was! It took over 20 minutes to fill, even with all paddles open.

As we waited, a fisherman came across the top lock on his way back from fishing at the weir. He was very enthusiastic and keen to show off his hand made lures (if that is the correct term) especially this lone which had proved very successful!

We had planned to stop for our overnight mooring just above the lock at the same place as on the last trip. Although it was now getting quite hot, even if still only 11.30, Christine raised the idea of continuing on the Zouch Lock where is a favourite mooring just up onto Zouch Cut. The only downside was that as we left Kegworth, the camera battery ran out and so no pictorial proof of us reaching the revised destination at around 12.40. Fortunately there was plenty of space available (at times others also favour this stopover!)

We were then very relieved to have no further plans for the day except lunch, sleep and dinner! Based on yesterday's experience, the new battery allows us to run a fan in the main cabin for much of the hot part of the afternoon without rushing to turn on the engine every couple of hours or so!

11.8 Miles - 5 Locks

On the move again

Today's Canal - Beeston Cut

Before we could leave the marina we needed to make a short trip in the car. Firstly we called at the marina office to reclaim our keys and to arrange where to leave our car whilst away. Once again we found the staff most friendly and helpful.

On then to Sainsbury - we planned most of our shopping at Lidl on the opposite side of the road but we expected to find a larger range of wine boxes here.

One of the reasons for opting for Lidl on this occasion was that alongside is a small InstaVolt charging station. Fortunately one of the two stands was vacant and Mike sorted out the system (why are they all so different?) before re-joining Christine in Lidl.

We almost regretted making our usual choice of trolley (the smaller one - we do not like pushing a large one around with the smallish collection that we normally need) but by the time we had completed the list the trolley was full to the brim - and so were our bags. Leaving Christine standing outside the store, Mike returned to the car . It was now up to 94%, good enough, so he was able to drive over to pick up the shopping (and Christine!) and then return to the boat.

The marina has a good supply of 'proper' trollies to help boaters carry 'stuff' from the nearby parking spaces down the pontoon arm to their boat. 

By 11:30 we had everything on board and the crucial items (eg peas and ice cream) stowed but Christine then sent Mike to make ready to depart whilst she could take her time deciding where to find new hiding places.

This is where the boat has been for the past three weeks and it clearly shows the one down side to this marine - the pontoons are quite short (We have had shorter, just) and floating. This means that they can be quite wobbly . . .

Ropes untied and we were ready to leave. Oops! First better to disconnect the landline from the electricity bollard! Try again. Oops 2! Easier to steer with the tiller in place . . . Finally we were properly under way. As we crossed the marina this view shows the floating pontoons a bit more clearly.

The marina is a squashed oval shape and the main finger pontoons stretch almost across from the access road to the opposite bank, leaving only a narrow width to make our way to the exit.

The exit route has a couple of sharp bends before turning out onto the main line. We only just fitted around them.

This wider shot moments later shows how the bridge across the entrance carries the towpath overhead, ensuring that the actual marina is reasonably secure.

Trevethick's Boatyard is a classic for the canals and started here in - a number of assorted buildings, stuff piled up and a good dry dock. It was started in 1796. An very interesting article can be found here. We had speculated on whether there was a Cornish connection here to the famous father of steam engines. Both sides of the dry dock were in use but the view is all but obscured so we could not see much of what was happening.

Most of the road bridges we passed under were of classic late 20C concrete, some quite substantial.

But there was one reminder of the scale of traffic in earlier centuries, a horse and cart being the height of technology. The decoration is probably not original!

After about an hour we arrived at the Boots Footbridge where we moored on the way into the marina. As it was now 1 o'clock and there was a suitable space (earlier the towpath seemed much busier with moored boats than when we arrived) It does, however, necessitate using pins. We both soon came to the same conclusion that we might as well see out the rest of today here.

