I did think of staying put for another day as the forecast was not brilliant but it didn't look too bad, though cold, so off I set and had immediately to tackle the daunting lock at Hawkesbury junction.
It has a massive fall of 6 7/8 inches - reckoned to be a mistake by the architect(s) as it was meant to be level. Originally the Coventry and the Oxford were not connected here as the owners could not agree the level of the tolls so travelled in parallel for a short distance.
The entrance to the Oxford from the Coventry.
Looking across to the lock from the Coventry after performing a u-turn under the bridge.
And looking back to the entrance to the Oxford. Coventry is only 5 miles down the canal but it is very built up and I have little interest in city centres. So I turned Northwards.
The engine house which, from 1821, used to pump water from a well to replenish the canal. I do not know where the water comes from now but the engine house is disused.
The weather was much better than forecast and it was an enjoyable trip (still glad of the thermals). Not a spectacular stretch of canal but very pleasant.
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| Looking back to the Coventry from the Ashby |
These stone bridges are very numerous on the Ashby.
After turning onto the Ashby I moor up for the day a little way up as the forecast for the afternoon is not good. And so it proves - hail storms and thunder and lightening very close - James needs lots of cuddles for reassurance. Lightening is not a concern on a narrowboat as, being constructed of steel, it is a natural Faraday Cage but I have difficulty explaining that to James. I would rather not experience it though!
5 miles; 1 locks
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