Chelmer and Blackwater navigation

[madabouttheboat]

Has anyone ever transited this canal as a visitor?

The website does not seem very clear as to whether this is possible, but I want to lock in at Heybridge, head up to Chelmsford and come back down over 2-3 days and then lock out again. Visitor license seems to be for boats up to 12ft that don't need to use the locks, but I will. My boat is only 16ft, so well within the dimension limitations of the canal, but I can't lift it around the locks

Otherwise they only seem to talk about annual licenses that come with a mooring. They also mention that the locks can only be used by someone who has received approved instruction and only using a windlass issued by them. Seem to actively discourage visitors like myself, but maybe we are so few in numbers that we are not worth worrying about.

 

[johnalison]

I remember a fellow club member showing us pictures of their trip up to Chelmsford, about 15 yrs ago. I think it was just a modest hard dinghy, but from what I remember it was quite an expedition to get there. I think few in numbers is putting it mildly, but maybe kayaks and paddle-boards are now the transport of choice.

 

[MoodySabre]

Ring the lock keeper at Heybridge Basin 07712 079764 or 01621 853506

I went up as far as the big Tescos a couple of years ago in a dinghy and there was an horrendous amount of weed that needed to be cleared from the prop frequently.

 

[MikeBz]

One of Charles Stock’s books has a picture of him sailing Shoal Waters on the Chelmer & Blackwater canal - that was a long time ago mind you!

 

[ex-Gladys]

A group from WMYC went up to Chelmsford from Mersea in 3 open launches, up to about 20ft. There was a lot of coordination with the lock keeper at Heybridge. I'm away from home for a week, but will ask next time I see one of them...

 

[Gumpy]

It was possible 20 years ago to get a 60ft boat up there.
Medway, Swale, C&B N Page 6

 

[ianc1200]

We took a 60' narrowboat from East London so 20 years ago, got round to Heybridge and got to Chelmsford. Major problems were - it was foot and mouth issues and Colin the lock keepers wife didn't like us coming in, secondly they could not work out a fee structure for a temporary licence so instead charged us as though we were mooring at Heybridge each night. Beautiful river & canal. If Bru is still on here I think he had something to do with rescuing the navigation as it was about to be abandoned and returned to the farmers who owned the land it went through.

"It was possible 20 years ago to get a 60ft boat up there.
Medway, Swale, C&B N Page 6"

That was us.

 

[shortjohnsilver]

Although I suffered engine issues and failed to get to Heybridge Basin, others from our yacht club did so Wednesday. They were able to transit the canal easily up to the Tescos and back on Thursday and stated that it was straight forward, no weed issues and good fun. So, yup, you can.

 

[madabouttheboat]

Thanks so far for answers, I know you can go to Tesco as a visitor at Heybridge but I want to go further. I have asked via the Essex waterways website and shall see what they say.

If anyone has any more anecdotal stories, Id be very happy to hear them. I'm starting to suspect the answer may be no.

 

[Plum]

Thanks so far for answers, I know you can go to Tesco as a visitor at Heybridge but I want to go further. I have asked via the Essex waterways website and shall see what they say.

If anyone has any more anecdotal stories, Id be very happy to hear them. I'm starting to suspect the answer may be no.

Two weeks ago I wanted to launch my inflatable on the canal to go for a row. The only short term licence mentioned on their website is for a canoe/SUP but says "Sorry – The on-line Canoe and Paddleboard licence purchase facility is being upgraded and is off-line at the moment. Please contact the Paper Mill office (open 7 days per week) – 01245 226245 to buy a licence over the phone. ...." I called that number to pay and the voice-mail said they would call me back. They did not so they did not get paid!

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Egbod]

About 8 years ago I took my 23 foot cruiser up to Chelmsford. (I left the mast at my sailing club)
I showed my insurance certificate, and my Boat Safety Scheme certificate which is required for inland waters.
The scheme is fully detailed online. It requires an inspection and the certificate is valid for 4 years.
The locks need a special handle to operate the sluices- the Heybridge Basin lock keeper lent me one.
Things may have changed now

 

[LONG_KEELER]

About 8 years ago I took my 23 foot cruiser up to Chelmsford. (I left the mast at my sailing club)
I showed my insurance certificate, and my Boat Safety Scheme certificate which is required for inland waters.
The scheme is fully detailed online. It requires an inspection and the certificate is valid for 4 years.
The locks need a special handle to operate the sluices- the Heybridge Basin lock keeper lent me one.
Things may have changed now

Well done !

I used to live close to the canal at Chelmsford and regularly walked the dog along it. Hardly ever saw anyone using it.
It does produce very nice willow timber which is famous in the area for making cricket bats.

 

[DanTribe]

One of Charles Stock’s books has a picture of him sailing Shoal Waters on the Chelmer & Blackwater canal - that was a long time ago mind you!

Charlie used to tell the story of that trip to a rally at Chelmsford. He noticed that there was a prize for the longest voyage and remembered that the canal originally carried coal. So he took Shoal Waters from Blackwater Sailing Club to Newcastle and bought a bag of coal to deliver to Chelmsford. This was 40+ years ago.