Tag: Grantham Canal

Grantham Canal Sponsored Walk: 27.5 Miles Challenge and Restoration Fundraiser

Jun 30th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Yesterday was the sponsored walk along the Grantham Canal from Tollerton Lane Bridge to Woolsthorpe Depot 27.5 miles. It was a cracking day out.

The day began at 05:00 with an early breakfast and final check of my walking kit. Angela then drove us to Woolsthorpe Depot where we picked up fellow walker Anthony and headed, via the back roads, to our meeting point at Tollerton Bridge. (Our planned route via the A52 was unavailable due to a helpful road closure in place).

At 07:00 at Tollerton Lane Bridge we met the other walkers – from Greenfields Countryside Ltd. The Company had organised the walk to raise funds for the Grantham Canal restoration.

The walkers at the start of the walk

The sun was shining but there was a chill in the air as we set off along the canal. The walk had two planned stops ( 8 mile and 17 mile) where we would meet the Grantham Canal Society caravan and cold drinks, cakes, teas would be dispensed 😊.

Just leaving Tollerton Lane bridge

The youngsters in the group set off at a fast pace, 3.2 mph – I wondered whether we would have a case of the hare and the tortoise. The towpath was built of solid material and it was easy walking at this stage.

The group headed for Cropwell Bishop Country Park

As we approached Cropwell Bishop Country Park a couple of Rangers from The Grantham Canal Society were stationed to warn us of approaching traffic from a blind bend on the road. After crossing they cheered us onwards.

Skinners Lock keepers cottage Cropwell Bishop Country Park

It felt like a surprisingly short time before we arrived at our first planned stop.

Arriving at our first stop

After cold drinks, a butty and delicious cake I set off for leg 2- our next stop would be after further 9 miles near Dove Cottage, Harby.

Soon we were passing through the dry section of canal.

Oldblokewalking by a dry section of the canal

I was lucky walking with Anthony who has been a volunteer on the canal for almost a decade. He has a wealth of knowledge to impart and was proud to point out areas / projects where he had worked.

We came across a fallen tree which we had to limbo under.

Arriving at Hickling Basin the sun was strong but we were doing great.

Leaving Hickling basin on good towpath

Oldblokewalking at Clarkes Bridge

We had a short stop just past Bridge 37 and waited for everyone to re-group.

As I met people along the route I stopped to chat to them and explain why we were walking along the canal. I enjoyed these chats but unfortunately it did mean that I had to work heard to catch up with the group!

I was ready for a cold drink by the time we arrived at our stop near Dove Cottage . We were surprised when The Red Arrows flew past – always impressive to see.

Screenshot

Planned Stop 2

Planned Stop 2 near Dove Cottage

At this stage we knew the hard bit was to come. The towpath was grassed and overgrown which would make the walking harder.

Leaving our second stop

I was bitten by a horse fly which seemed abundant in this final section. One of the walkers dropped out due to a very bad blister. Other walkers were feeling the strain. Thankfully, I was doing ok

I saw a walker coming towards us that looked familiar – it was Angela 😊and a sight for sore eyes. A boost to keep us going on the final few miles.

I witnessed people digging deep to finish even though they were suffering. I received phone calls from folk checking on our progress – all was good. This final section was a tough one.

As we walked the the last half mile towards the depot at Woolsthorpe (our destination) we heard cheering and clapping from the canal side – Those younger hares had beaten the tortoises on this occasion but they were cheering us on – they knew how tough it had been.

The tortoises arrive at the depot

Walking down the lane into the depot we received more rapturous applause – I found it very moving.

A BBQ awaited us and a cold drink. I noticed that quite a few of the young walkers were limping around and had their boots off. Yes, I thought, it HAD been a tough walk.

The group celebrates at the end of the walk with support crew

It had been an amazing day out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and helped raise £1500 for the restoration of the canal.

Happy Walking! 🚶‍♂️😊
Exploring Grantham Canal and Denton Reservoir: A Summer Walking Adventure

Jun 23rd, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Summer has finally arrived and I was looking forward to going out walking early this morning on a familiar 8-mile circular route taking in The Grantham Canal, Denton Reservoir and the old Ironstone Railway track.

