UK Canals - Journey reports

Macclesfield Canal:Bosley Top Lock

There seemed to be very little traffic again today.   We stopped in Congleton for shopping and nb Evenlode overtook us, then we overtook in turn when they stopped for water.   We had to wait at the bottom of Bosley for a descending boat in the bottom lock.   Three up we were rather frustrated when a lock was turned round ahead of us with a boat descending in the lock above that.   The crew could have saved themselves the effort with very little delay to themselves, whereas we were held up for 15 minutes.   "The lock was half full" he said, which we rather doubted , a boat having come out only a short while before.    Otherwise it went like clockwork.    At the top we got rid of our rubbish and then looked for a mooring for the night.    All the made moorings are shown as permit holders only with only unmade moorings with uncut vegetation for the itinerants.   At least there is piling although it became apparent that the bolts holding the two components, the vertical and the horizontal which hold the mooring piling pins were loose, so that when a boat passed a little faster than usual the hook was pulled through a series of gaps with a worrying sound.   Had to move the boat and find something more secure.   Our front button fender has taken a caning coming up all the single locks as the boat is always pulled forwards by the turbulence (worst for this was the Oxford Canal).   A little bit of re-adjustment was needed today.

Macclesfield Canal:Red Bull

We left at 7:00 am.  leaving early is is inevitable that we will pass a lot of moored boats, so concious of the fact that mostly the occupants will be fast asleep and missing the best part of the day, we try to creep past without disturbing them.   So this mornings little it of canal rage was probably also inevitable, though a first for me.   I was warned by the clatter of the silly "safety pin" mooring pins indicating a boat improperly moored.   Sure enough the lines we at rightangles to the bank and slightly loose, so not matter how slowly you go the boat will surge forward and back until the line catch and then it will bang against the side.  There came a thumping from the porthole and an angry hand gesticulating.   The interesting thing was that the next series of boats in the line never moved a jot.   The boat in front came up behind us later and said that the boat in question had taken ages to moor up the night before making a real hash of it.    So chaps, lines at 45 degrees, pulled tight (unless water level changes are expected)  and if on a curve, put a spring line out.   If you are upset by boat movement due to passing craft, you are not properly moored.   That's it.   We had an uncontested run up Stoke Flight hardly seeing another moving boat. No sign of the Etruria Canal festival due at the weekend.  There were only two boats moored on Westport Lake moorings, so imagine our surprise arriving at Harecastle tunnel to find a long queue right back to the bridge.

Back of the queue for Harecastle Tunnel

  We had to wait nearly an hour for passage, during which time a veritable flotilla turned up behind.   We turned off onto the Macclesfield, once through the tunnel and moored near the T&M aqueduct.

Front of the tunnel queue

Trent & Mersey Canal:Barlaston

We set off lateer than usual to arrive at Canal Cruising Co, just above the next lock, after 8:30 so that we could get a pump out.   An interesting location as all the buildings look original dating back to the early canal days and the Cruising Co itself claims to be 60 yeaars old.  With such a history you wouldn't expect new fangled equipment like a shiny pumpout machine.  They use a tanker just like at Harefield but whereas most systems use a red handled switching spigot with a perspex viewing ring on the end of their pipes, here they just stuff the pipe in the hole and it worked brilliantly.   We then stopped to drop rubbish off at the next lock and then carried on to the Meaford Flight.  Two C&RT inspectors were checking the locks.  I pointed out how some of the bolts holding the gate collars protrude into the line of the lock scraping boat side if unlucky enough to come in contact.   The first two locks are not aligned and one needs to get the turn going in the lock itself resulting in inevitable contact with the collar.   I noticed how the bolt looks as if it has almost sheared off after many such incidents.   Helped by well timed opposite direction traffic we were soon on our way again.   At Bridge 100 we were hailed to stop by nb Bittern.  They had engine overheating and RCR had suggested they get a tow to Barlaston to facilitate their repair team.   We were happy to oblige and just used a short line to our stern dolly.   With the small rudder as most narrowboats have in contrast to a regular butty, steering is difficult for the towed boat but all went well and we slowed down well in advance and slipped the line to let them coast into the wharf by the bridge and pub.  We moored a feww hundred yards further on.   We never found out what the outcome was.   They had disappeared when I went back later in the afternoon.

Trent & Mersey Canal:Stone

Well it was raining this morning and continued so until midday.   We made steady progress passing boats at just about every lock so that a single hander ahead of us was long gone.  Needing a pump-out we turned into Aston Marina.   We were immediately lost.   In spite of being a modern new marina there was no signage apparent so after doodling around for a bit we saw the pumpout machine (and incidentally the diesel point) right by the central bridge but with no obvious mooring opportunity other than totally blocking the bridge.   Investigation showed that a token was necessary, but no indication where one could be aquired.   No sign of any office or reception in the vicinity.  So we gave up and left.   Perhaps the services are only for their own customers in which case a helpful notice would be appreciated.  Looking for a mooring with WiFi we continued on ending up in Stone.  

