Having just completed the HNC west to east single-handed it seems that I have been lucky in encountering no unexpected issues and dodging any stoppages. In the main, I found the water levels ok and the locks worked (some very stiff paddles and leaky gates but, on the other hand, some almost totally water- tight gates). I avoided most lock landings due to the risk of grounding. I found the west side in a better condition than the east.
My route:
*Marple Aqueduct to Stalybridge above lock 5W. ( Excellent, but expensive, Chinese takeaway at Phoenix City)
*Roaches Lock ( Excellent Sunday roast and pint at Roaches Inn)
* Uppermill VMs
*Diggle ( good pint @ Diggle Hotel)
* Standedge Tunnel ( chaperoned excellently by Chris, a Jet 2 pilot!). I am right on the maximum height limit and it was tight. I hit my head several times mis-judging the hard hat height! On to Marsden for the night (excellent pint at The Tap)
*Below lock 32E Sparth. Lovely spot for the night.
*Slaithwaite basin (Sunday open mic @ Shoulder of Mutton).
*Below lock 9E ( quiet night)
* Through lock 1E @ appointed time of 3pm to Aspley Basin.
Total running time Marple Aqueduct to Aspley Basin 40 hours. Hardly saw another boat throughout the complete journey. It was a great trip: superb views and plenty of physical activity. Recommended.