Lock 17

I parked on the road next to The Dirty Duck pub at Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and set off following the towpath past locks 17 & 18. The Grantham Canal Society ‘Three Shires’ cruise boat was moored close to lock 18.

Lock 18

The Three Shires Cruise boat

The sun was warm on my face and the towpath was clear – wonderful!

I was soon passing under Longmoor bridge which is a fine example of a skew bridge – the bridge does not sit at 90 degrees to the canal and the brick courses under the arch are skewed which gives the bridge greater strength. There are also slots in the roof to allow bats to roost.

Longmoor bridge – a skewed bridge.

Next up was my favourite bridge along the canal- the Casthorpe bridle bridge. I think I like it because it reminds me of the Mathematical Bridge at Cambridge.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_Bridge

Casthorpe bridle bridge

The Mathematical Bridge, Queens college Cambridge

As I walked further along I spotted a ‘weed-berg’ floating on the surface of the canal – these could get wrapped around the prop of a canal boat and are best avoided.

A ‘weed-berg’ in the canal

I passed four groups of Duke of Edinburgh award students navigating their way along the canal.

As I neared Harlaxton the vegetation along the towpath was crowding in and the sense of openness I had felt earlier on the walk disappeared.

I left the canal at Harlaxton bridge, peering into the murky waters of the canal as I crossed.

The canal at Harlaxton

A nice walk across fields (I remember the same fields in spring being sodden with mud) brought me to the open expanse of Denton Reservoir – built to supply water (it has a capacity of 60 million gallons) to the canal.

Denton Reservoir

I sat for a break taking in the quiet and the view. Anglers could be seen dotted around the outside of the reservoir.

An angler reeling in his catch

Leaving the reservoir I passed through the village of Denton and headed up the road to pick up the dismantled track of the former Ironstone railway by a bridge.

My access from the road to the old railway track

It was a nice walk along the track, partially in the shade and no one to be seen.

The old Ironstone railway track

Passing through the support pillars of a dismantled railway bridge I picked up the Viking Way which brought me back to the canal.

A short walk along the canal brought me back to the car and the end of todays walk.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Discovering Grantham Canal: A 12-Mile Solo Walk

Jun 14th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

My solo walk today was 12 miles along the Grantham Canal (currently being restored by The Grantham Canal Society). I parked my car near the canal at Dove Cottage and planned to walk towards Hickling. As you will see, things didn’t go as planned.

It was a fine June morning, but on the chilly side, as I set off along the canal just after 08:00.

View along the canal from the road bridge at Dove Cottage

Last week I had walked east from Dove Cottage so today I was walking west. This section of the canal is full of weeds and reeds. So much so, that you cannot see the water.

There was a breeze and, as I was walking, I could hear the reeds moving with the wind – this, I find quite relaxing. The wildfowl living in the reeds were quite vocal as I passed – no doubt signalling to others that there is an intruder in their area.

I saw a field where the grass had been cut and bailed up already. That’s early I thought to myself.

I passed a quaint little pedestrian bridge spanning the banks across the canal. I do like a nice bridge! There are 69 bridges along the length of the 33-mile Grantham to Nottingham canal.

The grass on the towpath was definitely in need of a trim – hopefully soon!

Towpath in need of a trim

Continuing along the towpath I passed old Harby Mill warehouse- still standing proudly beside the canal.

Harby Mill

Just pass the old warehouse I spotted Azolla on the surface of the canal. Azolla is a rapid growing water fern that can reduce light and oxygen levels in the canal harming fish and other wildlife.

Azolla on the canal

More Azolla

Canal and River Trust can combat the Azolla by adding weevils to the canal. The weevils breed to produce large populations which feed on the Azolla https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/weevils-help-in-battle-against-water-weed

I continued along the towpath and saw a pair of swans, complete with their large new family, directly in my path.

I slowed down admiring the little cygnets. The male Swan started to hiss at me and fluff up his wings. Naturally he was protecting his family. I had a decision to make – do I press on and upset the Swans or about turn and finish my walk going in the opposite direction?

