http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:08:49 +0000 MyBB http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2895 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:53:47 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2895 this from mad river about a sneakk peek as to what will be out in 2011.

enjoy

cheers iain.]]> this from mad river about a sneakk peek as to what will be out in 2011.

enjoy

cheers iain.]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2894 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:59:21 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2894 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2893 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:26:41 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2893 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2892 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:02:19 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2892 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2890 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:29:41 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2890
These notes are intended to help you plan your trip, I have not included telephone numbers or bus timetables because they might change, its up to you to find out the latest info.

A very useful guide to the river, is the Canoeist Guide to the River Severn, available from the Environment Agency, these notes should be used in conjunction with the above guide and the relevant OS maps.

Shrewsbury Weir
This is very a dangerous place, on no account should it be shot in a laden canoe.
In low water egress above the weir is via a set of ladders about 10m above the weir river left. This is not easy.

When the river is up it is better to exit the canoe just before the foot bridge 200m above the weir there is a launching ramp just above this bridge, about 20m river left. This is a long flat portage, a trolly will be very handy here

When the river is very high and over it's banks in Shrewsbury then stay well away from the weir. Best egress then is the canoe ramp at Frankwell Carpark.

Campsites, (summer 2010)
Campsites with facilities are to be found at the following places on the river.
Mileages in brackets are from Pool Quay.
Royal Hill Inn, Edgerley, river left. (15)
Buckley Farm, about 1 mile below the Royal Hill Inn river left. (16)
Wingfield Arms, Montford Bridge, river right. (22)
Hampton / Hampton Lode ferry, river right. (73)

Wild Camping
Wild camping on the river could be an issue if caught, pitch late and leave early is the best way. There are plenty of places upstream of Shrewsbury well away from houses and roads. Its not quite so easy after Shrewsbury but still possible. The closer to a road the more chance you will encounter fishermen in the early
morning.

I would suggest the following trips.

1. Caer Howel (put in at ford, just downstream of village) to Shrewsbury Weir. Distance about 50 miles, 3 weirs to shoot and plenty of riffles to contend with, lots of places for wild camping, with a couple of proper camp sites near pubs that do food as well. All pubs and campsites near the river are busy over a weekend in summer.

Shops near the river are at Montford Bridge and Shrewsbury.

Car parked in layby at side of a country lane, not the safest place to leave it for a few days, also difficult return journey back from Shrewsbury to pick up vehicle, easiest way would be taxi from Shrewsbury.

2. Shrewsbury weir to Bewdley. Distance about 46 Miles, easy wide river, one rapid at Jackfield, quite a few places to wild camp, but not as many as above Shrewsbury due to it being a more populated area.

Shops near the river are at Ironbridge and Bridgnorth.

Reasonably save car parking in the streets by the weir, 2 busses required to get back to the car in Shrewsbury.

3. Royal Hill Inn to Bridgnorth. Distance about 55 miles, Shrewsbury weir to portage and a few riffles and Jackfield rapid, again quite a few places to wild camp, see above.

Shops near the river at Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury and Ironbridge.

Reasonably safe car parking in layby opposite Royal Hill Inn. Require bus from Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury then taxi to Royal Hill to pick up car.

4. Pool Quay to Atcham. Distance about 44 miles. One weir to run and Shrewsbury Weir to portage also plenty of riffles to contend with, again quite a few wild camping places, see above.

Shops at Montford Bridge and Shrewsbury.

Car parked in layby on main road, not the safest of places.
Return to car via bus to Shrewsbury then bus to Welshpool then short taxi ride.

5. Montford Bridge to Bewdley, Distance about 60 miles, again Shrewsbury Weir to portage and some riffles to contend with, quite a few place to wild camp, see above.

Shops near river at Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth.

Safe parking for your car in the pub at Montford Bridge, they may charge you a few quid for parking though.
Return to vehicle requires bus from Bewdley to Bridgnorth, then bus to Shrewsbury, then bus to Montford Bridge.

Public Transport in Shropshire
Bear in mind that bus services are not that frequent in the country areas, so using them will take time, lots of it. Plan your trip to end mid morning to allow time to pick up your car and return for the other person and gear, also taxi fares out into the country are not cheap.

Anyone thinking about a trip in this area is welcome to send me a PM if they need anymore information.


Terry]]>
These notes are intended to help you plan your trip, I have not included telephone numbers or bus timetables because they might change, its up to you to find out the latest info.

A very useful guide to the river, is the Canoeist Guide to the River Severn, available from the Environment Agency, these notes should be used in conjunction with the above guide and the relevant OS maps.

Shrewsbury Weir
This is very a dangerous place, on no account should it be shot in a laden canoe.
In low water egress above the weir is via a set of ladders about 10m above the weir river left. This is not easy.

When the river is up it is better to exit the canoe just before the foot bridge 200m above the weir there is a launching ramp just above this bridge, about 20m river left. This is a long flat portage, a trolly will be very handy here

When the river is very high and over it's banks in Shrewsbury then stay well away from the weir. Best egress then is the canoe ramp at Frankwell Carpark.

Campsites, (summer 2010)
Campsites with facilities are to be found at the following places on the river.
Mileages in brackets are from Pool Quay.
Royal Hill Inn, Edgerley, river left. (15)
Buckley Farm, about 1 mile below the Royal Hill Inn river left. (16)
Wingfield Arms, Montford Bridge, river right. (22)
Hampton / Hampton Lode ferry, river right. (73)

Wild Camping
Wild camping on the river could be an issue if caught, pitch late and leave early is the best way. There are plenty of places upstream of Shrewsbury well away from houses and roads. Its not quite so easy after Shrewsbury but still possible. The closer to a road the more chance you will encounter fishermen in the early
morning.

I would suggest the following trips.

