Narrowboat Audrey Too was built by Paul Widdowson.We hadn’t seen another boat by the same builder, but on arriving at Sheffield’s Victoria Quays, we were put near to another Paul Widdowson built boat called Trilby.
On the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation
Through Tinsley Locks to Sheffield
The Tinsley Flight of 11 small locks has to be traversed to reach Sheffield. It didn’t start raining until we were at the penultimate lock, and the shower was heavy but quick. On arrival in Sheffield’s Victoria Quays there was a rainbow.
Sprotbrough on the River Don
We really love this mooring in Sprotbrough, a few miles from Doncaster. The village is charming and hidden behind woodland, so whilst it’s quiet and secluded, there’s shops nearby. The Boat Inn on the opposite side of the River Don is handy for a coffee and pub meal.
Sykehouse Lock to Doncaster in windy weather
Grief, it was windy! It’s difficult to drive a narrowboat when the wind’s strong. Had a bumpy night, with little waves forming on the water and splashing constantly on the hull.
I won’t go cruising without…
There’s stuff you need to hand while you’re cruising. You won’t get far on most canals without a windlass (the bent bit of metal with square holes at one end) because that’s essential for opening locks. A flask of coffee is almost as important.
Two very straight canals with lift and swing bridges
After travelling on the tidal River Trent from Torksey lock to Keadby Lock, it was a relief to be back on a canal. And how straight on the map the Stainforth and Keadby and New Junction canals are, although they’d be quicker to travel if it wasn’t for all the locks, swing bridges and lift bridges.