I decided to leave the Swans in peace and turned around 😊. I wondered whether they were on the towpath because the surface of the canal was coated with Azolla.

Metal mile markers on the towpath marked the distance from the river Trent.

I passed under an old disused railway bridge that is being reclaimed by nature.

The bridge was from the former Bingham to Melton Mowbray line as this writing on the bridge testified.

I enjoyed the remainder of my walk. I hardly met a soul along the way today.

The 29th June, when I am taking part in a 26-mile sponsored walk along the canal, is zooming up quickly. I have my fingers crossed that it will not be raining on the day. It should be a memorable walk. Hopefully it will be the subject of a future blog.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Conditioning for 26-mile Sponsored Walk along the Grantham Canal

Jun 7th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

It was sunny but on the chilly side this morning as I set off on an 18 mile walk along The Grantham Canal. I would be doing a ‘there and back’ starting in Woolsthorpe- by- Belvoir and going to Dove Cottage Tea rooms near Harby.

A canal view today

Why did I walk 18 miles? -you might well ask. Well, on the 29th June I am taking part in a 26 mile sponsored walk along the canal, from Gamston to the Grantham Canal Society depot at Woolsthorpe, in order to raise funds for the Society. http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/granthamcanalsociety

The Grantham Canal runs 33 miles from Grantham to the river Trent in Nottingham. With the coming of the railways, sadly, the canal fell into disuse. The canal is gradually being restored by The Grantham Canal Society but there is still a long way to go.

Today I wanted to do a longer than usual walk to condition myself to the longer distance.

It was a perfect walking day – not too hot and a gentle breeze, as I set off from the depot.

The canal society depot at Woolsthorpe

I walked past a series of locks that have been restored by the Society.

Lock 16

When I reached lock 13 there was a detour off of the towpath because this is the lock that is currently at the early stages of restoration.

Exposed side walls on Lock 13

One thing that I did notice is how much the grass and weeds on the towpath has grown in the last few weeks, not to mention the weed in parts of the canal. The wet and warm weather has certainly allowed nature to flourish.

I passed a couple of swans with their three Cygnets – lovely to see!

As I walked along the canal I realised how much I was enjoying it because navigation was simple and there were no worries from traffic. I had nice chats with a number of people who I met along the towpath who were also enjoying a walk.

The highlight of the walk was hearing cuckoos in the distance, its not often you hear a cuckoo and there were a plenty along my walk today.

I passed another Lancaster bomber crash site memorial – so sad.

Along the way I stopped for a break a couple of times. I definitely needed to take on board fluids. Finishing the walk I was pleased that I was feeling strong so that gives me confidence to tackle the 26 miles on the 29th June. I wonder what the weather will be like on that day?

I had enjoyed the walk and achieved my objective for today 😊.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
A 10-mile walk along the Grantham Canal.

Apr 23rd, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning the ‘Three Amigos’ met up and did a 10.6 mile walk from Woolsthorpe -by-Belvoir to Grantham along the Grantham Canal and back again. The Grantham canal is being restored by The Grantham Canal Society https://www.granthamcanal.org/

Parking the cars near the Dirty Duck pub, Belvoir Castle loomed large on the hillside dominating the area. Chris was 15 mins ‘late’ to meet up – ‘How come I am 15 mins early and I am still last ?’ he asked.

We had chosen to do a canal walk because of the recent rain and we wanted to avoid boggy fields. Water levels in the canal were low we noted as we peered over the bridge by the pub.

We set off along the towpath heading East towards Grantham. Light rain was forecast but nothing drastic.

Passing the ‘Three Shires’ hire boat.

Casthorpe bridge – a nice wooden pedestrian bridge

It was odd seeing the low level of water in the canal as it is not usually that low. So, we were on the lookout for any evidence of leaks from the canal as we walked along.

The path lies ahead

We passed a nesting swan – majestic birds- and a couple of Mallard ducklings. New life along the cut.

Chris was coughing and spluttering alot and clearly only firing on two cylinders. It was quiet along the canal with just the odd few cyclists, runners and dog’s walking their humans. If only the cyclists would ring a bell before frightening you half to death!