The day's journey seemed to be a bit slower than before but it was difficult to be sure as we slowed down for moorers much more frequently. Although the wash from the prop did not suggest anything awry, the boat did feel as if it had lost its zippiness. As we will be heading straight out onto the Trent proper tomorrow, Mike thought it best to check down the weed hatch. As is often the case it was a matter of catching a piece of clothing but patio knife made short shrift (shreds?) of it. Not much in the way of actual weeds.

2.6 Miles - 0 Locks

Back on boat

Just as quick update - we left home after church this morning. most pf the car was already packed and we were on the road by 11.30 with an estimated journey time of 3 hours. Of course, we have these days to factor in a stop for charging the car as well as a comfort break.

Studying various maps and websites, it was difficult to avoid the conclusion that by far the best point to do this is Hopwood Park service station, not long after joining the M42 from the M5. After our experience last time we were nervous about trying this as there seemed to be plenty of holiday traffic about. We kept a close eye on the range left displayed by the car but know from experience that it drops down rather quicker once cruising on a motorway. 

By the time we neared Hopwood is looked as if we would be too  close to empty for comfort if we did not top up and so took the risk of exiting to the service station. Fortunately, the upgrade works to the EV facilities were now complete and traffic was entering and leaving quite freely. In fa ct we hooked up at the same charge point as before! After a comfort break we were already sufficiently topped up to reach the marina comfortably and set off without further delay. The complete stop had only added 30 minutes to our ETA.

We arrived just after 3 o'clock and immediately set about unloading and stowing as usual. It always takes much longer that we anticipate!

In the morning we plan to pop to the nearby Lidl for stores - we tend these days to leave buying the usual range of stock items until after arrival as it makes packing the car for the long journey a little more realistic! We will also recharge the car (outside the MacDonalds next door to the store) and call at the marina office to check where to park the car until the next Car Shuffle. We can then set off. Tomorrow we will talk a bit more about our plans for this and the next two trips which will probably takes us up to our arrival at our winter mooring.

Return Home

As we are now that bit further away, we planned to take a break and charge the car at the mid point of our journey. A little to our surprise we found that on Google sat nav this would be around Droitwich and so we made a note of the suitable places there.

The estimated journey time was three hours and a couple of minutes so we did not press to leave unduly early. After a call at the marina office to leave keys - 'just in case' - we were on our way before 11.30. Apart from one fairly short stretch, traffic flowed very well unlike a longer section in the opposite direction.

A comfort break was called as we neared the end of the M42, just before joining the M5. Hopwood Park is a single site attached to a junction. We have not been there in recent times and were surprised that there was a queue from the junction onto the service area. It seems that this is a constant issue as staff were deployed to attempt to alleviate the problem by directing traffic. It still took us 20 minutes to get onto an EV charger. Every part of the site had slow moving or queuing vehicles and quite a number, perhaps in frustration, ignored the signs about not parking in EV slots. Having an ICE number plate does rather give the game away, as well as the lack of a plugged in cable!

However, there were plenty of chargers free - and a lot more being installed - and we chose a supplier that we had not seen before: AppleGreen. After we had made a quick trip to the loos and back to the car, it was close to fully charged. We had only eaten a small part of our lunch when the system declared that we were fully charged. We reset our satnav, now to point homewards and we arrived just one minute quicker. In the evening we had our traditional visit to a local chippy for our evening meal

Should have been a car shuffle day

We originally booked to come into Nottingham Castle on the Wednesday to allow time today for the usual car shuffle. However, as reported, Mike did the shuffle from Loughborough a few days ago and so today gave a chance to prepare for car loading much slower than normal!

Although the car was three quarters charged, we did not expect it to last to a suitable half way point on the return trip so Mike began by going to an EV charging station close to the marina, next to Lidl. It did not take too long to 'fill' up. Mike called at the said Lidl before returning to the marina for rolls for tomorrow's packed lunch.

We gradually completed filling boxes and taking them out to the car. One of the good points about the layout here is that our car could be parked right at the end of the long pontoon and also that good trolleys are available is a sufficient number.

