WillowTree Marina to Teddington Lock on the River Thames

13th June 2014

Feeling a bit suspicious today Susan says she does not want to go onto the Thames until tomorrow!!!

The two locks: Osterley and Clitheroe are a bit difficult for Susan to do.  The paddles are really heavy and the bottom gates are difficult too.  However, we manage to go through.

After Clitheroe Lock there are many large buildings and lots of building work.  We find a mooring in the basin just behind a boat called 'Meanderin'.  Boaters that we saw in Broxbourne.  They have been through Brentford three times and 'old hands' at it.  The lady spoke to Susan and calmed her down.

Brentford Basin

When 'Meanderin' decide to go through today, Susan tells Pete that we should go with them.  Pete is surprised as Susan really did not want to go yet especially given the date.  However, he soon realises that perhaps we should go - I was getting excited at the prospect.

After the decision is made, everything happens quickly.  We share Brentford Goughling lock which is similar to others that we have done on the River Lea and automatic, but hardly any drop.

Once through we then have to wait at Thames (Brentford) Lock.  Susan eventually gets to speak to the lock keeper who tells us to come through.  Susan is shaking as she rushes around checking everything on the inside.  She puts Mazey's life-jacket on and her own too.  Then switches the mains gas off.

We enter the lock with 'Meanderin'.  Susan holds the front rope and Pete the back.  Mazey is shut inside for her own safety.  Susan, once again, is surprised how small this lock is.......

After the lock I cruise for a little bit before turning right out of the canal onto the Thames River.  The tide helps to pull us around as we follow 'Meanderin'.

Turning right onto the River Thames

I feel that I am moving really fast with the sun on my roof and wind in my gunnels.  So thrilling.  There are lots of cruiser boats moored along the Thames and fabulous bridges that I cruise under.

The only dodgy bit for me but not for Pete was when we hit the waves of a waterbus going in the opposite direction to us.  My engine struggled a tad but Pete gave it more welly and we were fine.

I was surprised when we suddenly came up to Teddington Lock.  It had taken us only an hour!!!

Teddington Lock

This lock was no bigger than any other automated lock that we have ventured through and it was not that deep either.  Susan was amazed.

We found a mooring a few minutes after the lock and have paid £8.75 for an overnight stay.  Pete also paid £120 for a two-week licence.  The family left me and went for a few pints and a bit to eat in The Anglers pub and restaurant!!

There seems to be a LOT of party boats going up and down the river... lots of wash and noise.... Mazey not happy.....

Total 3 miles and 3 locks to Brentford/Thames Lock then 2 automated locks (Brentford and Teddington) and 4 miles (all in we did 7 miles and 5 locks)


12th June 2014

We said goodbye to the 'little oasis in the middle of London' namely WillowTree Marina.  My new bilge pump has been fitted successfully on 11th June.  So I am now river worthy..... and raring to go.

Jim helps Pete to push me out from the bank - due to the weeds.

Mazey has a rest whilst Pete fills me up with diesel and empties me with the pump-out.

Once underway we once again notice the sheer amount of rubbish along this section.  At Bulls Bridge junction we turn left and Susan notices all the houseboats.  Some are 2 levels deep and have a patio and a small garden.

Bulls Bridge junction

House boats at Bulls Bridge junction

Norwood top lock is the first lock we come across and it requires a BW key to unlock.  Pete takes a break and checks out my weed hatch after going through so much rubbish.

Weed hatch check at Norwood Top Lock

All the locks are now close together, Mazey and Susan decide to walk.  As we progress through the 7 Hanwell Locks, the rubbish seems to clear up, and the canal becomes more picturesque.  We pass the Asylum which is now Ealing hospital.  There is an archway which was built into the wall to allow coal deliveries access to the asylum.

Hanwell Lock

Asylum now Ealing Hospital

I am proud to announce that I also went under a rare piece of engineering by Isambard Kingdom Brunel where 3 bridges intersect at the same point: rail, road and canal.  The road is above us and the rail is below.

Three Bridges

We moor up for the night after the last lock.

Total 5 miles and 8 locks