1. Caer Howel (put in at ford, just downstream of village) to Shrewsbury Weir. Distance about 50 miles, 3 weirs to shoot and plenty of riffles to contend with, lots of places for wild camping, with a couple of proper camp sites near pubs that do food as well. All pubs and campsites near the river are busy over a weekend in summer.

Shops near the river are at Montford Bridge and Shrewsbury.

Car parked in layby at side of a country lane, not the safest place to leave it for a few days, also difficult return journey back from Shrewsbury to pick up vehicle, easiest way would be taxi from Shrewsbury.

2. Shrewsbury weir to Bewdley. Distance about 46 Miles, easy wide river, one rapid at Jackfield, quite a few places to wild camp, but not as many as above Shrewsbury due to it being a more populated area.

Shops near the river are at Ironbridge and Bridgnorth.

Reasonably save car parking in the streets by the weir, 2 busses required to get back to the car in Shrewsbury.

3. Royal Hill Inn to Bridgnorth. Distance about 55 miles, Shrewsbury weir to portage and a few riffles and Jackfield rapid, again quite a few places to wild camp, see above.

Shops near the river at Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury and Ironbridge.

Reasonably safe car parking in layby opposite Royal Hill Inn. Require bus from Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury then taxi to Royal Hill to pick up car.

4. Pool Quay to Atcham. Distance about 44 miles. One weir to run and Shrewsbury Weir to portage also plenty of riffles to contend with, again quite a few wild camping places, see above.

Shops at Montford Bridge and Shrewsbury.

Car parked in layby on main road, not the safest of places.
Return to car via bus to Shrewsbury then bus to Welshpool then short taxi ride.

5. Montford Bridge to Bewdley, Distance about 60 miles, again Shrewsbury Weir to portage and some riffles to contend with, quite a few place to wild camp, see above.

Shops near river at Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth.

Safe parking for your car in the pub at Montford Bridge, they may charge you a few quid for parking though.
Return to vehicle requires bus from Bewdley to Bridgnorth, then bus to Shrewsbury, then bus to Montford Bridge.

Public Transport in Shropshire
Bear in mind that bus services are not that frequent in the country areas, so using them will take time, lots of it. Plan your trip to end mid morning to allow time to pick up your car and return for the other person and gear, also taxi fares out into the country are not cheap.

Anyone thinking about a trip in this area is welcome to send me a PM if they need anymore information.


Terry]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2889 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:31:56 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2889 ) and after a brief detour, found ourselves in Yalding at the put in by the lifting bridge.




We were immediately struck by how wide the river is, twice as wide as our home The Chelmer for most of the way, with each bend being a lovely wide pool. After a few luxurious bends we noticed how beautifully 'walled up' each side of the river was. we've again been used to the Chelmers open and windswept panorama.
Woods abound and in many places hops climbing to full glorious height wild amongst hugely prolific swathes of himalayan balsam and a couple of cheeky outbreaks of japanese knotweeds.

we got ourselves only about 3km upstream to sluice weir lock where we stopped for a cook up and brew. Barry and his mate Stuart were startled to see a kelly kettle and wanted to know all about it. this served to distract them for all of 90 seconds which was all the time Tod needed to establish a well presented kitchen and get burgers on the go for anyone interested.

After a barely survived bout of 'not listening to Dad', i bundled my bonkers kids back in the boat and the three canoes continued upstream to Oak Weir Lock. Another gorgeous place to have a brew and a rest and I reckon on it being about 7km from where we started. We saw a trio of gents paddling a plywood prospector type downstream and after giving them a wee headstart, tailed them all the way back to Sluice weir, where they disappeared down the canoe pass...

Tod: "I won't be taking my boat down there, there's not enough water - you'll either get..."

Plywood boat: "BANG!"

Tod: "...stuck getting on, or ground it getting off see"

but the plywood boat had survived, by the look of it (from a distance)

My kids had been badgering me most of teh day about sitting out on the outrigger and paddling along on the annex. Not until the last lock I had replied a couple of dozen times.
And then we were at the last lock.
so i let them both sit on the outrigger spar.
which promptly snapped, pitching two kiddies (6 & 4) into the water. I had been leaning on the outrigger side too, so the apache capsized and promptly submerged.

Both kids bobbed back up screaming and I set about throwing them back into the canoe (pointless exercise!). Tod had watched this from teh jetty however, so teleported himself and his boat right next to me and hauled the still screaming kids aboard. Barry and Stuart set about retrieving all my gear from around the river, freeing me up to chase Tod & the kids back to the jetty. Shark impression was of course an inspiration and tears became giggles became requests that I let them back in the water. Granted and the three of us spent the next ten minutes swimming and jumping in (could have been a minute or an hour - Time was too busy pissing itself laughing to count properly).
eventually the river was removed from the canoe and our gear was removed from the river. Tod gave Isabel a lift back in his boat and I carted the boy back in mine. Barry and Stuart had long since cleared off in a curious attempt to beat the M25 traffic, so two canoes cruised merrily, sleepily back to the cars. all was woken up, loaded up, strapped up, strapped in and away home we went.
At which precise moment the heavens opened up. Wicked

And my confession is that I had turned a blind eye when the kids had taken the BA's off no longer than 30 minutes into the trip, so when we had our swim...
(but they are both swimmers)]]> ) and after a brief detour, found ourselves in Yalding at the put in by the lifting bridge.




We were immediately struck by how wide the river is, twice as wide as our home The Chelmer for most of the way, with each bend being a lovely wide pool. After a few luxurious bends we noticed how beautifully 'walled up' each side of the river was. we've again been used to the Chelmers open and windswept panorama.
Woods abound and in many places hops climbing to full glorious height wild amongst hugely prolific swathes of himalayan balsam and a couple of cheeky outbreaks of japanese knotweeds.

we got ourselves only about 3km upstream to sluice weir lock where we stopped for a cook up and brew. Barry and his mate Stuart were startled to see a kelly kettle and wanted to know all about it. this served to distract them for all of 90 seconds which was all the time Tod needed to establish a well presented kitchen and get burgers on the go for anyone interested.

