Stort Navigation

As we were moored overnight so close to the shops - opposite Waitrose - we decided first to go shopping although there was not a lot that we needed as we are still largely using what we brought with us! It was a grey day whilst we shopped but turned very warm with blue skies by the time we were ready to leave.

Hertford town centre

Fountain in Hertford Town Centre

Eventually we set off but almost immediately pulled in at the mooring basin to sue the elsan and rubbish disposal facilities, not knowing quite where next. Those at Stanstead Lock we never found!

As we set off finally we were passed by another single-hander who was quite happy to share wit us for the four locks down to the junction.

A10 Ware By Pass

The A10 Ware bypass crossing the flood plain on huge stilts. Pollarded trees alongside the GSK works looked almost sc-fi against blue skies.

Pollarded Trees in Ware

Passing through Ware we were amused by the number of end-of-garden summerhouses of unusual design. Buildings close to the river are generally attractive and many imitate the maltings style.

Riverside Summerhouses

Ware

Just after Stanstead Lock - a boat had just gone down so the bridge was already open and a BW working boat was waiting to come up so we did not have to shut it! - we stopped at the marina we had seen on the way up that advertised diesel so that we could fill up.

We tried again to photograph Rye House Gatehouse but there are only three points where there is any view at all!

Rye Gatehouse

At Feildes Weir we turned to begin our journey up the Stort Navigation. The locks here are of a different size - although wide they are not quite large enough to take two narrowboats and a single boat needs to open both gates. With no way of crossing the gates at the top of the lock this means quite a bit of walking to and fro!

Lower Lock

Royden Mill marina is at a lower level than the river - an old gravel pit we guess - and access is through its own lock.

Entrance to Royden Mill Marina

We were delayed at the next lock with a large BW barge being pushed into the lock, on its way to collect more materials for the towpath and bankside repairs in progress just below.

BW Barge in Brick Lock

Christine was taken by the blossom on the tree between the lock and the cottage.

Blossom beside Brick Lock

After the next lock we spotted a reasonable mooring spot and decided to pull in for the night with a chance to enjoy the last of the afternoon sunshine.

8.3 miles  - 7 locks