Our entry, not a big event!

Saturday, 31 July 2010 16:24

Our entry into Sheffield was not as auspicious as when the canal was first opened

Once we had left the locks behind, we seemed to travel under lots of bridges! Beyond the banks, we caught glimpses of buildings and factories. The railway and Sheffield tramway accompanied us for the first mile or so too. The River Don winds it way into Sheffield to the north west too.

Brown Bailey Footbridge is near Hallam Stadium and is one of the most attractive footbridges I have seen.

Beyond this, and presumably once part of the "plan" for the stadium and arena, is a large winding hole with pontoons. It is obviously not used now and the weed has taken over. BW or EA staff were out in a rowing boat spraying the weed. We had a wry smile as we passed, as it looked as it they were watering the lilies.

Another footbridge crosses high above the canal before the Tramway  Bridge at Attercliffe

The brick bridges have plaques on them with the date they were built, like this one at Pinfold Bridge

Bacon Lane Bridge (6) is known as Needle's Eye. it is narrow and caused larger barges some trouble. It is said that crowbars were used to force boats through. It certainly looked battered and has seen better days.

A certain famous film, based in Sheffield, was filmed on the canal beyond here - clickety click The old and new can be seen along the canal, here at Effingham Road.

Around the corner from Victoria Baotyard, under Wicker Rail Viaduct, we could just see the swing bridge that crosses the canal: the entrance to Victoria Basin at the end of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal.

There were no crowds to greet us, as there were at the opening of the canal. That February day was an holiday and crowds (60,000 it is said) watched the arrival of the first boats from Tinsley.

Sheaf Wharf is on the right, with the large Sheaf Works beside it. Built by William Greaves in 1825, it manufactured table knives, razors and edge tools from materials delivered by canal.

There are 48H visitor moorings here, just past Tatler's Bridge, but we wanted to moor in the basin, now known as Victoria Quays, so John went to open the swing bridge.

We pulled into the water point immediately past the bridge and whilst we filled up, John went to speak to the man in charge of the moorings in the Basin. CV Marine have most of the moorings and it is full of boats for sale. However there was an "Epiphany space" left, right below the stunning Straddle Warehouse at the end.

The added bonus is that we have electricity shore power, so have the luxury of not thinking about running the engine to charge the batteries for the weekend. An electricity card is available from CV Marine. 

Tinsley Bottom Lock to Sheffield Basin

3 hours 30 minutes,  3.82 miles, 11 locks