After a barely survived bout of 'not listening to Dad', i bundled my bonkers kids back in the boat and the three canoes continued upstream to Oak Weir Lock. Another gorgeous place to have a brew and a rest and I reckon on it being about 7km from where we started. We saw a trio of gents paddling a plywood prospector type downstream and after giving them a wee headstart, tailed them all the way back to Sluice weir, where they disappeared down the canoe pass...

Tod: "I won't be taking my boat down there, there's not enough water - you'll either get..."

Plywood boat: "BANG!"

Tod: "...stuck getting on, or ground it getting off see"

but the plywood boat had survived, by the look of it (from a distance)

My kids had been badgering me most of teh day about sitting out on the outrigger and paddling along on the annex. Not until the last lock I had replied a couple of dozen times.
And then we were at the last lock.
so i let them both sit on the outrigger spar.
which promptly snapped, pitching two kiddies (6 & 4) into the water. I had been leaning on the outrigger side too, so the apache capsized and promptly submerged.

Both kids bobbed back up screaming and I set about throwing them back into the canoe (pointless exercise!). Tod had watched this from teh jetty however, so teleported himself and his boat right next to me and hauled the still screaming kids aboard. Barry and Stuart set about retrieving all my gear from around the river, freeing me up to chase Tod & the kids back to the jetty. Shark impression was of course an inspiration and tears became giggles became requests that I let them back in the water. Granted and the three of us spent the next ten minutes swimming and jumping in (could have been a minute or an hour - Time was too busy pissing itself laughing to count properly).
eventually the river was removed from the canoe and our gear was removed from the river. Tod gave Isabel a lift back in his boat and I carted the boy back in mine. Barry and Stuart had long since cleared off in a curious attempt to beat the M25 traffic, so two canoes cruised merrily, sleepily back to the cars. all was woken up, loaded up, strapped up, strapped in and away home we went.
At which precise moment the heavens opened up. Wicked

And my confession is that I had turned a blind eye when the kids had taken the BA's off no longer than 30 minutes into the trip, so when we had our swim...
(but they are both swimmers)]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2888 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:09:08 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2888 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2887 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:39:45 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2887
cheers iain.]]>
cheers iain.]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2886 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:11:22 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2886
The destination this weekend was Winsford Bottom Flash, the start of the newly created Weaver Valley Canoe Trail. The purpose, to see how much improvement has been made making the run down to Frodsham easier for Canoes after a failed solo attempt in 2007...





I was scheduled to meet up with Andrew (Borgwitha) at 17:30 and with the Friday night traffic it was looking tight, but we managed to get to the Flash Car Park by 17:35, where Andrew had been entertaining himself and waiting patiently all day...

By 17:45 we were on the water and heading under Town Bridge and out into the countryside...





It wasn't long before we got into our stride and gently made our way down the canalised river...





Our destination undecided, we knew we weren't going to get as far as the 'official' campsite "Woodbine Camp Site" at Acton CW8 3QB (Tel: 01606 852319), but I had a number of options in mind for a Wild Camp depending on the available light....

Soon we were passing the Salt Union Salt Mines....





Some would call this an ugly area, however the existance of the Salt mines is the reason why the river was canalised and they provide the centrepiece of a rich and diverse historical background to the area that deserves further investigation by anyone visiting...

At 3km, and just after the mines the river opens up into what looks like a country park, is crossed by New Bridge and provides a second starting point for the Trail...





It was here that we came across the first real signs of the Canoe Trail, two pontoons with very small portage signs attached...





I'm guessing that these are going to be linked to the bank by a walkway at some point, as at the moment they are just islands and serve no purpose other than narrowboat moorings...


A little further on we came across the Bywash slucies that heralded our imminent arrival at Vale Royal Locks, the top of the bank, river left is kept well and could provide a pleasant quiet place for Wild Camping if you are pushed for light...

There was plenty of wildlife in this area, this Moorhen was chilling on a piece of flotsom....





And the Heron was happy to pose for me...





On reaching Vale Royal we were presented with another pontoon connected to the bank and an offset set of steps up to the raised footpath...





If we would have taken this option, after unloading our gear and carrying it up the steps, then loading it back into the boats, we would have been looking at a 300 metre portage down to the put-in...

Another pontoon lead to by offset steps, with the handrail on the inside of the corner.., where we would have had to empty our boats again and carry all the gear down...





Luckily there is another 'unofficial' option...

Exit the bank river left opposite the pontoon and drag your boat and gear up the low grassy bank....





Put it on a portage trolley and take it the 20 or so metres along the top of the bank and down to the bywash were there is an easy put-in....





A short paddle down the wash brings you out onto the main Navigation and takes you under the Vale Royal Rail Bridge carrying the West Coast Main Line....





The river, from here down to Northwich is wide and very, very quiet, the footpath river left is well used by runners and dog walkers and you'll get a few cheery hallo's from people....

Passing underneath Hartford Bridge carrying the A556, and home to a rather large flock of pidgeons...





...we shortly came upon Pimblott's Boat Yard, once a thriving boatyard on the Weaver, Isaac Pimblott was the founder, the boatyard is now looking a little run down, but has a variety of interesting craft to see, including, I believe, the I Francis, which, it is told, was sailed across the Atlantic (see Here http://iwn.iwai.ie/v29i2/ifrances.PDF ) ...





After Pimblott's, civilization starts to make itself felt and Hunt's Lock comes into view....





The get out is close to the the locks, River left, it was obvious and relatively easy...





Walking alongside the locks brought us to a stone road, take the road NOT the grassy path that is frequented by dogs..... following it around to the right...





