I have recently added a map for The Wash. Please note this is for general information only and should not be used for navigation. You should use full charts, an experienced pilot or guide, or have your own local knowledge.
Middle Level Navigations DVD Cover (Combined Version)
The Middle Level Navigations DVDs are available in our usual three formats:-
Popular – like a television programme showing the highlights of the canal
Bowcam – a forward facing camera, speeded up for a little fun, showing the whole canal
Combined – both Popular and Bowcam in one box for the best of both worlds, saving money and postage.
Middle Level Navigations DVDs. Popular, Bowcam and Combined (left to right).
Joining the Middle Level Navigations through Stanground Lock at Peterborough, we’ll follow the link route through Wittlesey and March to reach the River Great Ouse at Salters Lode. We’ll also see all the other navigations which can be cruised with a narrow boat.
We’ll pass through all the locks and visit the low bridges. See if we fit under the very low Infield’s Bridge on the Twenty Foot River.
The views from the Middle Level Navigations are rather different to those on other waterways, and present a novel experience.
Route covered by the Middle Level Navigations DVDs
The Popular and Combined DVDs each include an information booklet and a fold-out map.
Contents of the Middle Level Navigations Combined DVD. Includes both Popular and Bowcam discs, a fold-out map and an information booklet.
The Canal & River Trust (CRT) issued an email this morning saying that the River Severn was now navigable after being in flood for several days.
The water levels were very raised when cycled there a few days ago, including the Droitwich Barge Canal and part of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal as I checked the data for my maps.
The recently installed sign at Droitwich Barge Canal’s Lock 2 had two flashing red lights in the “Do Not Proceed” indications although, despite numerous attempts, I couldn’t get them to show in the photos.
Strong Stream Information at Droitwich Barge Canal Lock 2.Strong Stream Information at Droitwich Barge Canal Lock 2.
At Lock 1 of the Droitwich Barge Canal, which leads to Hawford Junction and the River Severn, the water was level across the lock and anyone foolish enough to try navigating could have opened both sets of gates and cruised straight through.
Raised water levels at Droitwich Barge Canal Lock 1.
I doubt they would have had enough power to navigate upstream and they would have been travelling at more than ten miles per hour when they hit the first obstruction or low bridge downstream.
At Worcester, the water was level with the “towpath” and well over it in places.
Raised water levels in Worcester.
You wouldn’t have been able to get a narrowboat under that bridge.
Raised water levels in Worcester.
At Diglis Junction, where the Worcester & Birmingham Canal meets the River Severn, the water was near the top of the walls which are usually high above boaters.
Raised water levels at Diglis Junction.
That swing bridge would have needed opening for any boats to pass through but it’s normally so high that even vessels with short masts can pass under.
As with the Barge Canal, foolish boaters could have opened both sets of gates at the same time at Lock 1 on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to cruise onto the River Severn.
Raised water levels at Worcester & Birmingham Canal Lock 1.
The map updates discovered on this trip are now on the master map ready for publication in the April 2018 monthly update for my cruising maps.
