Day 11 – Tarleton to St. Mary’s Marina, Rufford
Only a very short journey today.
Due to time constraints on travel over the Ribble, I’ve decided not to wait 10 days for the next crossing, and make my way to Scotland tomorrow.
From there I will be Bonnyless.
St. Mary’s Marina, Rufford
I’m parked at St. Mary’s Marina with Mark Ball who seems like an affable fellow.
It’s got a few mod-cons like electric, which means I can watch more telly and use the microwave.
The trip is only a very simple one. From Tarleton, you have to negotiate the 3 swing bridges, follow the river. That’s about it.
The marina is directly before the lock, opposite to another, competing marina.
I did get a look in both. I know my locking partner on the way up planned to leave her boat here. Also, it was the first one I visited. I know the other is slightly more upmarket, if that’s what you’re after.
Trip to Scotland
Today has been busy booking accommodation for my first few days in Scotland.
The weather up there is over 15 for the duration of my stay, even rising to around 20.
I’m quite looking forward to it, because I’ve got no idea what to expect.
The road to Inverness
I know the first few days will be fairly easy.
From now on, I’m going to be using Strava to track my progress and making timelapse video.
From now on, my maps will look like this.
It’s roughly a 500 mile journey back down to the boat.
Day 10 – Tarleton lock
Moored this morning at the lock visitor mooring, expecting to take the next high-tide to Savick Brook.
After doing some shopping in the morning, I got back to my boat, had my lunch and prepared for the journey ahead.
Someone from the pinkpigalternative facebook page had mentioned needing to book in with the lock keeper, ‘Harry’.
I sought out this lock-keeper and after not finding him, or anyone at Mayor’s boatyard, I went back finished my cup of tea, grabbed my bike and went back again.
This time I found someone, he said Harry was ill and he was the lock-keeper for now.
Ribble link
He explained getting out onto the River Douglas was fine, great if you want to go into Preston. Getting onto the Ribble Link and up onto the Lancaster canal was a different matter.
That required a booking.
A booking takes time. …