Our mooring in the first pound above the Star Inn

There was a short space downstream of the water point and where BtWiFi was possible, so we stopped there for lunch and took on water before moving on above the bottom lock where there was a marked 48 hour mooring, also with good WiFi.   Our data bundle is running out largely due to inadvertantly downloading two TV programmes - too complicated to explain!

The next lock. The Oldest Hire Base, Canal Cruising Company is on the right after the lock.

Trent & Mersey Canal:Little Heyford

We wern't the first to leave this morning.  A boat passed us at 6 am.   We left at 7:00 am.  Pat had gone ahead to prep the first lock (Middle Lock) leaving the swing bridge to me.  As I exited the Coventry Canal and turned left, a nother boat was moored at the junction and took off to follow.   We forged ahead with them coming up behind as we left each lock, but then with us well ahead after Woodend.    However, by Armitage Tunnel they had caught up, so I let them pass.   It was a rather broken down boat, listing badly to port and seemed to have a crew of four and seemed unable to keep a straight course.    At Rugeley we caught up where they were struggling to moor up past bridge 66 where the long line of moored boats ended.   We carried on to Bridge 67 reckoning that we would be nearer the shops not having to walk back to the bridge where we usually stop.   Pat went off to Morrisons, found Aldi and checked it out, found it wanting and carried on to Morrisons.   The odd boat passed us shortly after, had difficulty avoiding the bridge and nearly colliding with an opposite direction boat in the process.   The crew appeared to be working on the engine as they went by.    Pat eventually reappeared and we set off again to find that the odd boat had moored up again and was now being painted.  Very curious.   We had intended to moor at Wolseley Bridge, but there were too many boats, so we carried on to Little Heywood.    I went off to check out WiFi availability in the village.  The Red Lion seemed to have none, but the Lamb & Flag with a "To Let: Pub Business" sign outside had free pub WiFi.   Interestingly I found a WiFi hot spot around the Arriva Bus Stop, active for a few metres.    That's something I didn't know of and I wonder how widespread this facility is.   The rain which the Met Office had forecast didn't arrive until the afternoon and then was shortlived.   It is supposed to be worse tomorrow.  We'll see.

Coventry Canal:Fradley Junction

Better weather in prospect today.  Passed all the usual milestones - Hopwas - Huddlesford - then stopped at Streehay for fuel (83p) and finally Fradley.  Streethay is a busy yard with lots of metalwork their specialty.  Whilst paying for fuel I noticed a well stocked chandlery.    Lots more boats seen on the move today but this was always a busy section.    No problem with bridges and the generator/chimney until bridge 89 which was expected.  Preparations had been made to reverse the fan quickly and whip the chimney down at the same time.    As soon as I started to do a little bit of decorative painting on the back doors the rain drops came!!

Coventry Canal:Fazeley

We set off early as usual to get the Atherstone Flight out of the  way before the locks got too busy.     The bottom mitred gates are much heavier than those on the Oxford appear to be and are sheeted on the downhill side meaning that there is nothing to grab old of when leaving the lock to close the offside gate.    Fortunately the locks have steps on the offside, but it does mean stopping the boat in the right place.   Bywashes emerging under the walls make this a risky procedure unless a rope is taken ashore.    Lock 10 had one top paddle u/s and as we were then waiting for a boat to come up meant a 20 minute delay.    Alfie thought he would be very clever and walk along a tiny ledge in the lock throat to hasten his return to the back of the boat.   He duly fell in and got himself between the boat and the lock wall, ideal for squashing him.    He was duly lifted back out after having swam hither and thither.     We carried on at the bottom, wary of the bridge holes because the wind generator is stowed in its normal position making the tail fin the highest point on the boat.     We just squeezed under at Polesworth and also under a bridge near to Glascote.     We do know that we cannot get it through under some Trent & mersey bridges, so we have to reverse the position putting the tail in the rear hatch.    OK under normal circumstances, but messy when it rains of which we seem to have had a lot recently.   We are now moored opposite the "Three Tuns Inn" in Fazeley where we have found a BTWiFi signal from the boat.    Might check the pub out later.

Coventry Canal:Atherstone

First a water stop.  That was just a 5 minute cruise across the canal.   Then on to the Coventry Canal which we will traverse over the next three days.   It started to rain properly and thus it continued until completely sodden we reached Atherstone where we are planned to stop for the night.   Had I known it was going to rain all day I would have put my serious yachty rain clothing on beforehand.  This is not a casual decision but once taken has the magical effect of stopping rain from falling, or so it has turned out.   Needless to say the stove is working overtime.

