Rain dodging.

It had been raining heavily through the night but by breakfast it was just a dreary morning. We set off to be at the top of the Tinsley Flight of locks so just ambled along. There is evidence here and there of the use of  the canal, and the towpath seems to be used fair bit too.

Bacon Land Bridge. This is one of only two original bridges on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal and dates from 1819. It is also the bridge that denotes the limits of anything that can reach Sheffield Basin. The keels and barges could reach Sheffield loaded but due to the height of gthe bridge they had to fill the hold with water to get back our under this bridge if they had no return cargo.

It is about 45 mins. from the basin to the locks and the rain held off. We passed through the Attercliffe Cutting that was dug by the 'inmates' of the local work house during the depression following the Napoleonic Wars. (A Richlow Guide factoid!).

This looks like the mechanism for a coal tipper from the past.

We arrived at the Top Lock just as the Charity boat 'Ethel' was about to pen up. We have seen her moving about three or four times so are very busy giving the canal experience to disabled and handicapped people. They have full wheelchair access so must take almost as long to load up the passengers as the trip sometimes. There are many chartity organisations doing this sort of work and they are always on the look out for help.

As usual only two boats moving on the canal and they meet at a bridge hole! 'Ethel' with her passengers.

Once she had set off from the top lock we took her place and with the help of David, the lock keeper, we went down the first two locks before mooring up for the night to do some washing and visiting the local supermarkets etc.

Our mooring by Lock 2 on the Tinsley Flight.

I can report that our test of placing coir door mats, backed by PVC, under the bed appears to have solved the damp under the mattress. It was an effective and cheap solution. The other 'fix' I am quite pleased with is the glass door on the stove. I have been experimenting with the upper vent to see how best to prevent the glass getting obscured. I then remembered my scouting days. We took part in cooking and camping competitions every year and for many years we won it. One trick I perfected was keeping the billys and pans clean. To make it easy to clean after use on open fires I used to rub them all over the outside with washing up liquid. Afterwards the burnt on smoke etc just washed off. I did the same on the gall door and it just rubs off with a damp scrunched-up newspaper saving lots of effort. I should patent it I reckon. It is chucking it down now so reinforcing our plan to stop here for the day.

Our own Sheffield Half Marathon.

Amy had arrived on the Saturday and after a late start we set off for more exploring of Sheffield. We saw the half marathon runners passing and had trouble crossing the road between them. It was only later that we learned of the trouble over the supposed cancelling of the marathon due to a lack of water, and the fact that a lot of the runners decided to complete it anyway. I think that this may have led Helen to go the wrong way. In the event it meant that we walked some of the 8km Five Weirs Way that follows the River Don and then back on the canal tow path.

There were several bridges built within bridges for the tow path and it makes a nice alternative to the roads.

We eventually found our way Kelham Island Museum, and just in time running in steam of the River Don Engine, which is the most powerful steam engine in Britain. It used to run a rolling mill. It reminded me of a Doxford opposed piston engine in the ships that I first sailed on, but they weren't steam.

River Don Steam Engine.

The museum was very good explaining the steel making art and the various trades that used the steel. It had a fantastic collection of tools and equipment and took a lot longer to look round than we had anticipated. It was very interesting to see all the different steels and what they are used for etc. Kelham Island was created by the River Don being diverted to make a mill goit (race). The early factories utilised water power to drive everything. The buildings of the museum were actually the Corporation power station that provided electricity for the tram system. Of course Sheffield still has a good tram system.

The Kelham Island Mill Goit and past industrial scene.You can see a Bessemer Convert crucible on the right which is outside the Museum.

By the time we had finished our visit Amy was hungry so we made our way to the Riverside Pub that was nearby and settled down to a Sunday dinner. It seems funny that the pubs from yesterday and this one were in this area. Maybe that it was due to the proximity to the old forges etc as the hot work meant that Sheffield was also a big brewery town with a beer house on just about every corner. The Riverside was a nice high roofed pub with friendly people and a very good selection of beers. I had a pint of Riverside from the Sheffield Brew Company.

We then walked back to the boat to collect Amy's gear. We passed the building below in Wicken at the foot of the oldest bridge in Sheffield over the Don, called Lady Bridge.

The Royal Exchange Buildings and Castle House. It was built in 1900 to a design by John Henry Bryan. It had 20 x 2 bedroom flats, shops, a vets surgery and a dogs home. The bricks are glazed. The railings are for Lady Bridge.

This is our berth in Sheffield opposite the weighbridge for Sheaf Quay.

