Loughborough

Today's Navigations : River Soar, Loughborough Cut

We set off in good time this morning - the first lock was less than 200m away. The lock had been left full last night and nothing had moved yet today. As Christine brought the boat down to the lock, the one that had moored behind us, Duchess, arrived keen to join with us. We did have to apologise that we were planning to stop above Barrow Deep at the service point.

Although the morning was rather grey it was also definitely a bit warmer, with almost a heatwave promised for the Bank Holiday weekend ahead. Two boats exiting the lock was a bit tricky - the lock landing was shortened by a sunken boat tied to the far end and the usual steps alongside the bridge were technically fenced off. Eventually Mike ignored the fence and squeezed around the end!

Immediately we passed the 'must have a pic' view of the bypass weir.

After an enjoyable cruise for half an hour around various twisting bends, we arrived at Barrow Mill, just before the Deep Lock. There have been boater facilities here for a long time and we were in need of both water and elsan. We were a bit concerned as we recalled seeing a stoppage notice that there had been problems here a few weeks ago. However, the CaRT Facilities Map indicated that the elsan and water were still here. After hooking up to the water tap we discovered notices on the walls saying that all waste facilities here had been removed (the toilets had closed under the new policy anyway) It also stated that the nearest options were either back at Memory Lane in Leicester or above Trent Lock at the start of the Erewash Canal. That does seem a long separation! There was no mention of Loughborough Basin facilities which are also still on the website. As we plan a fairly slow few days, movement wise, we hope that they remain available . . .

The assortment of unusual leisure boats were all in dock at this time but they are sure to get plenty of exercise over the weekend.

We moved on the the lock where Ann, another Waterways Chaplain, was preparing the lock. There was also a group of young people who were keen to be involved. It is good to be able to answer there questions and to let them  have a go at opening paddles and gates but it is always worth keeping a close watch to make sure that they do not come to any harm. No prospect of that here, thankfully, and as we left one of the lads expressed clearly genuine thanks for 'teaching them how it works and letting them have a go' (But hence why no pix)

After leaving the lock it was a chance to catch up with Ann. Initially we moored well down the lock landing for a coffee. In the process Ann opted to stay with us into Loughborough as she was planning to catch a rain back to Leicester where she lives.

Just after the multi arched road bridge we spotted these splendid shelters for those seeking refreshment at the adjacent pub.

It was a pleasant 20  minute cruise down to Pillings Weir and Flood Lock.

As expected the flood lock was open at both ends so we were quickly off the river and onto the Loughborough Cut, a long bypass into the town which rejoins the river below Bishops Meadow Lock.

We moored just after passing under the Great Central Railway Bridge and bollard moorings ideal for a short walk to the train station. We had lunch and our visitor lft to catch her train well after three o'clock.

But we have our on reason for stopping here, short of the town centre. We now plan that Mike will do the car shuffle tomorrow, taking the train from here back to Rugby, car to the marina at Nottingham and then a train back again to here. At one time, Leicester had a direct connection to Rugby but which was lost in an early 1960s rationalisation (aka closure plan) As it is now all options are convoluted and with either 2 or 3 connections - and then finding a taxi to the marina.

5.4 Miles - 2 Locks