John Revell on his boat Olive Emily

Waterways campaigner and mooring customer John Revell is sharing some of his previous script on other restored waterways that he has visited as he looks forward to the Old Bedford river campaign cruise on 19th to 22nd August 2018.

Descending the Devizes flight

I spent some time in my youth visiting parts of the derelict Kennet and Avon canal. Re-opening the canal to boats seemed almost impossible then although I do remember helping clean out one of the locks on the Widcombe flight in Bath one bitterly cold day. But the impossible happened and I attended the formal reopening of the whole canal by the Queen many years later in 1990.

The next year, 1991, I took my boat along the newly restored canal from Reading to Bristol. Use of the Caen Hill locks at Devizes was very restricted because of problems with water supply but I was lucky to be allowed to descend part of the flight with another narrow boat after the annual general meeting of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

As I locked down I noticed an elderly man and his wife looking very intently at my progress. I invited them on board and offered him the tiller. He steered the boat straight as a die into the locks so I thought he must have done some boating at some stage.

We talked a bit and after a while I discovered that this modest, unassuming man was John Gould, who I knew had done as much as anyone to keep alive the dream of a restored  Kennet and Avon Canal. I asked him when he had last done the flight. The answer was 1947.

Kenneth Clew’s fascinating book “The Kennet and Avon Canal” notes that it took 4 weeks for John Gould to complete the journey in 1947 from Saltford to Wargrave and that for most of the way to Devizes two canal gangs of 12 or 14 men were used to bow haul the 2 boats. Things were worse above the flight where a canal gang of 12, a platoon of 11 soldiers, the crew and block and tackle double rigged were needed.

John Gould and another pioneer John Knill were the last commercial traders on the canal. He took court action in 1955 and 1956 to try and stop the canal being abandoned. He provided trips in a pleasure launch on the tiny isolated 3 ¾ mile stretch in Newbury and very much more. Without people like him the waterways network we can now use would be very much reduced.

The second account documents a trip on the South Pennine ring in 2003. Please note that British Waterways in now the Canal and Rivers Trust.

South Pennine ring.

A new cruising ring, the South Pennine Ring, was established when the final link, the Rochdale canal, was reopened to navigation during 2002. I travelled along the ring  in  “Olive Emily” in spring 2003 and found it fascinating. It is certainly a complete contrast to our home waters.

It is heavily locked. My unofficial tally was 197 locks in 69 miles (which is roughly the distance between Denver and Bedford via Ely). Some locks are brand new, some old, some stiff, some short  (the upper Calder and Hebble and Huddersfield Broad canal locks are 57′ 6” long) and some very narrow (6′ 10” according to British Waterways for the locks on the Huddersfield Narrow canal).

British Waterways have produced separate navigation guides to the Rochdale and  the Huddersfield Narrow canals, which are useful and free. You need to prebook passages through locks  66 – 83 (Manchester Dulcie Street to Failsworth) on the Rochdale canal and Standedge Tunnel (and the last 6 or so locks on either side of the tunnel) on the Huddersfield Narrow canal. You also need to ring the lock keepers to pass through Tuel Lane lock (Sowerby Bridge – this is new and claims to be the deepest lock in Britain) and to cross the summit on the Rochdale canal.

If you do not fancy all the locks you can travel through Standedge tunnel on BW’s trip boat or walk or cycle along the well used tow paths eg. the Rochdale canal towpath between Littleborough and Hebden Bridge including the summit. If you wanted to hire a narrow boat Shire Cruisers at Sowerby Bridge are probably best placed with Banks Hire Cruisers at  Selby another possibility.

The route crosses the Pennines twice so there are some splendid  views. There are also urban and industrial areas, a tunnel under an Asda supermarket, the new Manchester City FC ground etc so there is plenty of variety. For the record  we never felt in any way at risk and indeed we moored overnight in the centre of Manchester without any problems whatsoever.

