Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2017 19:11:06 GMT
Caldon canal tips
These tips are based on our recent trip with our Les Allen 58ft (2ft 6inch draft). We have a big lump at the back (and a heavy engine!) so the air draft is highest at the bow..
I take no responsibility for any cock up's and the information is only as I find.
Caldon main arm -
Bridge 9 on the Caldon is the lowest and you will probably need to clear everything off the roof including chimneys. We were fine after that (except for Froghall tunnel!).
Lift bridge 21 (Norton Green) is now automated so you will need your BWB (or should I say CRT) key.
Between bridges 31 and 34 there are a lot of floating (and sunk) turfs. We came to a halt just before bridge 34 before piling on the power to push through it.
Just after bridge 44 you will see warning notices about underwater obstructions. Take note! They stick out a long way and it's not easy getting your boat off if you get stuck (don't ask me how I know this). Keep as close to the pub side as you dare until you get to the new 48 hour mooring platform.
Lift bridge 47a (Oakmeadowford) is a pain in the neck as there is no proper landing stage and it's silted either side. It's best for someone to jump off at the preceeding bridge (or lock coming back) to open it. Maybe single handers have a special trick I don't know about.
Bridge 49 (Consall Forge) on the river section is very low (but not as low as Bridge 9). You may need to approach with caution if the river is in the red. There are run offs on this section so in theory the levels shouldn't get too high except after very heavy rain.
The last stretch after Lock 17 (Flint Mill) has many very narrow stretches where you will not be able to pass on coming boats. However there are passing places so it might be worth sending someone ahead with a radio to check before progressing each section.
Caldon end and Froghall tunnel -
At lock 17 (Flint Mill lock) there is a notice advising boats over 65ft to wind before the lock. Based on our successful trip through Froghall tunnel to the basin and chatting to the guy who runs a 70ft trip boat from there, it seems feasible to get a 70ft narrow boat through the tunnel provided the air draft and profile are 'close'(!) to the gauges at lock 17 and the entrance to the tunnel (which seem a bit more generous).
A 70ft narrow boat can wind in the small basin which can accommodate about 10 boats. Best check it's not full and assess the situation before attempting the tunnel (we were the only boat there!).
For larger narrow boats you may need to use a rope to get it around the tight turn into the lock entrance to the basin. Also the turns into and out of the tunnel are quite tight for a 70ft narrow boat, so again you may need to use ropes.
If you can get through the tunnel to the basin, it is a much nicer spot to moor than before the tunnel entrance. You can stay there for 7 days.
I was told that should a boat get stuck in the tunnel, they can run water through the lock at the basin entrance to lower the water level. So you might not have to stay in the tunnel for 7 days!
Leek Arm -
You can turn a 70ft boat the other side of Leek tunnel. You could also reverse the few hunderd yards down to the end of the arm but only very small narrow boats can turn there. There is no basin at the end.
Finally, if you have never done the Caldon, it's well worth it. Lots of pretty spots and a preserved railway running alongside many sections. Enjoy...
These tips are based on our recent trip with our Les Allen 58ft (2ft 6inch draft). We have a big lump at the back (and a heavy engine!) so the air draft is highest at the bow..
I take no responsibility for any cock up's and the information is only as I find.
Caldon main arm -
Bridge 9 on the Caldon is the lowest and you will probably need to clear everything off the roof including chimneys. We were fine after that (except for Froghall tunnel!).
Lift bridge 21 (Norton Green) is now automated so you will need your BWB (or should I say CRT) key.
Between bridges 31 and 34 there are a lot of floating (and sunk) turfs. We came to a halt just before bridge 34 before piling on the power to push through it.
Just after bridge 44 you will see warning notices about underwater obstructions. Take note! They stick out a long way and it's not easy getting your boat off if you get stuck (don't ask me how I know this). Keep as close to the pub side as you dare until you get to the new 48 hour mooring platform.
Lift bridge 47a (Oakmeadowford) is a pain in the neck as there is no proper landing stage and it's silted either side. It's best for someone to jump off at the preceeding bridge (or lock coming back) to open it. Maybe single handers have a special trick I don't know about.
Bridge 49 (Consall Forge) on the river section is very low (but not as low as Bridge 9). You may need to approach with caution if the river is in the red. There are run offs on this section so in theory the levels shouldn't get too high except after very heavy rain.
The last stretch after Lock 17 (Flint Mill) has many very narrow stretches where you will not be able to pass on coming boats. However there are passing places so it might be worth sending someone ahead with a radio to check before progressing each section.
Caldon end and Froghall tunnel -
At lock 17 (Flint Mill lock) there is a notice advising boats over 65ft to wind before the lock. Based on our successful trip through Froghall tunnel to the basin and chatting to the guy who runs a 70ft trip boat from there, it seems feasible to get a 70ft narrow boat through the tunnel provided the air draft and profile are 'close'(!) to the gauges at lock 17 and the entrance to the tunnel (which seem a bit more generous).
A 70ft narrow boat can wind in the small basin which can accommodate about 10 boats. Best check it's not full and assess the situation before attempting the tunnel (we were the only boat there!).
For larger narrow boats you may need to use a rope to get it around the tight turn into the lock entrance to the basin. Also the turns into and out of the tunnel are quite tight for a 70ft narrow boat, so again you may need to use ropes.
If you can get through the tunnel to the basin, it is a much nicer spot to moor than before the tunnel entrance. You can stay there for 7 days.
I was told that should a boat get stuck in the tunnel, they can run water through the lock at the basin entrance to lower the water level. So you might not have to stay in the tunnel for 7 days!
Leek Arm -
You can turn a 70ft boat the other side of Leek tunnel. You could also reverse the few hunderd yards down to the end of the arm but only very small narrow boats can turn there. There is no basin at the end.
Finally, if you have never done the Caldon, it's well worth it. Lots of pretty spots and a preserved railway running alongside many sections. Enjoy...