After the trees there were two cuts in the shrubbery, the second one, although narrow was found to be most suitable, there are no signs indicating where this access was and I would imagine that it could be quite difficult to spot...





Andrew was wearing shorts, and suffers with a similar fear of the deadly English stinging nettle as Warthog , so while he was bringing his boat over I got to work with an expensive wooden paddle, in an attempt to make his life a little better.....





After about 3 minutes of Beating, Chopping and Flailing a perplexed looking face appeared at the bottom of the steps, there was a Fisherman just to the left of the steps who couldn't work out what the heck was going on....

Ian turned out to be a very friendly and affable chap and didn't mind at all that we were disturbing his peace and quiet....

Before we took the boats down I checked out the construction of the steps and was glad I did, they are held in place with pieces of Angle Iron that protrude ABOVE the wood and would have ripped a gouge out our lovely Bob's royalex light the size of the one that sunk the Titanic if we had slid them down , Ian informed me that they had been constructed by volunteers from the fishing community so it's understandable that they're not fit for sliding things down them....

Bob safely back on the water....





As we left we wished Ian a Cheery Bye and hoped he caught something Big and Edible....





After Hunt's Lock we passed through the centre of Northwich Town, we passed under two beautiful swing bridges that I failed to get shots of, but this is one of the bridges taken in 2007... Not sure if it's the Hayhurst Bridge built in 1896 or Town Bridge built in 1899 (I think it's Town Bridge), but they were both the first two electrically powered swing bridges built in Great Britain and were originally built on floating pontoons to counteract the mine subsidence.....





Very quickly after the bridges we were presented with this sorry image. On my last trip this was the site of the bustling "Floatel Northwich" the UK's only floating hotel, it was shut in January 2009 when the owners went into administration, sadly, as can be seen it looks like a fire has left only the pontoons visible....






On exiting Northwich we continued our journey northwards before turning left at the confluence of the Weaver and the Dane, unfortunately time and a setting Sun prevented a forray up the Dane....





By 09:30 we had reached the Anderton Boat lift and with the sniff of Real Ale in the air Andrew easily persuaded me to make this our stop for the night, there's a Visitor Centre at the Lift that I wanted to check out in the morning....





We had the gear and boats out of the water and the tents up in double quick time....





And the decision was made that Beer took priority over Food.... The trusty Oregon 300 took us the approximate half mile up the gravel path, across the carpark and over the canal bridge to the left straight to a warm welcome at the Stanley Arms, where we sat high above the Trent and Mersey Canal looking out at the countryside and Chemical Plant that looks like it was designed by the creator of The Wackey Racers, Andrew was not impressed with the design.., although I found it interesting in a wierd sort of way.....

We chewed the cud, discussing Walking, Mountain Bikes, the way the Internet has revoloutionised social interaction and how much Andrew likes Cake (forget about a Carrot, if you want Andrew to paddle faster just put a piece of cake on the front of his boat...) by 11:30 we'd sunk a couple of pints and it was time to get back for some proper camp scran and a couple of Wikky an's

The next morning dawned beautiful and bright, we got a call from FrankB and Adrian saying that they were sorting out the shuttle and would be leaving Acton Bridge soon and heading upstream to meet us, and that Phil (Liverpool Paddler) had joined them...





Plenty of people were walking their dogs, running and bike riding through the Anderton Nature Park, everyone, including our narrowboat neighbours were very friendly...





And the Chemical factory opposite looked impressive in the morning light...





The Anderton Lift Visitor Centre didn't open until 10:00 so we mosied up to have a look around there at 09:45, it's nothing to get into the Cafe/Shop area and there are good clean toilets available, it costs a measly £2.00 to get into the exhibition area, this is mostly text based and there's a lot of information about the lift, so if you want to make the most of it you need to allow at least an hour...

By 11:00 ish we were on the water and ready to pass by the boat lift, which was opened on 26th July 1875 as a commercial response to the costly problem of transshipping goods between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal and designed by Edwin Clark, the Weaver's development being driven by the Salt industry in Cheshire and the Trent and Mersey by the Pottery industry in Staffordshire....





Not long after leaving Anderton we passed under Winnington Road bridge carrying the A533..





And then past Andrew's majestic 'Wackey Racers' Factory....





After this the River returned to it's serene way, and the short journey down to Saltersford Lock was magnificent....





The get out, River Right, at Saltersford hasn't changed much, but is not difficult if you've not got a dopy Dog, that can't swim, with you...





It was here that we were greeted by the smiling faces of Phil, Frank and Adrian and Frank promptly got a brew on for us.....





Once I'd scared the Bejesus out of Bryn, the Lock Keeper, and the Occupants of a narrow boat, by executing a perfect "shunt and drop" of the boat off the dock we were on our way....

Adrian in his Lime Green Apache....





We passed by the 'Official' campsite, it didn't look too appealing, it was chock full of white boxes, but would serve a purpose if needs be....





Another 1Km on Acton bridge carrying the A49 came into view, where the Guys had put-in that morning, there's a couple of hostelries here if you were to fancy a bit of refreshment....





FrankB was loving his latest aquisition and was in possession of a homemade blade that to be honest did an excellent job....





With another 1.5Km under our keels Duddon Locks came into view....





And here we came across the resting place of the 'MV Chica'...





After hauling the boats up the grassy bank River Right, I decided to ask the Lock Keeper (Fred Coppernail) about the sunken wreck..., I didn't plan on the answer that I got.. I've done a bit of research and this boat has faaarrr too much history to go into here so I'll give you a brief taster...

The MV Chica was built as a fishing boat and launched in Norway in 1894 with the name 'Flora'. During WW2 she was commandered by the Germans, renamed 'Bjorg Haukass' and was used to patrol the Fijords. In 1965 she was renamed the 'Lill Tove' and then after being bought by the amusingly named Straight Shipping Company (amusing because it seems anything but straight), she was renamed 'Chica' in 1981. In her life it is purported that she has been used as a Blockade runner in the Med running guns, an offshore bank with her own currency, the 'Chical' one Chical being the equivalent of £10, she's run Coca Cola to the Angolan Rebels, has been a Brothel and a Luxurious Tour boat... She sank in 1993 and is, unfortunately, destined to spend the rest of her life where she lies.... There's lots more, but that's for another time....