The most memorable stretches for me were the 2 summits. Standedge tunnel is the longest canal tunnel in Britain, more than 3 miles. It is also the highest navigable pound in Britain (640′ above sea level) and passes deep under the surrounding hills, passing close to a separate rail tunnel. You are not allowed to steer your own boat through the tunnel. Instead BW tow boats in convoys using an electric tug with crews travelling in a separate passenger boat. The view inside the tunnel is amazing because much of the tunnel is unlined with bare rock that has been hewn or blasted out.

The short summit level on the Rochdale canal crosses a pass in the Pennines (about 600′ above sea level) with the Pennine Way using the towpath. The scenery on either side of the canal is distinctly mountainous and, if you are as lucky as I was with the weather, this is probably one of the best views anywhere on our canal system.

I have read that the last working boat to cross the full length of  the Rochdale canal was in 1937,  the Huddersfield Narrow canal was abandoned in 1944 and the Peak Forest and Ashton canals were closed between 1961 and 1974. To have restored these waterways to navigation is a fantastic achievement for all concerned.  British Waterways, IWA, the Huddersfield and Rochdale Canal Restoration Societies, the fund raisers and those who carried out the restoration work  are to be congratulated on what they have done to create the South Pennine Ring.

DROITWICH CANAL RE-OPENING 1 -3 JULY 2011

The highlight of my recent canal trip was reaching Droitwich Spa during the celebrations for the re-opening of the Droitwich canals. I have to confess that prior to my journey I had no real idea where Droitwich was. Now I can say it is near Worcester and close to the bottom of the famous Tardebigge flight of narrow locks. I can recommend it.

The Droitwich Barge and Junction canals were officially closed in 1939 and Droitwich Canals Trust was formed in 1973 to re-open them. It has been a long haul with money, labour and sheer doggedness from many private and public bodies.

One of the volunteers told me that when they seemed to be going nowhere they would organise a working party and 200 volunteers would turn up. No-one could then say there was no demand for the re-opening of the canals.

There were lots of other stories. One man living by the canal had bought a tiny narrowboat some years earlier and had used this ever since to go to the shops a few miles down a short stretch of navigable canal. Another told me how part of the canal had looked like an open sewer in the past. Another man had been walking the another section for 20 years. He had known it completely covered over, with an impassable lock without gates (or water). He said it was brilliant to see it fully restored.

As we arrived and passed the Droitwich Barge lock the church bells rang – definitely a first. We were told later that the vicar had offered to ring the bells in celebration that morning. There were thousands of people enjoying the sunshine, walking along the canal and looking at all the boats. The press were there in force, a band was playing and the food and beer tents were in full swing. It was a great occasion.

The fourth account is of the Chesterfield canal. As published in June 2015 in “Hereward”, the Magazine of the Peterborough Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.

Chesterfield Canal

I spent nine days in April 2015 visiting the Chesterfield canal. It is an early contour canal designed by Brindley and completed in 1777. The canal declined over the years and most of the mining and heavy industry has long disappeared. This means that most of the canal is surprisingly rural.

There are not many boats, a few friendly boat clubs (eg the Retford and Worksop Boat Club) and some good pubs (eg the Brewers Arms in Clayworth). Those venturing beyond Shireoaks can enjoy what I think is one of the finest flights of locks in the country.

The visitor guide produced by the Chesterfield Canal Trust states that since 1989 twelve miles of canal have been restored along with 36 locks, 11 major bridges and 2

entering the Old Bedford river

marinas.

This should give heart to all of us working to restore to full navigation Horseways Channel, Welches Dam Lock and the Old Bedford River.

We wish John and his fellow boaters good luck for the campaign cruise in August and sign off with a photo of boaters heading to the IWA festival in Ely back in 1973 at the Old Bedford sluice.

Old Bedford Sluice 27 July 1973

The post John Revell’s inspiration ahead of the next Old Bedford river Campaign Cruise! appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

When Charlie and Pat Fox set up business in West End March in the 1960’s navigation on the Middle Level was very different from today. Stanground Lock was only 49′ long and Briggate bend at Whittlesey was so sharp that even boats shorter than 49′ struggled to get round. Well Creek through Upwell and Outwell was derelict and unnavigable.

