Sheffield Narrowboats

Your journey from Sheffield can be as easy-going or challenging as you choose.

Whatever your plans, you will start (and end) your journey by passing through the Tinsley Flight of 13 locks - the top lock being situated by Tinsley Marina, about 60 minutes gentle cruising from Victoria Quays - during which you'll pass a varied mix of pleasant canalside nature habitats and the remanants of buildings giving a glimpse into the past industrial heritage of the Sheffield steel industry. 

(Tinsley Flight - leaving Sheffield) 

The passage through Tinsley Flight needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance (we can do this for you prior to your departure) and will usually involve a fairly early start.  Passing through the flight is assisted by either Dave or Derek - the British Waterways Lock Keepers - not because it's a difficult flight, but as a means of water management and conservation.  Starting your journey with the "Lockies" is also an ideal way to bring yourself up to speed on the local waterways, their heritage and navigation.  Both Dave and Derek are long time-served custodians of the flight, their knowledge and experience being second to none.

The flight takes around 3 to 4 hours.  As you bid farewell to the Lockie you'll have three more manual locks to work through Rotherham before entering the start of the broader, commercial River Don Navigation.  An ideal stopping point for lunch is just before the Eastwood Lock on the opposite side to the towpath.  After lunch you can set off again through the huge, fully automated (no windlass needed, only a British Waterways key) Eastwood Lock, and onto a beautiful stretch of river heading toward Aldwarke Lock and beyond toward Sprotbrough...