The Ribble Link

2 August 2016 

The day has finally arrived!


Tarleton - awaiting our instructions

Coventina's Isuzu 42bhp Japanese Engine versus the mighty 9 metre high incoming Tide of the Ribble Estuary.

At 10.30am as the gates of Tarleton Lock opened to reveal the Douglas River one of the Lock Keepers shouted down "off you go, plenty of revs, everyone's made it so far this year".

Normally cruising at 1000rpm or so, we powered up to 1600rpm and shot out of the Lock. The Tide immediately started pushing us sideways towards the bank and we almost came to a stop. Revs up to 1900rpm rewarded us with some progress and after about a mile progress was getting better.


Ribble Estuary

 Eventually the 'mighty' Ribble Estuary came into view and the all important Asland Lamp. On the left bank was a stranded Narrowboat but as instructed we aimed to the left of the Lamp and then turned right up the Estuary. The Tide pushed us about a bit here but we soon settled down. Our Engine started to enjoy itself, temperature running just a few degrees above normal. 


The entry to Savick Brook was easily identified as we looked through our binoculars and spotted the Waterways Van and crew watching us through theirs! The turn against the now falling Tide was  easier than expected, entering Savick Brook at around 12.30pm.

Savick Brook requires careful navigation through all the twists and turns but eventually up the Locks to the final 3 staircase locks which you have to reverse into.

Stranded Narrowboat

The Waterways boys & girls, not to mention the volunteers, all looked after us really well, thankyou.


Mooring for the night was near Bridge 24 surrounded by numerous wildlife, while in the distance we could see British Nuclear Fuels Plant where Fuel Rods are manufactured.