Sprotborough

An early start (some would say very early!) as Derek - the other lock keeper - had another boat booked to come up the Tinsley Flight and so he asked us to be at the top lock by as soon after 8 am as possible. he would unlock the paddles and we were to make our way down the flight and expect to meet him somewhere in the middle. (These details will be significant later)

Victoria Quays Swingbridge

We had turned the boat around last night so it was straightforward for Mike to open the swing bridge and let himself through from the basin.

We only saw one steel processing works all the way out of Sheffield.

The Full Monty Bridge

Bridge 6 is supposed to be famous for having been a location shot in the film The Full Monty but no-one was stripping off here today.

Tinsley Top Lock

Pretty much on schedule we arrived at the top lock and, as promised they were unlocked so we set off down the flight.

Tinsley Lock 4 - with Derek

It was only after a couple of the locks that we spotted Derek and he came up to work the locks with us - at this stage he thought the other boat must be coming up from Ickles, where there is a boat club mooring, but he had not seen them.

Derek is much less chatty than Dave, but as he brings a bike with him, we made faster progress. He was particularly helpful and allowed us to jump on when the locks were deeper or trickier.

About half way he managed to make contact with the other boat and it seemed that had a battery problem and did not know when they would be arriving! They had known this since last night and had not bothered to let him know. He was not amused! He told them that if they did not make it to Holmes Lock by the time we were down there then they would have to wait another day.

Tinsley Bottom Lock

We made good time and were leaving the bottom lock in the flight of 11 locks just two hours after arriving at the top. However, Derek was still with us for the next two locks which are kept locked because of vandalism from a nearby housing estate.

Port of Sheffield

For some time the navigation only reached as far as the bottom of the Tinsley Flight and this wharf area was known as the Port of Sheffield.

Holmes Lock

Just as we arrived at the end of the locked section the other boat arrived in the nick of time (somewhat to Derek's disappointment!) and then tried to say that they wanted to take their time going up the locks. They were firmly told to get a move on as the locks had to be checked and locked in good time!

No Caption Required!

Many of the locks in the flight had plenty of water coming through the spill boards (this is what they are designed to do) and with a boat that is almost the maximum length it is important to take care not to let the boat get swamped. Christine thought that Mike was looking especially concerned on this occasion but actually all that was happening is that he was getting wet trousers!

The new New York Stadium in Rotherham is built on the site of the former Guest and Chrimes steel works - famous for making the well known fire hydrants on New York streets. One of the factory buildings still stands, albeit disused and awaiting a developer, but it is a listed building! Rotherham United played their first game in the new stadium just  a few days ago.

Above Aldwarke Lock

We were aiming to moor overnight at Sprotborough with an estimated arrival time just after 5 pm. Between Swinton and there, moorings are almost non-existent, especially on the river sections. (There was a possibility at Mexborough we spotted on the way up but which is not in the guide book should we run late) So, when we reached Aldwarke Lock, Christine went off shopping in the Asda store which is very close, leaving Mike to take the boat down. As this is a river lock, it is built very high and so even the approach at the top looks as if you are already below! At the bottom, the lock landing is a pontoon that involves reversing back immediately after coming through the lower gates. Mike had just tied up there when Christine returned. Time for lunch!

Kilnhurst Flood Lock

Unlike on our journey upstream, Kilnhurst Flood Lock was now open at both ends and so we could cruise straight through without stopping!

This sign on a rather decrepit factory somewhat amused Christine!

We caught a little more of Conisborough Castle this time - but only just as this view came and went almost before we could snap it.

Conisborough Viaduct

A different view of Conisborough Viaduct, this time from the other side.

Just a little after five o'clock we pulled onto the mooring at Sprotborough. Just enough room, but there were several boats already here - unlike when stopped last time. It had been sunny almost all day but just after we moored a heavy shower arrived - but it brightened up again for the evening.

Wyre Lady

Later, a local trip boat came passed - both ways - with a very lively pirate party aboard. They seemed to know how to enjoy themselves!

Party Time

16.4 miles - 19 locks