In the mid 1970’s the Well Creek Trust were still restoring Well Creek . There were only two ways to take a boat from the Nene to the Ouse or vice versa, across the Wash from Sutton Bridge to Kings Lynn or take the route created by the Dutchman Cornelius Vermuyden in 1637 along the Old Bedford River.

Guest Log book from Three Tuns Welney showing Fox Narrowboats boat March Rambler using the Old Bedford River 1976

It is now possible for full length narrowboats to use the Nene to Ouse Link route. Well Creek was restored to navigation by an amazing band of volunteers, local contractors and the Middle Level Commissioners but sadly part of Vermuyden’s ancient route is now unnavigable. The entrance to Welches Dam lock was piled by the Environment Agency in 2006 and remains unusable a staggering 12 years later. The two mile stretch of Horseway Channel between Welches Dam lock and Horseway lock is also unnavigable, neglected and clogged up.

Modernising and lengthening a single lock and restoring a short stretch of river to full navigation is not rocket science. If, for example,  we have been able to re-open two derelict canals that cross the Pennines (the Rochdale and the Huddersfield Narrow canal) we must surely be able to re-open this route.

This old photo taken by Alan Faulkner in 1973 shows 16 boats waiting to lock out of the Old Bedford river and Pat Fox recalls over 40 boats using that same route that same year.

Old Bedford Sluice 27 July 1973

Are you interested in joining the campaign cruise?

The mouth of Old Bedford River July 2008

Between 19th & 22nd August 2018 Peterborough Branch  will be undertaking a campaign cruise from the tidal Ouse, along the Old Bedford River, to Welches Dam Lock, ahead of the IWA’s Festival of Water in St Neots, over the August bank holiday weekend. Full details can be found at  IWA Campaign Cruise.

Along with John Revell IWA Eastern Region Chair Chris Howes will be taking part with his 45 foot narrow boat. They are not only looking for other powered boats to join them – narrowboats and cruisers – but also small (self propelled) boats such as canoes, as well as walkers. It may prove difficult to get boats over 50 foot onto the (OBR) Old Bedford River, and larger boats are being encouraged to meet the flotilla at Horseway Lock, which is at the other end of the ‘blockage’.

Chris says “I was fortunate to make passage (along with two other boats) along the OBR in April 2017. Back in the mid 17th Century digging the OBR was the first stage of Cornelius Vermuden’s Herculean task of draining the Fens. Unlike other navigable Fenland drains, the OBR is not bordered on its west side by a high bank and the views across the Fen are truly rewarding. (Sunsets are particularly magnificent.)

During our 2017 trip I particularly remember the look of curiosity on the faces of a flock of black faced sheep, who had clearly never seen a boat before, and the wit of a couple of teenagers in Welney who observed “You wait all your life to see a barge, and then three come along at once!”

The neighbouring Ouse Washes are a nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. We will be passing Welney Wildlife and Wetlands Centre. Twitchers don’t forget to bring your binoculars !

The post Old Bedford Campaign Cruise Aug 19-22 2018 appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

wiki – cc commons – Theyellowtulip

 Are you visiting the Inland Waterways Association Festival of Water at St Neots this August?

Do you want to tick off a boating area new to you?

Are you interested in exploring the tidal Nene?

This journey is for experienced private boaters only. It is not permissible to do this journey on a hire boat!

A journey through the Middle Level Navigations to the River Nene, offers many opportunities to moor in open countryside, unwind, and look out for kingfishers and other wildlife. Include the Fenland market town of Wisbech into your holiday plans and you can also discover a stately home, a luxury cinema, an award winning brewery and a Charles Dicken’s original manuscript! On the tidal River Nene, in the far north-east of Cambridgeshire, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of narrowboating, and discover the surprising wonders of Wisbech.