Denton Winding Hole

The green foliage was particularly striking this morning – spring was in full swing.

A cluster of Bluebells and a cycle trail sign

We passed under a number of brick humpback bridges along the way. I always enjoy looking at the brickwork.

Vincents Bridge

We reached the point where the A1 cuts across the canal and walked along Barrowby road to rejoin the canal in Grantham at Swingbridge Lane. We had left a rural area and were most definitely in urban territory.

Walking to the end of the canal at Earlesfield Lane we passed another nesting swan and found a handy bench for a cuppa.

A handy bench for a cuppa

After a refreshing Bovril we headed back. Light drizzly rain accompanied us along our way. The main topics of Three Amigo talk this morning were canal water levels, Jury service and Guitar playing!

We had thoroughly enjoyed the walk. We never found a leak, but I later found out that over the weekend there had been some boat movements and locks opened/closed. Water from Denton reservoir, which supplies the canal, has now been turned on so it won’t be long before the water level returns to normal 😊.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
A Sunday morning walk on the Grantham Canal.

Apr 7th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

The strong winds of yesterday had continued overnight as storm Kathleen showed no signs of moving on. I checked the weather forecast first thing and it was due to stay dry until lunchtime although the strong winds (50 mph) would persist. Right, I thought, lets get out for a walk!

I started walking at 07:45 leaving Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir and heading west along the canal. I fancied doing a 14 mile walk – my plan was to see how the weather developed.

Lock 17 at Woolsthorpe-by Belvoir

Heading west

It was a sunny start but windier and cooler than yesterday. I wished I had brought another layer with me.

I reached lock 13 which is a lock currently being restored by The Grantham Canal Society. https://www.granthamcanal.org/ The restoration is at the early stage of getting the lock in a position to be able to assess the brickwork. Dams are needed either side of the lock and a pipe to carry water around to bypass the lock. Once this is done the lock can be pumped out and the assessment started.

Uphill dam in place with pipework nearly ready to connect

Downhill dam nearly complete

I was walking on good section towpath at this stage but feeling battered from the wind.

Good towpath on this section

Along this stretch I saw a couple of herons and, as per usual, they flew off whenever I got to within 100 ft of them. I would have liked a photograph.

The swans were more obliging.

Good morning Mr Swan!

Along the way are signs denoting the distance from the river Trent – the start of the canal.

A mile marker post

Hope my hat doesn’t blow away!

I passed a derelict Lengthman’s hut (the Lengthman was responsible for maintaining a certain section of the canal) – there is a restored hut further west near Hickling basin. I wonder whether this one will get restored at some stage?

Derelict Lengthman’s hut

Lengthman’s hut near Hickling basin

I came across an old bench seat that had become part of the tree as the tree has grown.

Along this section the canal was not open – weeds and reeds were taking over. I quite like the reeds.

As I got near to Redmile the clouds were turning black and as I didn’t fancy getting wet I turned around and headed back.

Belvoir castle could be seen in the distance.

Belvoir Castle in the distance

As I neared Woolsthorpe I took the cycle path and visited the graffiti in a tunnel – its quite good I think.

I arrived back at my car and just as I was taking my boots off the heavens opened up – Someone was looking after me this morning 😊. It had been a bracing walk and I was looking forward to warming up.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
Along the Grantham Canal for a 10 mile jaunt.

Feb 18th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Yesterday, myself and Angela took a walk along the Grantham Canal on a section that Angela had not walked before. She is gradually walking the full length of the canal (33 miles) in stages. After all the muddy walks this week, I was keen to do a walk where I knew we would have decent paths.

The previous day we managed a short 5 mile walk as the weather threatened rain. The clouds were very moody looking but it was surprisingly mild.

Rain clouds with a shaft of sunlight stealing through

A bonus at the end of our walk was a magnificent double rainbow – one of natures wonders.

There was no rain forecast for our new walk 😊. We parked the car near the A46 and walked along the towpath through Cotgrave Country Park to reach Tollerton bridge. We then returned taking a different path through the park to reach a high point with a view towards Nottingham.

