Thames/London Ring

[Thallac]

Hello i am planning to do the London ring in my Mitchell Sea Warrior I am approximately 9 foot 5 off the water, but could get this down by a foot at least if i took off my radar. I am struggling to find any source of bridge dimensions. Can any one help. thanks

 

[byron]

True Blue will probably be able to help, if he sees this.

 

[joejo]

The lowest bridge I can remember is Harrow Road Bridge at 7' 4". For the canal part of the trip I would only really attempt it again in either a narrow boat or small cruiser with either an outboard or a weed hatch. The declared depth of 4 foot does depend upon water levels and I have never experienced such high levels of debris in a waterway. My trip was in a 27' shaft drive fiberglass cruiser and was blighted by prop fowling and water inlet blockages, which was all down to rubbish either thrown or blown in to the canal. It is however a great way to see London and a trip of extreme variations of culture. I am sure a Google search of the Regents Canal, Paddington Arm and Grand Union will reveal all the relevant dimensions.

 

[Actionmat]

I've just met a couple who did the ring in their NB on their way to the Thames. They said it was worse this year than before for debris and every temporary mooring was taken by what looked like liveaboards. Those who are good enough not to discharge their waste overboard are serviced by 'pump out Pete', who'll pump your tank into his NB thereby ensuring that no one has to move and lose their spot.

 

[Chris_d]

Did this about 12 years ago in a 25ft Sports Cruiser, we were able to get our clearance down to just under 8ft but it was tight in places. Also there are a couple of tunnels and if you have marginal clearance staying on course for 200m or so can be a challenge, you need a spotlight. Echo comments as above we fouled the prop several times with rubbish, fortunately had an outdrive so could easily lift it up and clear the discarded towels, rope, mattresses, traffic cones, dead dogs etc.... We only stayed one night near Paddington but it was a real struggle to find a mooring, sounds like it has only got worse, also loads of dodgy characters pending their goods around Camden. Have said all that its is well worth doing but you might have the wrong boat.

 

[Thallac]

Did this about 12 years ago in a 25ft Sports Cruiser, we were able to get our clearance down to just under 8ft but it was tight in places. Also there are a couple of tunnels and if you have marginal clearance staying on course for 200m or so can be a challenge, you need a spotlight. Echo comments as above we fouled the prop several times with rubbish, fortunately had an outdrive so could easily lift it up and clear the discarded towels, rope, mattresses, traffic cones, dead dogs etc.... We only stayed one night near Paddington but it was a real struggle to find a mooring, sounds like it has only got worse, also loads of dodgy characters pending their goods around Camden. Have said all that its is well worth doing but you might have the wrong boat.

Thanks for all your replies, my heart wants to do it, but all your advice puts me off. Will have to think of another plan for Bank Holiday Weekend

 

[TrueBlue]

Thanks for all your replies, my heart wants to do it, but all your advice puts me off. Will have to think of another plan for Bank Holiday Weekend

Good, good -
We love - well quite enjoy - the canals having done much of the system 'over time'.
London used an exciting trip - but even well seasoned in a WSOB (narrowboat), Wouldn't go there (possibly again) and certainly not in something reasonable delicate - draft/ construction / height.
There are an awful lot of liveaboards, sometimes it is said 3x abreast (OK you could possibly navigate past that), but many are not there because they enjoy the lifestyle, more because they have to. As there's little esprit de corps, you may find people being hostile whereas a true boater would be accommodating.
Mooring - again anecdotal - is horrendous, especially if your craft is 'not canal shaped; breasting up may not be welcome and so on.

For your sanity and safety I'd sadly recommend against it - especially if you have no experience of cruising in narrow(er) waters.
A trip down to Limehouse and moor in the marina would be just as pleasant - and you can explore the city from there.

(Thanks to Byron for offering me!!)