Finding moorings at Hertford

Friday, 02 September 2011 17:30

Once we left Rye House the Lee Navigations changed yet again.

The Rye House

I think this northern section is probably the best bit ........

Once past the go-kart track  - noisy today as the go-karts were on the go - Rye Gate House is invisible through the trees. We might stop and visit it on the way downstream. The nature reserve of Rye Meads is on the east bank. The Lee then continues to Stanstead Abbots

Stanstead Abbots Bridge and visitor moorings

Stanstead lock has gate paddles - with flaps over to direct and control the water flow. They were quite effective, but I kept well back from the top gates anyway: a lesson learned whilst on the Kennet and Avon Canal, where gate paddles are common.

Water enters through the gate paddles (on the boat side of the lock to keep her there)

The other feature is a swing bridge over the lock - it needs to open before a boat can enter

So, on through Hardmead Lock and then we entered Ware. This time we did not stop, but it certainly will be worth a visit. There a number of visitor moorings as the Lee wends its way through the town.

Entering Ware

Ware Town Bridge

Along the river are these interesting buildings, known as gazebos. They date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Built by innkeepers and owners of property along the High Street, they are a delightful sight.

Ware Gazebos

In the 1830s there were 25 - sadly they gradually sank into disrepair. By 1980 only 10 remained - then East Herts District Council came to the rescue and with help from the Ware Society and others restored them.

Gazebo with mill behind

Ware Lock is the only lock on the Lee controlled by the Environment Agency, as the New River is fed from the pound above. The New River is actually an artificial channel dug in 1613 to supply drinking water to North London

Ware Lock and weir

The Lee opens out again and goes through water meadows, nature reserves, meads and parkland on its way to Hertford.

Kings Mead on the right

We entered Hertford through the Lock, avoiding the boy fishermen on the lock landing! Above, the Lee becomes narrower as it passes permit only moorings, under a couple of bridges and past Hertford Basin, more permit only moorings.

Hertford Basin

Just around the corner are the visitor moorings - beside some nice allotments with sunflowers blooming. We decided to turn around first and come back.

Hertford 14D Visitor Moorings

The last bit of the Lee Navigation is rather special so I will blog about it later .......