We walked Amy to the station to catch the train back home. The station is very pleasant and clean. We thought it would be rude not to sample the Sheffield Tap pub on the station. It was a different place with loads of different beers of the world available. There were folk in there with medals round their necks so I assume even though the Half Marathon was cancelled those that decided to run anyway were awarded a medal. (It could have been something else entirely I suppose). I had a pint of Ring Master by the Magic Rock Brewery. I have stuck to pale ale type beers over this weekend and have now decided that I should try different types of beers in the future. I do like the sweeter, fruitier, hopier beers are my favourite though.

We are off back down hill tomorrow but stopping at Tinsley Marina. It was been a very interesting stay, and nice to see Amy. The centre of Sheffield is a little strange with shopping ares well spread out, but some lovely buildings with a lot to see. I finally found a few pubs that were really nice and I would recommend any of those I have mentioned. I Pub trail guide would be a good idea.

Cultural trial.

We had a little lay in today as we were going to meet out daughter from the train at just after 1100. It was a nice amble over the tram lines and past Park Hill Flats. The station was quite nice too. We had time to take some photos of the basin on the way.

Straddle Warehouse where there were berths for 5 boats to unload.

Beyond the Straddle Warehouse is the Terminal Warehouse and the grain warehouse (with the canopy). 

The entrance to the Quays with weigh bridges and offices.

After dropping stuff off at the boat we set off to explore further. We ended checking out the new Moors Market building and then back at the Museum that is off the Winter Garden. In the Winter Garden was a choir that were very good and reminded me of actually how much I miss singing in harmony every week. We went round the exhibitions in the museum and were amazed by the finesse of the of the steel work and cutlery on display. After a cup of tera and piece of cake we set off to explore the 'Echoes of the Past' walk.

Another part of the lower town with some lovely buildings. This is the Synagogue that was built in 1872.

This is the remains of Bower Springs cementation furnaces from the 1700's.

Just next door to these furnaces was the Shakespere Pub. It had won pub of the year several times so would have been rude to miss it. As we walked in there was folk music being sung by a couple of bands that were performing that night but were just jamming. There were several beers available and I tired Deception by Abbeydale, and very nice it was too. It was an old world pub with 'rustic' setting but was welcoming. We walked on and came across the 'Kilham Island Tavern'. Kilham Island is and industrial heritage site and we hope to visit tomorrow. There is also a brewery on site but I settled for a pint of Ten Bells from Glentworth Brewery of Doncaster. We then walked further round the trail and came across the 'Fat Cat'. Here I did partake of the Kilham Island Brewery Pale Rider. We had finally found some good pubs. I think my favourite beer today was the Abbeydale Deception.

We walked back to the boat and had a nice Indian Meal Deal from M&S plus extras. Tomorrow we will explore the Kilham Island Museum as the steam engine there is supposed to be in steam.

Steel Town.

We were off promptly at 0800 and soon came to the turning area for the 'Humber Princess' at the head of her navigation. There must have been about 50 swans there. The oil depot where the cargoes go is a few hundred metres further up the cut. A little further on we came to the first lock of the day and it was a bit of a come down that we had to break out the windlass after all the electric push button ones so far. It was also a bit of a culture shock when the gate was opened to see the top gates so close! Back to normal gauge locks again. This was Rotherham lock and was just by the Law Courts.

Helen putting her back into the first lock of the day.

Wall murals in Rotherham.

We were once more on the River Don and the canal seemed strangely rural despite the obvious factories beyond the banks. We passed Rotherhams football ground that looks very new and quite grand and there we were at Ickles Lock. We were at Holmes lock to meet up with Derek from C&RT to help us up the Tinsley Flight. I think that this is because the levels have to be maintained rather than anything else. Indeed the flight seemed well kept and no real evidence of vandalism etc. The next lock Halfpenny Bridge, was the head of navigation until 1819 when the Sheffield Basin was opened. Until then cargoes had to be transferred to road transport.

Could be any rural canal on the network but this is the Don Navigation after Jordan's Lock.

We passed under the Mi which had another road bridge beneath it. Somehow it looks a little more graceful than those in Birmingham. Maybe the curve has something to do with it and less concrete on view.

At Lock 7 Derek gave way to David as our guide up the locks. They both live in Lock Cottages at the top of the flight at Tinsley Marina. Everybody seemed to be very friendly and we were invited to moor there if we decided that we didn't like the centre of town after all.

Half of Tinsley Marine in the short pound between Locks 2 and 3. The other half is between 1 and 2.

