Walsden to Lock 33

Sunday, 11 October 2009 12:46

 Cruising as far as BW allow...?

I am somewhat annoyed by British Waterways' restriction notices for the Rochdale Canal, which are plainly confusing! I have been in communication with them about it and await their response to my latest email. After exchanging emails, I worked out that we were only allowed to go as far as lock 33 on the Rochdale Canal, travelling South towards Manchester. We then had to book, giving 48 hours notice to BW that we wish to "cross the summit". So the aim on Saturday was to cruise to Lock 33, ready for our Monday slot. I was told that Ray, the lock keeper would meet us at Lock 33 at 9 am and we then have to cruise beyond Lock 44, not stopping on the Summit. My "Hint" was picked up by dear friends Rich and Gail, so tomorrow there will be 5 crew to take 2 boats - and the weather forecast looks good too.

Enough of the politics. This blog is supposed to be about yesterday's cruise, from Walsden in thye company of Gypsy Rover:

There are always the practicalities to think of - filling up with water above Travis Mill Lock (28)

Lovely view from Nip Square Lock (29)

We were lucky - it stayed dry!

But the sun shone on some different (and hard) lock gear at Lightbank Lock (31)

But soon our nights' mooring was in view above Sands Lock (32):

And this is what the Bottomley Lock (33) moorings looked like today, with a beautiful view:

Rochdale Canal, Walsden to Bottomley Lock - 2 hours 49 minutes 0.92 miles 5 locks