Towards the end of the day, Christine took a walk, out through the far corner pedestrian gate onto the towpath and back alongside the canal to come in at the main entrance.

As promised, here a few shots of the marina.

Nottingham Castle Marina

Today's Canal : Beeston Cut

We did not have far to travel today, under three miles, with no locks, to the marina where the boat will stay for about three weeks whilst we return home. As a result it was almost 11 by the time we eventually cast off. Our mooring was just the other side of this footbridge, built to give pedestrian access to what was once the huge Boots estate.

As can be seen, the sky this morning was very much that of the past four days but, after the thunder and rain last evening, the temperate had moderated and a cooling breeze generally kept us in pleasant conditions.

Since Boots separated from its pharma businesses, becoming principally a retail business, the need for large manufacturing space is diminished. As a result, much of the estate that was created in 1926 and has a number of Modernist style buildings, many now listed, has be designated for residential use. We could evidence with many new homes built close to the canal, only a few yet occupied.

Nottingham is well served by railway lines (even better before the Great Central lie was closed!) We passed under two lines on this short trip - this one heads west out to Long Eaton where a complex junction connects north, south, east and west!

At one time, the northern part of the Erewash Canal and the Cromford Canal were connected Nottingham Canal to the north of here has long since been abandoned. The junction is often called Lenton Chain, It is said that the two sections were run as separate businesses and boatmen from one had to pay fees to the other. Passage was only allowed when a toll keeper was present and at other times a chain prevented passage! The southernmost part was adopted in modern times as a new route for the River Leem. Little can be seen at this location and it is unlikely that many users of the towpath or canal are aware of its former significance.

Another railway bridge links to Sheffield and Mansfield to the north. As soon as we were under it we could begin to see boats moored in the marina. The actual entrance from the canal was a little further and we had to keep a careful watch so as to be prepared for the sharp turn from the canal.

We had been instructed to head initially to the service pontoon. As we wanted to fill with diesel, we first had to swivel around so that we could reverse in. We then went to the office to sort out what is where and to make sure we were  properly logged in to the new electricity app. (This is new and has signs of rather hasty introduction before fully road tested!) 

After filling, paying(ouch!) and disposing of waste, we were off to our mooring. Just as we were turning to back into the given slot, a sudden arrival of a fresh breeze  added to the task! The pontoons are short and floating so do not offer much help in these conditions, but we were soon tied up.

First impression is of a very well staffed marina with a keen emphasis on customer service. When Aquavista acquired the marina it was rather run down we are told, but over a £million has been spent on improvements. They now have permission for about half of the spaces to be residential and this is proving increasingly popular with professional people working in the city. Rail access to London is fast. Although clearly set in an urban context, the marina itself is very open and now has the range of facilities that urban marina dwellers have come to expect. On Saturday, the marina are holding an Open Day to promote itself and the very recent completion of the improvements (final touches were still happening including no electricity for tomorrow whilst the former aged installation is replaced!)

All of this activity - including making a start on packing for the return and swapping winter clothes for those suited to late spring and summer - meant that we have so far failed to take pictures of the new surroundings but we are not leaving until Friday so time yet!

The Stand

Time to tell the story of The Stand. Last year, Christine could see that at times Mike struggled a bit to stand up after kneeling down, especially when mooring to Armco or towpath rings. She found an aid online and bought it - but, it has to be said, Mike was neither dismissive nor making too much use of it.

This year, especially after the problem a fortnight ago back at Kilby, it has come into its own and is now in regular use, at times making mooring a much simpler task. (To give scale, it is adjusted to be, at the top, at Mike's knee height)

This is all part of the process, rather conscious this year, of adapting our boating techniques to avoid unfulfillable demands! (If you know what we mean, you will know what we mean . . .)

2.6 Miles - 0 Locks

Beeston

Today's Navigations : River Soar, River Trent, Cranfleet Cut, Beeston Cut

We opted to get away again as soon as we could and untied around 8:45.

