Southport Leeds & liverpool to rugby canal

[Scholar Gypsy]

PS I don't think you've asked for advice about toilets yet?

[howardang]

A CRT key is a standard Yale type key that you use on water points, elsan etc. The same key is used on swing bridges. An anti-vandal key is more like a box spanner used to release the paddles on some locks. It is also used on some swing bridges. You will probably be able to buy them from Scarisbrook Marina. If you are in Rugby already you can buy them from Midland Chandlers in Braunston.

 

I would also suggest you buy some canal maps or Nicholsons guide for your route. It will be invaluable for your journey.

 

Ken

Both Keys are also available for purchase on the C&RT website shop

 

https://shop.canalrivertrust.org.uk/shop

 

You will also find a lot of general boating information on the C&RT web site including the boaters handbook which might be helpful

 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/navigating-the-waterways-boating/boaters-handbook

 

 

Howard

[The Bagdad Boatman (waits)]

It will be an adventure. You could of course bottle out and use a trailer.

[JohnEW2912]

I personally wouldn't overnight in Wigan, but there are good moorings around Crooke. Then you can go through Wigan to Dover Lock Inn south of Wigan on the Leigh Branch, which is another good place to moor, in a day.

There are good safe moorings on the offside in front of the Wigan CRT office between the bottom two locks of the Wigan flight before the junction.

Both Crooke and Dover lock are good moorings but relatively close together - if you're looking to get the boat from A to B quickly you will be doing more per day than that journey. In truth beyond Dover lock there are plenty of spots to moor along the Leigh branches of both the L&L and Bridgewater. And pretty much anywhere before Crooke.

[Luke1971]

Hi guys

Well I thought it would be nice to give you an update of day 1 of my first day ever on the canal and how I'm getting on

[Luke1971]

I have added a pic from my maps on my mobile so you can see roughly how far I've travelled!! I think I'm doing ok really! First ever boat ect

[KJT]

That's great news! Nice looking boat, I think you got a real bargain for £1500. Thanks for sharing the pics.Sorry to hear you are stuck at Plank Lane bridge. CRT were going to open it at 2pm this afternoon (Saturday) to allow boats to pass and will be opening it again on Monday at 2pm. After that is anyones guess as they need specialist parts to repair it. I would think that by now you are through Plank Lane and there is a large Tesco two miles from Plank Lane at bridge 11, which is the start of the Bridgewater. Another few miles further on, at Sale, you will find a large Tesco and Sainsburys very close to the canal. Convenient moorings are to be found immediatly beyond bridge 35 (which is by the Kings Ransom pub and restaurant).

 

 

Keep us posted on how you are getting on.

 

Ken

 

ETA location of Sale moorings for local supermarkets

Edited August 6, 2016 by NB Ellisiana

[Luke1971]

Well guys after 6 days i made it bk to Rugby and I must say me and my cousin thoroughly enjoyed the whole Experiance! It was challenging but rewarding! Now all I have to do is find a cheapish mooring somewhere near brownsover in rugby so If any one has any ideas please let me no! I will probably start a new post for the mooring!

But again thank you all for your valuable info I would never have done it as easy with out all your input!!!

[KJT]

Six days is pretty good going! Glad to hear you enjoyed the trip.

 

If you start a new topic re moorings around Rugby I am sure you will get some useful pointers.

 

Ken

[The Bearwood Boster]

That looks a cracking little boat & I reckon you'll have loads of fun.You've done really well with your journey & you'll be having more great adventures in the future.I think you've bagged yourself a bargain ?.