West Stockwith

We already knew that we would not be able to make passage from West Stockwith to Keadby today because of the amount of water coming down the river (fresh). The effect with the tide is very variable and, combined with wind, makes it a matter of local experience to know when conditions are acceptable.

We wanted to be able to catch the lock keeper on duty so that we could make arrangements for a mooring until we can proceed so we set off in good time. Initially it was not more than damp but as the morning proceeded the rain returned from time to time. Definitely not a time for sunbathing!

Drakeholes Tunnel

Our immediate landmark - some 25 metres from the mooring - was Drakeholes Tunnel, not especially long.

Gringley Lock

There were four locks to go and, with extra water in the canal, we managed better progress than on the way up several days ago. The first lock was Gringley. All of the locks to Stockwith are broad.

Former Brickworks

A couple of former brickworks are marked on the guide books but we only spotted one on the way up. Looking more closely we spotted a lonely chimney surrounded by lots of undergrowth.

Misterton Top Lock

At Misterton Top Lock the sun almost shone but so briefly that by the time we arrived at the next lock (about 200 metres away!) it disappeared, never to return today.

On the final run to Stockwith basin we passed a work boat - although the team are working on a long stretch of replacement piling, it was lunch time so, apart from a quick check that we could just pass by, they remained firmly inside munching their lunch. It would be interesting to know why this work is needed as it just a few inches away from older piling.

We arrived at the basin and Christine found the keeper whilst Mike hovered the boat until message came where to moor. We had a good chat to the lock keeper about the river conditions. he is hopeful that we should be allowed out tomorrow but we could see how high the level is (that is not the problem) as well as its speed. The amount of fresh was such that the tide never reached West Stockwith today. It slowed the flow and changed in level, but never reversed direction.

Christine had already prepared one of her famous soups (albeit more suited to winter climates than summer but entirely appropriate today!). Mike checked on bus times to Clayworth - a service passes by the basin entrance just metres away from where we were moored - and found that the next one left just before 2 o'clock.

He caught that bus and returned from Clayworth with the car - Christine had already checked with the lock keeper that we could leave it here for the remainder of this trip. This meant that we could make a trip into Gainsborough to re-stock the larder and have a longer wander around town than when we passed through here in the past.

Gainsborough Old Hall

In general we found the town rather limited, shops mainly discount and small. An English Heritage property, Gainsborough Old Hall, seemed mainly to be a cafe so we did not venture inside.
The church, however, was very different. At first it seemed that it was just closing but an extremely friendly verger not only let us in but chatted about it for some time.

Gainsborough Parish Church

It is essentially a Georgian style building but the box pews were reduced in height in one of its several restorations.

The most recent changes brought a nave altar and a splendid carpeted dais (which covers some of the original tiled flooring so can actually be removed if later generations feel it necessary!

A fine reproduction of a famous depiction of the Last Supper decorates the east end - the verger was keen to point out that two of the apostles seemed obviously women.

Marshall'sYard

Marshall's Yard retail centre looks new and has most of the newer brand name stores although one or two have already closed. The developers have managed to retain the feel of the engineering works that stood here for several generation until the 1970's. For most of its life it was the major, perhaps only, significant employer and it would seem that this is what has left the town with its current feeling.

Christine visited The Body Shop and spent some time sorting out which items she wanted - as there were no other customers she received very good and attentive service!

Morrisons was out of town so the car proved useful. After shopping we returned to the boat and settled down for the evening - at least we do not have to worry about charging the batteries as there is a hook-up we can use. We had a good look at the river and lock - floating debris passed by at an incredible speed, but the tide is going out as well as fresh coming down
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River Trent at West Stockwith Lock

6.5 miles - 4 locks