From the Put-In below the Duddon Lock this railway bridge can be seen, the white footbridge to the right built in 1919 and refurbished in 1994...





We stopped for a final brew at a location that Phil and Andrew felt particularly drawn to....





Before finally making our way under the A56 swing bridge...





And another railway bridge with the M56 bridge in the background....





After which we came to our Journey's end Runcorn Rowing Club...





The best get-out was just after the club house River Right and Andrew saw fit to do a little Irish Jig to celebrate completion of the trip....





Finally a group photo of our merry little band....



A little long this one, I know, but hope you enjoyed reading it....

Thanks guys, it was great to meet up with you all again, hope to see you out on the water soon.....

Cheers
Red.]]>
The destination this weekend was Winsford Bottom Flash, the start of the newly created Weaver Valley Canoe Trail. The purpose, to see how much improvement has been made making the run down to Frodsham easier for Canoes after a failed solo attempt in 2007...





I was scheduled to meet up with Andrew (Borgwitha) at 17:30 and with the Friday night traffic it was looking tight, but we managed to get to the Flash Car Park by 17:35, where Andrew had been entertaining himself and waiting patiently all day...

By 17:45 we were on the water and heading under Town Bridge and out into the countryside...





It wasn't long before we got into our stride and gently made our way down the canalised river...





Our destination undecided, we knew we weren't going to get as far as the 'official' campsite "Woodbine Camp Site" at Acton CW8 3QB (Tel: 01606 852319), but I had a number of options in mind for a Wild Camp depending on the available light....

Soon we were passing the Salt Union Salt Mines....





Some would call this an ugly area, however the existance of the Salt mines is the reason why the river was canalised and they provide the centrepiece of a rich and diverse historical background to the area that deserves further investigation by anyone visiting...

At 3km, and just after the mines the river opens up into what looks like a country park, is crossed by New Bridge and provides a second starting point for the Trail...





It was here that we came across the first real signs of the Canoe Trail, two pontoons with very small portage signs attached...





I'm guessing that these are going to be linked to the bank by a walkway at some point, as at the moment they are just islands and serve no purpose other than narrowboat moorings...


A little further on we came across the Bywash slucies that heralded our imminent arrival at Vale Royal Locks, the top of the bank, river left is kept well and could provide a pleasant quiet place for Wild Camping if you are pushed for light...

There was plenty of wildlife in this area, this Moorhen was chilling on a piece of flotsom....





And the Heron was happy to pose for me...





On reaching Vale Royal we were presented with another pontoon connected to the bank and an offset set of steps up to the raised footpath...





If we would have taken this option, after unloading our gear and carrying it up the steps, then loading it back into the boats, we would have been looking at a 300 metre portage down to the put-in...

Another pontoon lead to by offset steps, with the handrail on the inside of the corner.., where we would have had to empty our boats again and carry all the gear down...





Luckily there is another 'unofficial' option...

Exit the bank river left opposite the pontoon and drag your boat and gear up the low grassy bank....





Put it on a portage trolley and take it the 20 or so metres along the top of the bank and down to the bywash were there is an easy put-in....





A short paddle down the wash brings you out onto the main Navigation and takes you under the Vale Royal Rail Bridge carrying the West Coast Main Line....





The river, from here down to Northwich is wide and very, very quiet, the footpath river left is well used by runners and dog walkers and you'll get a few cheery hallo's from people....

Passing underneath Hartford Bridge carrying the A556, and home to a rather large flock of pidgeons...





...we shortly came upon Pimblott's Boat Yard, once a thriving boatyard on the Weaver, Isaac Pimblott was the founder, the boatyard is now looking a little run down, but has a variety of interesting craft to see, including, I believe, the I Francis, which, it is told, was sailed across the Atlantic (see Here http://iwn.iwai.ie/v29i2/ifrances.PDF ) ...





After Pimblott's, civilization starts to make itself felt and Hunt's Lock comes into view....





The get out is close to the the locks, River left, it was obvious and relatively easy...





Walking alongside the locks brought us to a stone road, take the road NOT the grassy path that is frequented by dogs..... following it around to the right...





After the trees there were two cuts in the shrubbery, the second one, although narrow was found to be most suitable, there are no signs indicating where this access was and I would imagine that it could be quite difficult to spot...





Andrew was wearing shorts, and suffers with a similar fear of the deadly English stinging nettle as Warthog , so while he was bringing his boat over I got to work with an expensive wooden paddle, in an attempt to make his life a little better.....





After about 3 minutes of Beating, Chopping and Flailing a perplexed looking face appeared at the bottom of the steps, there was a Fisherman just to the left of the steps who couldn't work out what the heck was going on....

Ian turned out to be a very friendly and affable chap and didn't mind at all that we were disturbing his peace and quiet....

Before we took the boats down I checked out the construction of the steps and was glad I did, they are held in place with pieces of Angle Iron that protrude ABOVE the wood and would have ripped a gouge out our lovely Bob's royalex light the size of the one that sunk the Titanic if we had slid them down , Ian informed me that they had been constructed by volunteers from the fishing community so it's understandable that they're not fit for sliding things down them....

Bob safely back on the water....





As we left we wished Ian a Cheery Bye and hoped he caught something Big and Edible....





After Hunt's Lock we passed through the centre of Northwich Town, we passed under two beautiful swing bridges that I failed to get shots of, but this is one of the bridges taken in 2007... Not sure if it's the Hayhurst Bridge built in 1896 or Town Bridge built in 1899 (I think it's Town Bridge), but they were both the first two electrically powered swing bridges built in Great Britain and were originally built on floating pontoons to counteract the mine subsidence.....