1) The River Nene

Wonder Number One is the navigable River Nene itself. To get to Wisbech you’ll need to take the channel to the Dog in a Doublet sluice and then follow the Nene to Wisbech. This is a beautiful narrowboat  route because the Nene is such a quiet river, with stunning countryside and attractive villages. Beyond the Dog and Doublet Lock it is a 15 mile tidal adventure to Wisbech harbour. Registered craft can pass through the lock,  but call 01733 202219 before you arrive to arrange passage. (Read the Strong Stream Advice for the River Nene.)

2) Wisbech Museum

This museum opened in 1847, making it one of the oldest in the UK. Among the rare and unusual artefacts to be seen is the original transcript of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens! Wisbech Museum also has regular activities for children, so the whole family can enjoy a day out.

3) Elgood’s Brewery

Elgood’s Brewery was established over 200 years ago and has been run by the Elgood Family since 1878. It was one of the first classic Georgian Breweries to be built outside of London, and they have won numerous independent brewing awards. Check out the lovely gardens at the property when you visit.

4) Luxe Cinema

Luxe Cinema is considered to be the best cinema in Wisbech because they have comfortable sofas and armchairs, instead of the usual type of theatre seats. They offer blockbusters, special screenings of classic films and occasional special event viewings. This would make a really cosy treat on your holiday if it’s a rainy day.

5) Peckover House

On the North Brink on the banks of the River Nene you will find Peckover House, which was built around 1722. This classic Georgian House breaks the street line by being set back from the terraces to either side, and offers beautiful walks, stunning gardens and a strong history. It’s frequently used to film period dramas, including BBC’s David Copperfield. Don’t miss it if you visit Wisbech!

If you enjoyed this article about Wisbech, subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

Before planning your journey it is essential to speak to the Lock Keeper at Dog in a Doublet and the Wisbech Harbour office !

You may also like: The 3 Best Moorings When Narrowboating on the Nene

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licenced shutterstock

From Saturday 29th to Monday 31st August the Inland Waterways Association is holding a major waterways event on the river Nene in Northampton.

Northamptonshire is known as the county of ‘squires and spires’ and Northampton is great to visit at any time, offering plenty of cultural heritage and historical architecture. There are ancient churches, impressive buildings and bygone battle sites. You may also visit the shopping centres, parks, museum and art gallery.

But on the August Bank Holiday this year up to 200 boats, including leisure, trade, heritage and working narrowboats will be moored in the marina and along the river front as well as an array of smaller craft, sailboats, windsurfers and ribs. There will also be trip boats and water taxis available for festival visitors.

This year’s Northampton Festival of Water celebrates the 200^th Anniversary of the opening of the Northampton Arm in 1815 which connects the Grand Union Canal to the Nene in Northampton, creating a navigable channel to the East Anglian waterways and the Wash. This connecting waterway enabled working boats to transport ironstone, limestone, grain, flour, coal and timber.

This year’s boating event will promote Northampton’s riverside, to acknowledge the value of the Nene to the town and its people and to encourage more people to use the waterway for boating and leisure. The event will include live music, Morris dancing, a German Shepherd Dog Display Team, children’s fairground rides, face painting and balloon modelling. There are also a variety of talks on waterways topics, a boater’s quiz and an open mic night. (More details on the IWA website.)

Through Northampton boaters on the Grand Union Canal can access Peterborough, Ely, Cambridge, St. Ives, Huntingdon and Bedford using the Nene, Middle Level and Fenland waterways. These less-travelled waterways of the East of England are quiet enough for a relaxing boating holiday or fishing trip. However if you have extra energy to burn off you could also try canoeing, kayaking or countryside cycling. Fox Boats hire boat base is ideally located for exploring these little-known waterways. Check out Fox Route 3 and Fox Route 4 which take you onto the River Nene.

For more tips on events and places to visit in Cambridgeshire sign up to get regular updates from our blog. (We never sell or share email addresses, we’ll just send you helpful articles about boats and boating!)

History of IWA Narrowboat festivals

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