At the top of the locks we were left to our selves for the 3 miles or so to the end. Once there we went through the bridge to take water and sort out a berth. We popped back out to the visitor moorings. No shore power available. Quick lunch taken then off for a look see. At the Tourist Information office we found a couple of walks sorted and followed the Hunter's Sheffield Walk. Once again I was very pleased with the buildings around that are hidden gems.

The Winter Gardens which is one of the largest temperate glasshouses built in the last hundred years and the biggest in any European City.

Large parts of the city centre were bombed but the area of Paradise Square were left as a lovely street scene.

Little bits of buildings have been left isolated that really add character to the city and reminds me of the Jewelry Quarter in Birmingham.

More brick art, A Sheffield Steel Miner. I wonder if it was the same company as the Rotherham Law Courts.

One thing I noticed that was missing was the lack of pubs about. There seemed to be no Real Ale Trail but with a bit of digging we will seacrh out a few over the next couple of days.

Not too cold and not dull.

We set off about 0930 and it was still murky and misty, but still no rain. The run to Mexborough was pleasant with some lovely homes and gardens. At Mexborough Top Lock there is an artefact found under a modern foot bridge as revealed in the Richlow guide. It is at the site of a ferry across the River Don. On one side of the stone are markings showing the flood heights over the years of the 1800's. I wonder where the more recent floods would have come. The level was actually just about level with the height of the canal, so any higher would have caused big problems. On the other side is carved 'Ask for boat at cabin'.

Flood heights of the Don at Mexborough.            A hidden away relic with the river close by.

At Mexborough there is a very sharp bend and it is a wonder the 'Humber Princess' tanker ever gets round it but it does as there is no evidence of damage on the bridge supports at all. We next came to Swinton Lock. This is home of the Waddington's fleet. They are synonymous with canal and river freight in Yorkshire. There are still vessels here waiting an up turn in trade, and I hope that it comes soon. Just before the lock is an activity centre and some people were just getting a narrow boat ready to sail. A couple of lads dashed off to open the lock for us and they then followed us. We chucked them a chocolate orange to share as a thank you. 

Waddingtons vessel just west of Swinton Lock using the entrance of the closed Dearne and Dove Canal and the first lock or two as docks. This is another canal that is planned to be restored and would make a nice route to/from Wakefield.

We were soon upon Kilnhurst Stop Lock. The gates were closed but the levels were the same so we were soon through and back on to the River Don again. The river was gently curving and once again the place would be magical in the sun and with leaves on the trees. Today it was just still and mysterious and felt like we were on the hunt for Excalibur or on a viking long boat up some fjord. On this leg there were steel works on each side but largely hidden from view. One side seemed to be mainly demolished and the other seemed to be doing good business. The Richlow guide says there is more steel been made in Rotherham now than at its peak, but not from iron ore, but specialist steels from scrap.

A large investment from the steel company with a covered berth and heavy lift gantry. It doesn't look as though it has been used recently but there is hope for the future.

Next we came to Aldwarke Lock and once up through there is the Wash Lane Bridge. This is a listed structure, rebuilt in 1834, but seems out of place on this commercial waterway with 200' vessels passing. I reckon it would be a real sight seeing them squeeze through here. The bridge seems to have a fair bit of damage but rather than being hit by boats it looks more like over weight on the bridge top.

Leaving Aldwarke Lock and confronted with the comparative mouse hole of Wash Lane bridge. Not quite as bad as the bridge at the start of the Engine Arm in Birmingham.

Our last lock of the day was Eastwood Lock. There are some permanent moorings here and somebody must have heard us as they said they would work the lock for us. Unfortunately it didn't seem to work. After mooring up we called C&RT and went to see what was what. It worked fine for us so we had egg on our face when we cancelled their attendance. Moral is to check your self before calling for help. We were now off the river and onto the canal once more.

Still on the river a little upstream of Eastwood Lock were several wharves. I'm sure that they could be resurrected if a trade arose.

We moored up and went for a walk to the nearby retail park and came back with a new frying pan and various bits and pieces. bed early tonight as we have to be off at 0800 to meet up with the C&RT gang at Holmes Lock to see us up the Tinsley flight to Sheffield.

River riding.

We had an early awakening this morning. No, it wasn't the cat but the Humber Princess making it's ballast passage back to the Humber. It passed us at Doncaster at 0600 so it must have been by the lock over night. We went into the market again. The second hand market wasn't too bad but we didn't get anything and there were very few stalls for the farmers market which was a surprise. We did buy some pork and haslet and some veggies. Helen went back into M&S and took the plunge with a pair of shoes she had been lusting over. Thanks to my Mum who gave her some vouchers for Christmas. It was cold this morning compared with yesterday. After getting back to the boat and filling with water we set off.