Planes were by now in full flow and as we moved away from being directly under the flight path we could now see the airline name. CargoLux is based in Luxembourg and is a leading carrier of specialised goods.

The short cut between the weir and Kegworth Lock should be wide enough for boats to be able to moor here but the offside vegetation and, just a little later , towpath side reeds and lilies, reduce the width to one boat at a time.

A wide beam moored in front of us was away even earlier and, alas, we saw that he treats these locks as river locks where (sometimes) it is common practice to leaves gates, top or bottom, open on departure. Although Kegworth New/Deep Lock is on the river, above and below, it is not generally considered exempt from the usual rule of leaving all gates and paddles closed before leaving. This meant that before staring the usual working of the lock, Mike had first to walk down to shut one bottom gate, walk back to the other end to cross over and then down to close the other bottom gate. Only then could he return to start filling the empty lock. 

Last year we found this lock very slow to fill, both travelling up and down river. We had heard that some work was done to alleviate this and were keen to see how successful. Although it still takes some time to fill, it is a very deep lock and it levelled out quite readily (the problem last year was that even when the lock looked full it took ages before a gate would would move)

This lock is also noted for the frequency with which boats hang up on the cill. This is always a serious matter but here more so not only because of the size of the cill from the lock gates but also because of its height above the lower river level.

At one stage of planning our night stopovers we had considered looking for a spot 'below' Kegworth Shallow or Flood Lock where we stopped last year. The risk when going downstream is finding it full and that there is hardly anywhere else before arriving at the River Trent. One of the reasons for mooring above Kegworth was just this risk. When we arrived at the lock we were very glad that had decided that way as the spaces (and more) were all occupied by what looked like long staying moorers. There is a useful space to park vehicles alongside the lock!

We were getting slightly low on fuel and had hoped to top with diesel at a  boatyard below Kegworth, We called here last  year and found them very helpful (apart from only dealing in cash!) Although the owner was around also was A CLOSED sign. It transpired that he is in some form of disagreement with HMRC over the handling of fuel duty for boats and until that is sorted he will not take risks of serious fines!

Finally on the Soar we came to Ratcliffe Lock, which feels only a stone's throw from the still standing cooling towers. Actually it about a mile!

Alongside the lock we noted a large ditch from which a substantial amount of sand and gravel had been removed and then we saw this gravel bar at the end of the lower lock landing. We have not heard what was the cause but it looks as if storm conditions washed a lot of the material down from that ditch above.

We were keeping a good lookout as we passed Redhill Marina as we understood that Oleanna was still here for painting. However, we failed to spot it - perhaps it is in the paint tent right at the back, centre of the photo. Perhaps Pip will be along later with an update that gives better news than her last posting.

And finally Redhill Flood Lock that is also usually a straight run through.

On the final part of the Soar there is a small hill to the east that gives its name to the place: Redhill. The side nearest the river was long ago eroded exposing the red stone. Unfortunately the direction of the sun makes it a little hard to see (the colour, that is)

As soon as we turned out onto the Trent our speed over the ground dropped significantly whilst we crossed the main flow (but not like in 2007!) We knew also that our route was to go just behind the sailing club buildings, quite a landmark for some distance. We spotted the flagstaff well before joining the river.

Trent Junction is four way - to the left in the photo is Sawley and soon the quieter waters of the Trent and Mersey Canal. Straight ahead is Trent Lock and the start of the Erewash Canal. And to the right is Cranfleet Cut and the route to Nottingham. Behind, of course is the start of the River Soar or, if you miss the turn, the uninviting tumble of Thrumpton Weir!

Just after joining the Cranfleet Cut we passed through Cranfleet Flood Gates - this time not a lock but a single pair of gates that protects properties and boats along this cut when the river is in flood. Perhaps because they operate automatically,. it does seem from the routine Stoppages reports that this closes and opens quite frequently, especially in the wetter parts of the year.

