Peterborough.

2 locks, 6 miles, Now moored at Peterborough Embankment on the River Nene

We have been to Peterborough many times by road but this is the first time we have entered the town by water. The 2 locks we did today couldn't have been so different, Alwalton lock had a fair torrent pouring over the top gates which meant that the paddles didn't need to be used again as it self filled. It wasn't too good once the lock emptied either as the power of the water was so great that we not only had to hold the boats on the stern ropes but have them in reverse at quite high revs also. Once we let go of the ropes we made a pretty fast exit from the lock without having to use the engine.

Orton lock was completely the opposite with the water not even reaching the top of the top gates and just a mere trickle once the lock emptied. It was a very pleasant cruise into Peterborough with our first port of call being the landing alongside ASDA which Dick on N/b The Chequered Flag had told us about. Thanks Dick, it certainly made restocking the larder a lot easier. It was only a short trip from ASDA to our moorings just below the Grain Barge restaurant where we plan to stay for 48 hours.

1126 locks, 1461½ miles, 41 Tunnels, 41 swing bridges and 19 lift bridges since Nov 2006