New use for old canal warehouse, a furniture depot.

We didn't get very far until we were brought up short at the lock. The red light was on showing that it was not available for boaters use. After checking everything we called the local number. I was aware that there is a stoppage tomorrow as they have divers coming to free a sluice. They told us that the keeper would be there in about 30mins. Good time for lunch and try the haslet. For those that don't know it is a pork meat loaf sliced like a cold meat. Lovely in a sandwich with a bit of pickle or chutney. By the time we had licked our lips we were waved in the lock.

Totally hands free lock operation at Doncaster Lock.

We were now on the River Don that has been running alongside the canal all the way so far. The current was benigh and it was pleasant as we chugged past the Prison built on an island where the old power station use to be. Nick named Doncatraz! The river wound backwards and forwards, sometimes near the steep valley sides and sometimes just between the flood banks. 

Three bridges, the first a railway in use, the second a railway out of use and the third the A1(M).

Spotborough lock showing the size they are to accommodate the 200' barges.

I think that this area would lock special with the trees in leaf and the edges rubbed over. There is so much rubbish about after the rain of the winter it would also hide a lot of that too.

Another disused railway aqueduct at Conisbrough that was very impressive and a shame that it can't be utilised as a footpath or green way or something as it is very impressive as it marches across the valley.

Conisborough is also home to a Norman castle. It is unusual as the keep is cylindrical. It was only when we passed it that you can see the rather extensive walls around the area. Hopefully we will be able to get up and have a look on our return.

We moored just off the river and back into the canal cut at Mexborough Low Lock in a very quiet spot. It was supposed to be light rain for a lot of today but it has held off. The Saharan was settled and every time we move a rope there is the dust below it. I must get round to giving the boat a good wash down. On the whole though she has survived the winter well. The fire was lit and we settled down a  peaceful night with Helen having her Master Chef fix.

Doncaster bound.

We had a very quiet night until the rain started. Even Macy was quiet but we aren't used to the rain on the steel roof. Mind you it meant that I was awake when I felt the boat moving about as though somebody was clambering about outside, but no noise on the deck. I thought about the big barge traffic using this canal to Rotherham so got up to see what was happening to see the Humber Princess approaching Barnby Dun Bridge. It was about 0630 so I expect that they spent the night at Sykehouse Lock if not coming direct from Goole. It was nice to see the big boat and with a draft of over 2.6m it meant that the canal would be well deep enough for us and the all the locks would be working too.

Just trickling past waiting for the bridge to lift.

The stern of Humber Princess makes us look small.

Another boat tied up at the services and I went to see if they would be going through the bridge about 0930 but they were staying there, but said that they would raise the bridge for us, so we were off. The canal ran very close to the River Don (Dutch River) and the railway. The water had loads of rubbish in it but I suppose that is from the winter rain washing everything in to the canal. There was emergency work on the bank between the canal and the River Don with a floating crane and loads of shuttering. The other bank was littered with old factories and pits and with the mist softening everything it was quite a nice run to Long Sandall Lock. The new lock could obviously take the large Humber Princess tanker but the old lock was still there used as moorings. Helen made short work of pushing the buttons on the automatic lock. It is best to keep clear of the upper gates as the water comes wioth a bit of a rush despite only opening one paddle at a time.

Helen watching the indicator lights on the control panel for Long Sandall Lock.

After passing the extensive Strawberry Island Boat Club moorings we arrived at the visitor moorings right next to the Doncaster Minster. We tied up about 1200 and the sun came out! After a bite of lunch we set off to explore the town.

 The Corn Exchange tea rooms, Doncaster.

There is extensive markets here on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, spread between Food Hall, Fish Market (with a fantastic display), Goosehill Market, Open Market, Wool Market and the Irish Middle Market. We bought one or two things and then headed for the Frenchgate Centre and then the Colonnades area too. We managed a cup of coffee and a beer at a Weatherspoons too.

Doncaster Minster.

There are visitor moorings for about 6 boats here and permanent mooring inside for about 16. It is a really handy spot and you can stay here 72hrs. There is a Farmers Market and Antiques/Second hand market tomorrow so we will pop back ashore for a look see before setting off again. All in all a good day.

Doncaster Lock is just out of sight in the distance with an old coal shute and warehouse next to the moorings.