On our way to the Country Park we passed a couple of derelict locks that are awaiting restoration.

Some parts of the canal were dry and reedy. Others held water. The path was dry 😊.

Entering the Country Park we passed a new lock then crossed over a bridge to visit a coffee vendor that we had spotted.

The coffee vendor whose business is named ‘Ginger and Blue’ (she has ginger hair) was selling from a blue van with a steady stream of customer arriving. https://www.gingerandbluecoffee.co.uk/

The coffee van

Inside the coffee van

The coffee served was excellent and we will definitely visit again.

Enjoying the coffee

On our way out of the park now, we passed another derelict lock and a nice lock-keepers cottage.

Another derelict lock awaiting restoration

Skinners lock-keepers cottage

There were quite a few water fowl living on the canal- mallards and coots as well as swans. Some mallards looked as though they were nesting.

Can you spot the female mallard ? – she is well camouflaged

Friendly Swans

The tranquillity beside the canal was broken as we continued along the path. We were passing by Tollerton Airfield which had helicopters and small planes continually taking off and landing. The helicopters were particularly grating – they seemed to be buzzing around like flies. We stood for a while watching the small aircraft coming in to land.

Watching the planes land at Tollerton Airfield

Plane on approach to Tollerton Airfield

Further along the canal we saw a spot where some reinforcing had been put in place to protect the bank from breaching.

Metal sheets piled into the bank to prevent it from breaching

At this stage Angela was looking for a bench to sit on whilst having some lunch – alas, there were none. We reached Tollerton bridge and turned around. It is interesting how things look different when you come from a different direction.

At the Country Park we left the towpath and followed signs up through the Park to a high point hoping for a good view. We got a view across Nottingham but it wasn’t clear because the sky was dull/cloudy. There were, however, four benches so Angela was happy!

We came off the hill and re-joined the towpath and eventually were back at the car. We were a step closer to Angela’s goal.

Happy Walking 😊🚶‍♂️
A 12.6 mile Valentines day walk

Feb 14th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning myself and Angela decided to take a walk along a section of the Grantham canal ( a canal under restoration after years of neglect) that Angela had not walked before. The forecast was rain towards late morning but we decided to get out early and chance it – turned out to be a good decision.

Parking in a layby by Dove Cottage Tea Rooms near Harby we headed west along the towpath.

View of the canal from bridge by the start of the walk.

The towpath was quite muddy to begin with and gradually got worse as we made our way towards Harby. After roughly a mile we reached Harby and the towpath was much improved. It is just as well because we were quite deflated by the condition of the towpath.

We passed an old warehouse that would have been used in the canals heyday. The remnants of a windmill were also visible.

Old warehouse and remains of a windmill

There was some interestingly coloured algae on the waters surface – normally green this variety was reddish in colour.

Unusually coloured Algae.

Heading along the canal towards the village of Hose.

It was the usual people- free walk along the canal. The water level in the canal was high after months of rain- there were plenty of waterlogged fields to see and we wondered how they will recover.

Flooded fields adjacent to the canal.

The swans were friendly and paddled across to visit us.

Along the section past the village of Hose and on our way to Hickling, there were a number of nice swingbridges to explore.

Swingbridge

Close to Hickling we passed under a bridge that had been restored in 2006. I do appreciate a nice canal bridge.

Clarks bridge near Hickling

A little further we passed a restored lengthmans hut – a lengthman was an employee of the canal company who maintained a particular length of canal and its towpath, cutting back vegetation and watching for potential breaches.

Lengthmans hut – duck to enter!

Chimney was rebuilt

The Canal and River Trust have done a good job on this hut. A little further on we reached the canal basin at Hickling – it was bustling with people.

Myself and Angela found a bench, enjoyed a cuppa and watched the world go by. Heading back on our return leg now the rain clouds were gathering.

We were lucky to only encounter light rain. At the end of our Valentines Day walk we were planning to visit the tea rooms close to where we parked, but predictably, when we got there the car park was full – maybe next time.

It was certainly a good stretch of the legs.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
From Cotgrave Country Park to Cropwell Bishop along the Grantham Canal.

