Meg and I had some walks around the Denver Sluice Complex…
It’s not just one sluice and lock, it’s several, all based around Cornelius Vermuyden’s original concept. The latest evolution involves supplying water to Essex by impounding the flow in the Cut-Off channel, and reversing it to pumps at Blackdyke and thence to reservoirs in the county.
The Cut-Off channel was built in the 1950s to take excessive water straight from the tributary rivers, the Lark, Little Ouse and Whissey. This water normally drains into the Great Ouse upstream of Denver, but sluices can divert it if necessary into the Relief Channel which runs wide, straight and deep to Kings Lynn.
There’s lots more info and history here…
The tidal window for passage was early today, at 07:30 boats were gathering ready for locking through into the short passage to Salter’s Lode.
First boat out today, at just after 8 o’clock
We got away at soon after 10:00 having filled with water on the short wharf above the Relief Channel Sluice.
Leaving Denver, the Jenyn’s Arms on the left, Denver Sluice and lock is left of centre, and the concrete structure on the right is the Flood Relief Channel Sluice.
Although there was still a breeze it was considerably warmer today than yesterday.
The River Whissey comes in from the east.
Blink and you’ll miss it!
The Kings Lynn to Ely railway line crosses over the river near the junction,
then St Mark’s at Ten Mile Bank can be seen on the west bank.
There’s not a lot to see from the water, the high flood banks block any views. But there is some activity on the water…
I guess that’s where the term “necking” came from.
Hilgay Bridge comes next, some good EA moorings here complete with water tap
The Denver Cruising Club has it’s (floating) headquarters about a mile below the next inlet, that of the Little Ouse, AKA Brandon Creek.
DCC
This looks like it must have been a pumphouse at some time, the map shows a sizeable drain behind it. Judging by the windows, it’s now someone’s very nice private abode.
The Little Ouse comes in from the left.
We’d no plans for a destination today, and when we saw the pleasant EA moorings just beyond the Ship Inn we made the decision to pull in. Batteries were just about charged, and we can rely on the sun to do the rest.
The coolant leak I had seems to have sorted itself out. Ninety minutes at 1100 rpm this morning has caused not a drip or dribble. It’s a bit worrying though, it might start again just when don’t want it too… I’ll keep an eye on it for the time being.
Tomorrow Ely. The loos are getting a little full…
Locks 0, miles 6½
PS
We had a pleasant visit this afternoon; the Yarwoods and the WaL’ies came to find us, by road, bringing gifts. This is the last time we’ll see them this year, although we’re planning on having a Washers Reunion next year. The fourth crew, Derek and Sheila, NB Clarence, are joining us over here so we should meet up somewhat sooner.
Joe, Lesley, Lisa and Dave. And, of course, Floyd and Fletcher.
Great to see you guys, thanks so much for coming to find us. Looking forward to seeing you next year, enjoy the rest of the summer.
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