The Ribble Link from Tarleton to Asland Lamp or 5 Mile perch

Monday, 25 May 2009 18:40

We leave our moorings at Tarleton to travel onto the River Douglas

First we donned our life jackets - as required!

Approaching Tarleton Lock, there are moored boats beforehand, some of them quite interesting. As we approached, we were hailed from the bank by our friends from Twelfth Night (our old share boat). Rob and Janet live nearby and had come to wave us off! It was great to see them and have a quick shouted conversation as we went through the lock.

Tarleton Lock

We exited the lock into the fast up-stream tidal current of the River Douglas. We were travelling downstream, although to start with it didn't feel as if we were making progress against the tide (we had left about an hour and a half before high tide).

Thankfully, Epiphany had no problem and gradually picked up speed, but the revs were pretty high. We kept an eye on all our instruments, particularly the temperature gauge, as instructed by the Tarleton lockkeeper, Harry Mayor. It held steady, only increasing slightly above its normal 175°F. The wash behind us apparently looked quite daunting to our following companions. But we were on our way!

The River Douglas with the lock behind us

After a relatively short distance, but an apparently longer time, the Douglas becomes very wide and open, after Shepards Boatyard. The mooring staithes look rather rickety but the new pontoons have expanded the possibilities! Boats were getting ready to leave as we passed. We found out later that the narrowboats behind had been held up, as lots of these boats came out in front of them!

Shepard Staithes

New pontoons

 

The wide River Douglas on our calm day

Looking behind we could see a flotilla, including Nb Margaret Rose

The cruisers and yachts gradually caught up and made attractive additions to the long stretch of river and sky ahead of us!

Yacht Rough Diamond overtook us

Soon the buildings beyond Asland Lamp, or 5 Mile Perch, were visible. They seemed a long way away! Here we were to turn right onto the River Ribble.

“Aim for these buildings as you go around Asland Lamp”

Do not turn left – that is out to sea! Keep the Lamp on the right!

We turned right around Asland Lamp which is very clearly labelled

We negotiated the turn fairly easily, although we needed a bit more throttle to get around on to the River Ribble as the tide was still coming in from the left.

The crew looking satisfied – mission accomplished, so far!
Behind us now, the Irish Sea.

There is more to come - I will take you with us from here to the wonderful construction that is the "new" Ribble Link - eventually!
 

Tarleton to Asland lamp/5 Mile Perch - 2 hours 18 minutes, 7.87 miles, 1 lock