Pollington to Rotherham

Another long day to day however the weather was mostly dry and much less wind. Made the turn from the Aire and Calder onto the New Junction Canal - a 5 mile straight with several lift and swing bridges and one lock. Got to the first lift bridge and a CRT man opened it for us as there was a workboat travelling behind us, also there was a volunteer lock keeper at Sykehouse Lock so we both stayed on the boat reducing our travelling time still further.

Making the turn onto the New Junction Canal

The CRT work boat finally caught us up

At the end of the New junction Canal we joined the Sheffield to Keadby canal and onto Doncaster

 

Doncaster Minster

After Doncaster we joined the river Don and into the Don Valley, I love this section of river passing through Sprotborough and up to Mexborough all the locks are mechanised so make life much easier.(have been all the way from Leeds). I saw an otter on the river today,first time I have ever seen one!

A1 Viaduct

 

Mexborough Top Lock

Conisbrough Castle

As we approached Mexborough I received an email, from CRT, stating that the next lock was closed for maintenance and would not open until 8 am tomorrow, this would cause us an issue as we had booked our ascent up the Tinsley flight into Sheffield for Friday morning, a few quick phone calls and CRT obligingly sent a lock keeper to get us through - great service Jo at CRT. 

We reached our destination following 10 hours of great cruising.