SPCC NOTES ON VISITING THAMES CREEKS
An exploration of BARKING CREEK
Barking Creek is still an active commercial navigation with small coasters trading from the wharfs in the lower reaches. Sadly traffic no longer uses the formerly navigable River Roding Navigation to Ilford Bridge, but with the advent of the new Barking Barrage it is again accessible by smaller craft and canoes. Headroom restrictions at the bridges stop its access by higher air draft craft. Prior booking of BOW LOCKS and BARKING BARRIER is essential.
THE TIME TABLING OF THE TRIP IS CRITICAL. THE KEY ELEMENTS ARE SET OUT BELOW
Exit Bow Locks HW, – 3.5 hours Bow Creek Mouth HW, – 3 hours
Leave Barking Creek Mouth HW(LB), – 0.8 hours Arrive Bow Creek Mouth HW, + 0.5 hours
Barking Creek Mouth HW(LB), - 1.75 hours (NB: If you arrive later than + HW(LB), + 0.75 divert to Limehouse)
Tour of Creek 0.9 hours maximum Arrive Bow Locks HW, + 1 hour (A diversion to Limehouse takes +2hrs)
THE CRUISE DETAILS
The trip involves pushing against the tide for much of the outward journey and some of the return trip. The timings depend on the engine size and the hull profile. The following times relate to a reasonable hull shape powered by a 1500cc engine.
Two factors control the trip; the TIDES and WEATHER. A tide at the neap end is preferable to a Spring. The trip must be made in daylight with good visibility and a wind no greater than FORCE 3, preferably less.
The cruise starts at Bow Locks which must be pre-booked. Although the locks nominally open 4 hours before high water, experience suggests there is not usually enough water for a safe exit until around 3.5 hours before High Water. The lock keeper will tell us when the levels are right. Leave Bow as soon as the lock keeper allows and follow the centre line of the creek to the mouth. This will take about 30 minutes. Check for other craft on the Thames, then give a long blast on your horn and cross the fairway to follow the southern shore downstream. Call Woolwich Barrier Control (VHF 14) to gain clearance for transit. Pass between the green arrows at the Thames Barrier Spans. Check your passage past the Woolwich Ferry as they move very quickly from shore to shore. Continue downstream to the Barking Creek Mouth. Do not cross the fairway too soon as the tide run is on the Northern side here and it will push you upstream; i.e. turn below the Creek Mouth. Keep inside the Yellow Barrel Buoy which marks the end of a shoal and pass under the Flood Barrier at the Creek Mouth.
The journey time from Bow Creek Mouth to Barking Creek Mouth is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Aim to arrive at the Creek Mouth around 1.75 hours before High Tide at Bow, but this is only 1.25 hours before High Water at Barking.
Take extra care as you pass through the Barking Flood Barrier and proceed up the Creek following a centre line. Take extra care at the new Tidal Barrage site adjacent to Regent Oil Co. Wharf. Check that the lights are showing green which indicates the Barrage is open and proceed up to the Mill Pool where you turn. Watch out in the Creek for floating ropes, etc. The journey up the Creek to the barrage takes 20 minutes. The Mill Pool takes another 5 minutes.
Take your photos but do not dawdle. Aim to spend 50 minutes maximum within Barking Creek before heading back upstream. The aim is to pass between the Green Arrows of the Thames Barrier before the tide turns. Here again clearance must be obtained for transit. (Call VHF 14).
The aim is to reach Bow Creek Mouth by High Water Bow plus 20 minutes to ensure a safe transit back to Bow Locks which close 2 hours after High Water. You need to remember that by one hour after high water the tide run down the Creek gets much faster, and your progress against it much slower. In consequence if you enter Bow Creek Mouth later than one hour after high water you will have difficulty in reaching the locks before they close through lack of draught. In this situation it is better to continue up the Thames to Limehouse where the lock remains operational for 3.5 hours after HWLB. That journey, pushing against an out flowing tide will take at least 2 hours
On arrival at the Locks at Bow the keeper should be waiting. You will then have completed your transit to Barking Creek. If you divert to Limehouse, please remember to phone Bow Locks to cancel your return booking. By prior arrangement, it is possible to stay over in Barking Creek above the barrier. In such circumstances the return trip can normally be made on the following day’s tide. It is best to leave as soon as the incoming tide makes a level and the barrier gates can open.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS:
Bow Locks 020 7517 5570,
Barking Tidal Barrier 01474 562250,
Weather Forecast 0891 226 456
Woolwich Barrier Control 020 8855 0315,
Barking Barrier Bookings 020 8227 3202,
Barking Wharf Moorings 020 8591 7324
ALL BOATERS AND SKIPPERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY UNDERTAKE THE CRUISES COMPLETELY AT THEIR OWN RISK. THE ST. PANCRAS CRUISING CLUB AND ITS OFFICERS CANNOT ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY FOR THE SAFETY OF CRAFT ON RIVERS, CANALS OR THE TIDAL THAMES