Feb 2nd, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

This morning I did a relaxing 9 mile circular walk from Cotgrave Country Park to Cropwell Bishop and back along the Grantham Canal. Walking the towpath is a joy and one is often quite alone .

I had an ulterior motive for doing this walk. I was aware that The Grantham Canal Society volunteers https://www.granthamcanal.org/were working with Corporate volunteers from Greenfields-Countryside Ltd on clearing trees and shrubs from the canal close to Cropwell Bishop. https://www.greenfields-countryside.co.uk/grantham-canal-maintenance-day-part-1/ I wanted to neb ( a Nottinghamshire slang word for being nosey).

The canal is under long term restoration and there are long sections that have succumbed to nature.

Canal taken over by nature

It was a grey, cloudy day as I set off along the towpath, but it was also very mild, and I was enjoying the almost spring-like feel to the day.

A lock in the country park

As I left the Country Park I came upon a section of canal that had been cleared. This was great to see and gives an idea of what the canal would look like when wrestled back from nature.

A cleared stretch of the Grantham Canal

I passed the ruins of quite a few locks along the way- one day they will be fully restored 😊.

I was enjoying walking along a mud-free towpath – that’s an advantage of walking by a canal. Original cast iron way markers along the towpath told me how far I had walked.

My route took me under the busy A46.

Passing under the A46

I paused for lunch and a cuppa at a nice wooden bench.

A welcome bench for a cuppa

Continuing on with my walk I passed some wooden stepping stones across the canal to a private garden – must be a short cut to somewhere.

Stepping stones to a private garden

The sun was breaking through the clouds and I was enjoying feeling the sun on my face – there was a bit of heat in the sunshine. Soon I could hear the high pitched whine of chain saws and the shouts of men – I had reached the area that was being cleared.

I visited the Grantham Canal Society caravan that was serving drinks and food to the volunteers. The Greenfields-Countryside Ltd volunteers are planning to do a sponsored walk of 26 miles along the canal in June to raise funds for the canal restoration and I will be joining them! After a chat I turned around and headed back to the Cotgrave Country Park.

Heading back to the Country Park.

A great day out.

Happy Walking! 😊🚶‍♂️
A 9 mile walk the day after storm Jocelyn.

Jan 24th, 2024

Hello and welcome back to my blog 😊.

Following storm Isha at the weekend we had another storm overnight called Jocelyn – the 10th named storm of the season. The strong winds battered my house overnight and I was feeling slightly tired this morning after being woken by the strong gusts of wind during the night.

I should share with you the sunrise yesterday which was spectacular.

I met Mick at the Dirty Duck pub in Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir and we did a 9 mile circular walk along good paths taking in part of The Viking Way, the old Ironstone Railway line and the Grantham Canal.

Start of the walk by The Dirty Duck pub

Sign on The Viking Way

After walking a short section by the canal we crossed over the canal via a bridge and headed uphill along The Viking Way.

Heading uphill along The Viking Way

There was still a stiff breeze blowing so despite the increased temperature it took a while to warm up. At the top of the hill we passed by the gates and a gatehouse for Belvoir Castle.

Passing by the Belvoir Castle estate

It was great to see little Snowdrops starting to pop up – a sign that spring is not far away.

Snowdrops

By this time the sun had made a welcome appearance as we strode along some nice footpaths.

Good farm track

There were plenty of broken branches strewn across our paths – the results of the overnight storm.

Broken branches

It was time for a quick stop for coffee and a scotch egg at a handy fallen tree😊.

A welcome break.

Revitalised, we continued following the old Limestone railway passing under a bridge and through tree lined vistas.

Bridge on the former Ironstone railway line

Our route along the old Ironstone Railway line

We made our way back to the canal and had a look at the work that has been happening at Lock 13 where it is planned to renovate the lock.

Crossing the canal.

Lock 14

A tranquil canal scene

Nothing much was happening at Lock 13 so we headed back to our cars.

Lock keepers cottage

We had enjoyed some fresh air, lovely scenery and had a good chat. Also, we agreed on next weeks walk. 🚶‍♂️

Happy Walking! 😊