HAVING REACHED THE TOP END of the Lancaster Canal (pictured) I can most definitely tell that the waterway is not easy for narrowboats.
It is virtually impossible to moor without a risky gangplank so went back to the Royal moorings then discovered a Tesco supermarket just 500 yards from the moorings, so had a good stock-up of provisions.
When we first set-off on this cruise we thought cruisers were a local occurrence, but after seeing the many cruisers in the marinas, we realised it was not so, for it was indeed a canal of cruisers, with narrowboats few and far between and those mostly hire boats.
But those hire boaters who want a good days cruising with a few locks thrown in will be very disappointed, as it is only 40 odd miles long and—as far as Crabtree Hire are concerned—their hirers are not allowed to go through any locks either down into Preston or the Glasson Branch, 'safety' being the excuse for this. So of course no windlasses aboard. Obviously not sure of the other hirers' rules.
Hiring without locking was something new, as it would of course be impossible on the major system, with all its locks.
Then the lack of moving boats was a real eye-opener, with only a couple a day, and now here back at the Royal moorings (pictured) on an Easter Bank Holiday and only met a single moving boat—and that a hire narrowboat. But as to walkers, joggers and cyclists there were more than ever seen on the main system.
As to its future of restoration of this waterway, that was cut-off by the M6, I cannot help but tell this appears to be very bleak, as the most informative guide telling of restoring the waterway, points out that it needs to cross the M6 three times as well as other 'A' roads to join up with the section that was was cut off by the M6 motorway, and there were even mentions of a tunnel.
Considering the lack of boats actually using the canal, even at bank holiday times, I can't see any restoration of the Lancaster happening.
Deep draughted
When getting that tell-tale shake on the tiller we realised that we had something around the prop, and then realised part of the problem of attempting to moor. For the prop could only just be reached with a full arm down, so it told us that the boat was very deep draughted indeed.
Here's a picture of the 'lid' of the weed hatch, the bottom being the actual 'lid', that certainly tells you something...
Little wonder we had such problems mooring, especially when our own boat's draught is just 21 inches, and that of course is what we were expecting.
Seeing the thickness of the steel at the end of the roof of the hire boat, that was around twice the normal thickness, we realised it would be very heavy indeed so deep draughted.
So the mooring problem solved—no more attempting to get into the bank, it's official moorings only from now on.
The only obstacle
The only obstacle on the whole cruise was the swing bridge I mentioned on the way up, so here's a picture. It was very easy to swing.
We saw a few Canal & River Trust people working on various things, so it seems the canal is getting some maintenance.
Now sticking to our principle of mooring at official moorings only, we have so far managed without the gangplank, but even then finish on the bottom.
Normally I would now comment on all the moving boats—but there aren't any! Ner a one today!
Victor Swift—telling tales for 26 years
The site is closed until 12th May, as obviously cruising.