The railway line from Nottingham to Loughborough passes over the canal here as well - Mike came over on Friday at the end of his 'epic' car shuffle journey.

At the end of the kilometre long cut is Cranfleet Lock that returns the navigation back to the river level below the weir. Alongside is the base for the Nottingham Yacht Club (NYC). There is what was once a substantial lock keeper's house. Long gone are the days of permanent and residential lock keepers. A notice says that a keeper (presumably volunteer) is on duty on Fridays and Saturdays and there was an appeal for more volunteers. Perhaps also from the time of full time keepers, all the paddles have handles welded in place.

On the opposite side of the lock, the yacht club is in (a) box!

Below the lock we join a four and a half miles of winding, but notably wide, river with very few identifiable landmarks along the way. Nevertheless, the banks are much more picturesque than some other rivers.

This sign warns boaters of an obstruction.

Here it is (what was it?). A little further is another similar obstruction but it warrants no warning sign!

We passed a model aircraft club on the bank side. There were several cars alongside a small club house. One plane was in the air doing complex acrobatics. Without a high quality zoom camera we could not do much to capture the plane but here is our least worst shot! We wonder how such clubs and enthusiasts will survive the recent surge in small scale drone technology.

Near Barton-in-Fabis we passed this delightful sailing vessel making its way slowly upstream. Almost no wind so we think they were probably helped by their small outboard.

This probably quite old but impressive cruiser is moored along with a static caravan in what seems to be a long way from anywhere else. We could see no name so unable to Google its history,

A sign, somewhat in need of refreshing, welcomes boaters to Beeston Marina - a long line of pontoon moorings stretches back from Beeston Weir and Lock. Boaters at this end appear to have quite a long walk to their boat along a pontoon that is not always level!

As we neared the lock we realised that the battery in the camera had run out so no more pictures for today. Perhaps just as well as we had already almost run the gamut of the alphabet in name suffixes to identify the photo files! 

Beeston Lock is unusual (although not unique) in that water is run continuously through it to maintain flow in the longer Beeston Cut that runs all the way through Nottingham, rejoin the river below Meadow Lane Lock. One paddle at top and bottom is marked in red and notices ask that they are both left open after passing through the lock. The upper lock landing nearest the bank is a pontoon and sits at quite an angle to the line of entry into the lock. Trickly manoeuvre! 

After the lock is a long stretch of ring moorings but there also seemed to be a lot of road traffic and parked motorhomes beside the canal. We recalled that we had moored long ago close to the Boots Footbridge so pressed on - but not far. As Waterway Routs indicates, the mooring just before the bridge requires pins - some stretches are currently No Mooring to allow sand martins to nest in the canal side wall! We moored in a suitable space (about the last one!) and found it fairly quiet. We were moored just after 1 o'clock. The rest of the afternoon was extremely oppressive and we found it hard to do much other than just sit. 

However, Mike did force himself to do two DIY tasks. Firstly we noticed this morning that when mooring last night an overhanging tree that was a tad more substantial than it looked had pulled out the rubber seal surround to the starboard bathroom window. This is not immediately serious as its function is to protect the screws/bolts that hold the windows in place but it does look untidy and we now know how to fix it quickly.

The second task was to look at a fan we bought last year but not used. Christine has assembled it on Friday and it has proved invaluable these past few sweltering days. It had been rattling rather annoyingly. Some nuts were tightened but Mike realised that a small nut and bolt mentioned in the assembly instructions but not in the parts (list) had not been supplied. It is moderately important in that it prevents the front of the fan guard from falling off. An item in the tool box provide a temporary fix but we will need to look further for the proper thing.

The promised thunder started to roll in around six leading eventually to a real flash and clap. That presaged the arrival of 'proper' thundery rain which very quickly brought the temperature quite a bit.

9.8 Miles - 4 Locks (Our log says 6 locks but two of them were flood locks)