Mike Askin wrote:

> I put the route into Canal Planner - I think I got it all in:
 
<snip>

> Total distance is 299 miles, ¾ flg and 331 locks. There are 
> at least 6 moveable bridges; 40 small aqueducts or 
> underbridges and 9 tunnels.

<snip>

> This will take 105 hours, 48 minutes which is 10 days, 5 
> hours and 48 minutes at 10 hours per day.  For calculation purposes, this is 
> taken as 11 days
> 
> So you should be able to have a couple of days free 

300 miles in 105 hours is virtually 3 miles per hour without allowing any time 
for the locks (or the wait at Harecastle).  I suspect few boaters can average 
much more than 3 mph on lock-free stretches of narrow canal.

My own rule of thumb is an average of 3 miles/6 locks per hour, which would 
give a total time of about 155 hours (plus the wait at Harecastle).  An average 
of 10 minutes per lock is OK when the route has a number of flights were you 
can get a routine going, but is hopelessly optimistic for isolated locks where 
you have to land a crew member on arrival to turn the lock, or when you have to 
wait for oncoming boats.  On my timings, and assuming 8 hour days, you would 
need about 20 days for this trip!

David Mack

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