Very quickly after the bridges we were presented with this sorry image. On my last trip this was the site of the bustling "Floatel Northwich" the UK's only floating hotel, it was shut in January 2009 when the owners went into administration, sadly, as can be seen it looks like a fire has left only the pontoons visible....






On exiting Northwich we continued our journey northwards before turning left at the confluence of the Weaver and the Dane, unfortunately time and a setting Sun prevented a forray up the Dane....





By 09:30 we had reached the Anderton Boat lift and with the sniff of Real Ale in the air Andrew easily persuaded me to make this our stop for the night, there's a Visitor Centre at the Lift that I wanted to check out in the morning....





We had the gear and boats out of the water and the tents up in double quick time....





And the decision was made that Beer took priority over Food.... The trusty Oregon 300 took us the approximate half mile up the gravel path, across the carpark and over the canal bridge to the left straight to a warm welcome at the Stanley Arms, where we sat high above the Trent and Mersey Canal looking out at the countryside and Chemical Plant that looks like it was designed by the creator of The Wackey Racers, Andrew was not impressed with the design.., although I found it interesting in a wierd sort of way.....

We chewed the cud, discussing Walking, Mountain Bikes, the way the Internet has revoloutionised social interaction and how much Andrew likes Cake (forget about a Carrot, if you want Andrew to paddle faster just put a piece of cake on the front of his boat...) by 11:30 we'd sunk a couple of pints and it was time to get back for some proper camp scran and a couple of Wikky an's

The next morning dawned beautiful and bright, we got a call from FrankB and Adrian saying that they were sorting out the shuttle and would be leaving Acton Bridge soon and heading upstream to meet us, and that Phil (Liverpool Paddler) had joined them...





Plenty of people were walking their dogs, running and bike riding through the Anderton Nature Park, everyone, including our narrowboat neighbours were very friendly...





And the Chemical factory opposite looked impressive in the morning light...





The Anderton Lift Visitor Centre didn't open until 10:00 so we mosied up to have a look around there at 09:45, it's nothing to get into the Cafe/Shop area and there are good clean toilets available, it costs a measly £2.00 to get into the exhibition area, this is mostly text based and there's a lot of information about the lift, so if you want to make the most of it you need to allow at least an hour...

By 11:00 ish we were on the water and ready to pass by the boat lift, which was opened on 26th July 1875 as a commercial response to the costly problem of transshipping goods between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal and designed by Edwin Clark, the Weaver's development being driven by the Salt industry in Cheshire and the Trent and Mersey by the Pottery industry in Staffordshire....





Not long after leaving Anderton we passed under Winnington Road bridge carrying the A533..





And then past Andrew's majestic 'Wackey Racers' Factory....





After this the River returned to it's serene way, and the short journey down to Saltersford Lock was magnificent....





The get out, River Right, at Saltersford hasn't changed much, but is not difficult if you've not got a dopy Dog, that can't swim, with you...





It was here that we were greeted by the smiling faces of Phil, Frank and Adrian and Frank promptly got a brew on for us.....





Once I'd scared the Bejesus out of Bryn, the Lock Keeper, and the Occupants of a narrow boat, by executing a perfect "shunt and drop" of the boat off the dock we were on our way....

Adrian in his Lime Green Apache....





We passed by the 'Official' campsite, it didn't look too appealing, it was chock full of white boxes, but would serve a purpose if needs be....





Another 1Km on Acton bridge carrying the A49 came into view, where the Guys had put-in that morning, there's a couple of hostelries here if you were to fancy a bit of refreshment....





FrankB was loving his latest aquisition and was in possession of a homemade blade that to be honest did an excellent job....





With another 1.5Km under our keels Duddon Locks came into view....





And here we came across the resting place of the 'MV Chica'...





After hauling the boats up the grassy bank River Right, I decided to ask the Lock Keeper (Fred Coppernail) about the sunken wreck..., I didn't plan on the answer that I got.. I've done a bit of research and this boat has faaarrr too much history to go into here so I'll give you a brief taster...

The MV Chica was built as a fishing boat and launched in Norway in 1894 with the name 'Flora'. During WW2 she was commandered by the Germans, renamed 'Bjorg Haukass' and was used to patrol the Fijords. In 1965 she was renamed the 'Lill Tove' and then after being bought by the amusingly named Straight Shipping Company (amusing because it seems anything but straight), she was renamed 'Chica' in 1981. In her life it is purported that she has been used as a Blockade runner in the Med running guns, an offshore bank with her own currency, the 'Chical' one Chical being the equivalent of £10, she's run Coca Cola to the Angolan Rebels, has been a Brothel and a Luxurious Tour boat... She sank in 1993 and is, unfortunately, destined to spend the rest of her life where she lies.... There's lots more, but that's for another time....


From the Put-In below the Duddon Lock this railway bridge can be seen, the white footbridge to the right built in 1919 and refurbished in 1994...





We stopped for a final brew at a location that Phil and Andrew felt particularly drawn to....





Before finally making our way under the A56 swing bridge...





And another railway bridge with the M56 bridge in the background....





After which we came to our Journey's end Runcorn Rowing Club...





The best get-out was just after the club house River Right and Andrew saw fit to do a little Irish Jig to celebrate completion of the trip....





Finally a group photo of our merry little band....



A little long this one, I know, but hope you enjoyed reading it....

Thanks guys, it was great to meet up with you all again, hope to see you out on the water soon.....

Cheers
Red.]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2885 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:53:07 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2885 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2884 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:36:46 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2884


The problem is this you see, last year when I started paddling with the chap, he used to complain that he couldn't keep up with me. Since then he has not only got better at paddling than me, but as also crafted himself a couple of larger bladed paddles. My relative speed is now somewhat lacking.

so new paddle required. must be:
1 - nearly as light as the one in the picture
2 - have 50-100% more blade area
3 - not be financially assessed by SWMBO

the theory is that I should be able to get two paddles out of these three bits.

