25th April 2009
We seem to have sneaked round the South Pennine Ring just in time.
Plan A had been to come in to the Huddersfield Narrow from the Trent, but this was quashed by the weir collapse at Cooper Bridge.
Plan B was to approach from the south via the Peak Forest, but this was impossible due to an oil leak.
Plan C worked out OK by approaching from Manchester and we got round without any significant problem.
Now I see that the Ashton is blocked by a tangle of wire under a gate and, if that wasn't enough, the repair to the Salterhebble Guillotine lock (which was jury rigged for our passage) has hit snags and is now closed to traffic.
The area seems beset with problems at the moment - it looks like we were very lucky with our timing!
Photos courtesy of Pennine Waterways.
Loved your trip report on the HN. We are hoping to start it the other way (baring stoppages) next week. You didn't mention where you moored overnight on the way down. I would be interested to know as I am trying to work out when we might get to the tunnel.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
ReplyDeleteI am guessing that you mean down the western side? If so, we moored just after Scout Tunnel between locks 11w and 12w, where there is some rare deep water beside the towpath wall. An excellent place to stop. Dont even thing of mooring in Stalybridge!
Glad you enjoyed my report.
Watch out - there is some work being done on the Pylon which will close most of the western side for much of May. See Pennine Waters website for details (link on my navigation bar)
Captain Ahab
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteSorry. Have re-read your question and you do mean the Eastern side. We moored in the winding hole above lock 31E, which wll be the last point you can reach before BW unlock the gates the day before your Standedge passage. Lovely spot.
Baring stopages, we have booked the tunnel for next Wednesday. Thanks for your help. Don't know how we'll manage as we usually only do about 15 lock miles per day!!!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
ReplyDeleteThe Huddersfield Narrow is one of the greatest canals I have ever travelled. It is hard work but so rewarding. Go steadily and I am sure you will be fine. Have a great trip - I will be thinking of you!
Captain Ahab