Napton Flight

Back to the junction and the turning to Calcutt

It seems the Napton flight has been a bit neglected and an approach wall on one of the locks recently collapsed onto a boat mooring up for the lock.  Fortunately no-one was injured but it has meant restrictions have been imposed, apparently causing chaos over the bank holiday weekend.  It was fortunate I came up the flight when I did as another of the locks has now been closed for emergency repairs.

Unusual local livestock.

10 miles; 9 locks
TOTAL:  307 miles; 182 locks (58 broad; 5 large)

 

Saturday 31 May 2014

She passed!

Pleased to say there was no problem with the BSS exam, so that's that for another 4 years.

Grade II Listed, Braunston Stop House, originally the Toll office between the Grand Junction and Oxford Canals.

The windmill which has lost its sails.

To anyone with an interest in canal lore and legend Braunston is “home”.  It is at the very heart of the English canal system – a pivotal point between North and South. Braunston captures the imagination of waterway writers, artists and photographers, and, with its unique environment, is a living historical monument.

In 1768 the Oxford Canal was formed to link the Coventry Canal at Longford, via Banbury to Oxford, then to London via the Thames.  Ease of construction was crucial to avoid unnecessary locks, embankments and so on, so by 1774 it followed the contours via Rugby and Hillmorton, to Braunston. More information, history and photographs here - well worth a look.

Surprisingly, the church (known as the Cathedral of the Canals) was not locked and proved very interesting with a time line of the history of Braunston, items for sale (with an honesty box) and obviously the centre of the community.

Stag party from Willow Wren training in full swing at the Boathouse pub.

It is a busy place and very interesting but one night is enough for me so I head out back into the countryside.

The junction.

Back to near where I stopped on Thursday (thanks for the recommendation, Paul) and a lovely spot.

1 mile; 0 locks

TOTAL:  297 miles; 173 locks (58 broad; 5 large)

Friday 30 May 2014

Braunston

Every 4 years it is a requirement of the CaRT license that the boat passes the Boat Safety Exam - a bit like a MOT for boats, covering all aspects which could cause danger - gas, batteries, diesel, stove etc.  I have arranged to meet Nigel, the examiner, at Braunston on Saturday morning so move the couple of miles to Braunston early, as it is a very popular stopping place, to secure a good mooring spot.

2 miles; 0 locks

TOTAL:  296 miles; 173 locks (58 broad; 5 large)

Thursday 29 May 2014

Back Onboard

After nearly a week at the house the drive back on bank holiday Monday morning is very wet and much busier than I expected.  I think a lot of people packed up early because of the rotten weather.  On Monday evening I walked up to the pub with Paul Smith, the groundsman at the marina.  He also runs the website livingonanarrowboat.co.uk, to which I am a regular contributor.  With my agreement, he used a bit of poetic license in his report of the evening - here.  And the awful weather continued so I paid for another two nights mooring at the marina.

James keeping a lookout at the marina

Even on a dull day, it is a lovely marina, very quiet, with pleasant walks through the woods on the paths Paul maintains.

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Calcutt locks and the last of broad locks for a long time. 

4 miles; 3 locks (broad)

TOTAL:  294 miles; 173 locks (58 broad; 5 large)