I reckon a couple of slivers of the walnut (£7.50 that lump cost!!!!) each side of the centre of the paddle should look nice and even add a little strength to the finished article. The handle should be pretty interesting too, but we'll see what happens!

Luckily the woodwork shop at work is empty for the next 6 weeks so I've got a fine selection of tools to make the job look like someone else did it!

I'll keep you posted,

G-Clamp Pete

p.s. Baggy - am i right in thinking you've got a spoke shave?]]>


The problem is this you see, last year when I started paddling with the chap, he used to complain that he couldn't keep up with me. Since then he has not only got better at paddling than me, but as also crafted himself a couple of larger bladed paddles. My relative speed is now somewhat lacking.

so new paddle required. must be:
1 - nearly as light as the one in the picture
2 - have 50-100% more blade area
3 - not be financially assessed by SWMBO

the theory is that I should be able to get two paddles out of these three bits.

I reckon a couple of slivers of the walnut (£7.50 that lump cost!!!!) each side of the centre of the paddle should look nice and even add a little strength to the finished article. The handle should be pretty interesting too, but we'll see what happens!

Luckily the woodwork shop at work is empty for the next 6 weeks so I've got a fine selection of tools to make the job look like someone else did it!

I'll keep you posted,

G-Clamp Pete

p.s. Baggy - am i right in thinking you've got a spoke shave?]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2883 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:46:59 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2883
I go to thinking - maybe I should look at getting some new gunwales. I know I could probably get an Apache ash kit from Stu, but has anyone any idea where I might get replacement vinyl ones from?]]>
I go to thinking - maybe I should look at getting some new gunwales. I know I could probably get an Apache ash kit from Stu, but has anyone any idea where I might get replacement vinyl ones from?]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2882 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:06:59 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2882


Regards Bill]]>


Regards Bill]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2881 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:57:56 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2881 [img][/img]
After a couple of hours of very mixed water including a number of what appeared to be very washed out weirs along with beautifull tree lined stretches where you felt no one had been before.
[img][/img]
We rounded a bend to be confronted by our 1st awkward check. A block weir with high banks and a lot of vegetation but with a lovely secluded beach below it where we stopped for a well earned brew and sandwiches.
[img][/img]
We lined the boats up the weir without too much drama and portaged the gear and James through the gap under the trees to the right of the weir.
[img][/img]
Our trip carried on pretty much in the same vein for several hours untill we came to a double weir beneath a brick viaduct which involved a portage of about 100yds before we were able to return to the river. Further upstream the river began to narrow significantly as it wended it's way through shingle banks and islands with frequent short rapids and many downed trees. By now James was flagging so we marooned Sam on a shingle bank with the food and the firesteel whilst Tony and I pressed on. Another mile or so brought us in sight of some Fly fishermen, As we intended turning back shortly I couldn't see the point of carrying on through their swim only to return again in a few minutes. We negotiated a couple of nice fast bits of water though touching bottom was a frequent problem. On rounding the bend where we'd left Sam we found she'd got a decent fire going and James was out for the count.
Having stopped and finished of the food and drunk the coffee we chilled out for an hour or so whilst James re-charged his batteries before heading back down river. The little bits of faster water that we'd lined and waded on the way up became great fun as we headed back with one or two having to be run 2 or 3 times just for the sake of it.
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
We continued down the river with sam jumping ashore with james whilst Tony and I played
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img][img][/img]
After a while sam and James joined me and as expected James thought the splashing and bouncing about was fantastic. About a mile from our launch point we entered another fast shallow run, well overhung with trees and well in shadow and as we accelerated down we never even saw a boulder just beneath the surface. We glanced off it and as we heeled hard we struck another and the canoe went over on it's side and was full in seconds, depositing the three of us in a couple of feet of fast moving cold water. I grabbed James who had trapped his finger and was a little upset though his waterproof suit had done it's job. As I waded ashore with James I noticed the paddles making a break for freedom, as did Sam who in wading after them, promptly found the deapest hole in the river and disappeared up to her neck to much hilarity . We recovered the canoe and once dried out continued down stream, arriving back at the launch point at 9.45pm! Poor picture quality I'm afraid as stills from video recorder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxyr4I5H39g



Regards, Mike.]]> [img][/img]
After a couple of hours of very mixed water including a number of what appeared to be very washed out weirs along with beautifull tree lined stretches where you felt no one had been before.
[img][/img]
We rounded a bend to be confronted by our 1st awkward check. A block weir with high banks and a lot of vegetation but with a lovely secluded beach below it where we stopped for a well earned brew and sandwiches.
[img][/img]
We lined the boats up the weir without too much drama and portaged the gear and James through the gap under the trees to the right of the weir.
[img][/img]
Our trip carried on pretty much in the same vein for several hours untill we came to a double weir beneath a brick viaduct which involved a portage of about 100yds before we were able to return to the river. Further upstream the river began to narrow significantly as it wended it's way through shingle banks and islands with frequent short rapids and many downed trees. By now James was flagging so we marooned Sam on a shingle bank with the food and the firesteel whilst Tony and I pressed on. Another mile or so brought us in sight of some Fly fishermen, As we intended turning back shortly I couldn't see the point of carrying on through their swim only to return again in a few minutes. We negotiated a couple of nice fast bits of water though touching bottom was a frequent problem. On rounding the bend where we'd left Sam we found she'd got a decent fire going and James was out for the count.
Having stopped and finished of the food and drunk the coffee we chilled out for an hour or so whilst James re-charged his batteries before heading back down river. The little bits of faster water that we'd lined and waded on the way up became great fun as we headed back with one or two having to be run 2 or 3 times just for the sake of it.
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
We continued down the river with sam jumping ashore with james whilst Tony and I played
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img][img][/img]
After a while sam and James joined me and as expected James thought the splashing and bouncing about was fantastic. About a mile from our launch point we entered another fast shallow run, well overhung with trees and well in shadow and as we accelerated down we never even saw a boulder just beneath the surface. We glanced off it and as we heeled hard we struck another and the canoe went over on it's side and was full in seconds, depositing the three of us in a couple of feet of fast moving cold water. I grabbed James who had trapped his finger and was a little upset though his waterproof suit had done it's job. As I waded ashore with James I noticed the paddles making a break for freedom, as did Sam who in wading after them, promptly found the deapest hole in the river and disappeared up to her neck to much hilarity . We recovered the canoe and once dried out continued down stream, arriving back at the launch point at 9.45pm! Poor picture quality I'm afraid as stills from video recorder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxyr4I5H39g



Regards, Mike.]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2880 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:43:08 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2880 this book is well worth a look.]]> this book is well worth a look.]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2878 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:45:44 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2878 Better dust off me trolley. "Portage" Shock, Horror.
Regards Bill]]> Better dust off me trolley. "Portage" Shock, Horror.
Regards Bill]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2877 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:10:31 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2877
Here's the report:

Mostly steep bank into the canal from the campsite, except for one very gentle sloping trail to a clearing great for launching canoes:

Here is, the trail viewed form the canal



Here is the clearing where you can launch from:


In terms of hammocking, slightly bad news. There are trees, but they are " in the rough" or too close to the road. Here are some of them:










Not sure any of them would be suitable location wise for a hammock.

The campsite is divided into three sections:

1) For caravans, campervans etc closest to the loos, marked bays
2) For tents requiring EHUs, next up from the loos, marked bays
3) The meadow for tents, no EHU, no marked bays just plenty of space. Only issue is it is a bit of a walk to the loos (not too bad, I'm just lazy).

Very well maintained grounds and loos. Excellent lighting on campsite, lots of water and garbage points and even areas with hosepipe to wash bikes and boots (and the undersides of muddy canoes)

]]>
Here's the report:

Mostly steep bank into the canal from the campsite, except for one very gentle sloping trail to a clearing great for launching canoes:

Here is, the trail viewed form the canal



Here is the clearing where you can launch from:


In terms of hammocking, slightly bad news. There are trees, but they are " in the rough" or too close to the road. Here are some of them:










Not sure any of them would be suitable location wise for a hammock.

The campsite is divided into three sections:

1) For caravans, campervans etc closest to the loos, marked bays
2) For tents requiring EHUs, next up from the loos, marked bays
3) The meadow for tents, no EHU, no marked bays just plenty of space. Only issue is it is a bit of a walk to the loos (not too bad, I'm just lazy).

Very well maintained grounds and loos. Excellent lighting on campsite, lots of water and garbage points and even areas with hosepipe to wash bikes and boots (and the undersides of muddy canoes)

]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2875 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:14:09 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2875
Personally, I believe this would be a wonderful thing to do...

I'm starting this thread because I think everyone reading this should have input into what form this 'event' should take..., even if you've joined in the last two days...

We'd be looking at next year (2011), probably after the Spring Meet..

Any and all suggestions are welcome.... , and none will be diss'ed..

It will be left to Wendy, Cass, Heather and Sara to make the ultimate decision...

So post 'em up..... Let's see what we get...

Cheers
Red.]]>
Personally, I believe this would be a wonderful thing to do...

I'm starting this thread because I think everyone reading this should have input into what form this 'event' should take..., even if you've joined in the last two days...

We'd be looking at next year (2011), probably after the Spring Meet..

Any and all suggestions are welcome.... , and none will be diss'ed..

It will be left to Wendy, Cass, Heather and Sara to make the ultimate decision...

So post 'em up..... Let's see what we get...

Cheers
Red.]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2874 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:33:06 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2874

ATB & Happy Paddling
Mark]]>

ATB & Happy Paddling
Mark]]> http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2873 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:55:42 +0100 http://www.canoewithaview.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=2873
Now put yourself on a wilderness trip.......do you load your boat as normal with all the luxuries plus the 24pack of beer, really struggle on the portages hit every rock on the way down because your boat just doesn't turn as it should!

Nooooo! you say, but do you still want to be independent from the group?
But does the group of lets say four really need.

4, kelly kettles?
4, big tarps?
4, Yukon stoves?
4, different fuel types? for
4, different stoves?
4, sets of small pans?
4, water purifiers?

I would have thought the best way is to have personal kit, ie tent sleeping bag tooth brushes etc (you get the idea)
and group kit, a group of four could have two kelly kettles, using one base to service two kelly's = constant hot water.....
two tarps would be more than plenty to make a decent bivi to socialise under......cooking stuff, would people want to cook their own food on their own stove or would a communal meal at the end of the day be easier?

Your thoughts please....

Cheers
Tim]]>
Now put yourself on a wilderness trip.......do you load your boat as normal with all the luxuries plus the 24pack of beer, really struggle on the portages hit every rock on the way down because your boat just doesn't turn as it should!

Nooooo! you say, but do you still want to be independent from the group?
But does the group of lets say four really need.

4, kelly kettles?
4, big tarps?
4, Yukon stoves?
4, different fuel types? for
4, different stoves?
4, sets of small pans?
4, water purifiers?

I would have thought the best way is to have personal kit, ie tent sleeping bag tooth brushes etc (you get the idea)
and group kit, a group of four could have two kelly kettles, using one base to service two kelly's = constant hot water.....
two tarps would be more than plenty to make a decent bivi to socialise under......cooking stuff, would people want to cook their own food on their own stove or would a communal meal at the end of the day be easier?

Your thoughts please....

Cheers
Tim]]>