Coventry Canal:Atherstone

First a water stop.  That was just a 5 minute cruise across the canal.   Then on to the Coventry Canal which we will traverse over the next three days.   It started to rain properly and thus it continued until completely sodden we reached Atherstone where we are planned to stop for the night.   Had I known it was going to rain all day I would have put my serious yachty rain clothing on beforehand.  This is not a casual decision but once taken has the magical effect of stopping rain from falling, or so it has turned out.   Needless to say the stove is working overtime.

Oxford Canal:Sutton Stop

Rain threatened but held off until after we arrived at Hawkesbury Junction. Two crabby looking ponies were tethered on the grass by the moorings, keeping circular patches of grass short. This meant that Alfie could not be let loose as he would cetainly challenge them. I suggested that he should be taken and introduced properly which I suppose he was later. he decided to give them a wide berth. Then there were swans with babies around. Got quite agressive with the boat when we told them that one slice of bread was all that was good for them. The parents are quite happy to take it all and do not give their offspring any advantage. The pub was full at lunchtime. We didn't try in the evening but enjoyed a gammon steak with all the usual trimmings on the boat thanks to Pat.

Oxford Canal:Rugby

Rain this morning.  There was a short lived gale last night when the front must have gone through and the wind turbine sounded as if it was taking off.   But quiet again by 6 am.   A straight run through to Rugby with other traffic only making itself present after Hillmorton.  A single handed boater (nb Matilda) set the right hand lock for us as we approached so we went straight in.   We reciprocated for the next.  There was a volunteer on duty for the bottom pair.   A boat was coming up and we took that lock with the other full awaiting the Australian.    A mooring was available on the field to we took it.   Further to walk to Tesco, but safer for Alfie.   Went down to Tesco with the laptop to get some WiFi, but the speed was so slow it would have taken an hour to download two episodes of Eastenders, so I left it.     A plan has been worked out for the rest of the trip to Higher Poynton.    Nothing very stressful!

Oxford Canal:Fenny Compton

We made an early start today with the intention of getting water and proceeding on to Fenny Compton.   The water took 30 minutes fill and Banbury was deserted save for a few souls heading off to the station.    After the Town Lock our next lock was Hardwick Lock where we met an opposite direction boat whose skipper told us that the next lock was closed all day for repairs.  I should have said reminded us because I had read the stoppage notice but had forgotten all about it.  Oh well, we are not in a hurry, so pootled on until we got in sight of the lock and moored up on some overgrown piling, deployed the windmill and thought about jobs to do.  We were approached by a boater of the only boat ahead of us on the lock landing who had some information about the work.

Bourton Lock #27. Stop planks in situ with the cill exposed. Half an hour later this was all in working order.

  It was to repair the top gate cill which had crumbled causing leakage and falling water levels in the pound above.   He had been informed, however, that they were using quick setting cement and expected to be finished shortly.   In the event it was only an hour's delay for us.   At Cropedy we came up behind another boat just entering the lock ahead of us and from then on we were in a train of boats up as far as Claydon Top with intermittent interruptions by opposite direction stuff.   All good fun.   The weather had been alternately chilly and sultry all day, but as we reached Fenny we got the first rain shower and the thought that we might light the stove.

Banbury

We are still in Banbury taking advantage of the shopping and launderette etc.    The 14 day mooring by the station road is quiet enough although Alfie may challenge the odd (?suspiciously behaving in his view) walker.

Oxford Canal:Banbury

Only 2 hours 20 mins to Banbury this morning.   The mooring we usually prefer because it is nearer the station was vacant so here we are.

Oxford Canal:The Pig Place

We stopped briefly at Aynho Wharf for services before continuing on for a very short day.   I had in mind stopping at a farm shop that we had spotted on our way down the canal.  There were moorings with electricity.  Of course there was a charge of £10 for overnight mooring with £2 extra for electricity.  The farm shop was nothing very special but the grass bank spotted with small fruit trees and the piggery was worth a stop.   We did stay there so left in the morning with full batteries.

Oxford Canal:The Pig Place

We stopped briefly at Aynho Wharf for services before continuing on for a very short day.   I had in mind stopping at a farm shop that we had spotted on our way down the canal.  There were moorings with electricity.  Of course there was a charge of £10 for overnight mooring with £2 extra for electricity.  The farm shop was nothing very special but the grass bank spotted with small fruit trees and the piggery was worth a stop.   We did stay there so left in the morning with full batteries.

Oxford Canal:Aynho

Chloe needed a few things from a shop this morning.  There is a small shop in the boatyard, but not well stocked.   She was told that there was a shop about 1/4 mile away "up the road to the crossroads and turn right.  Well it turned out to be Sleeple Ashton and .nearer a mile, but success.  So we left a little later than usual.   Clear blue sky to start the day but clouds soon appeared and a chilly breeze made it alternate between warm and cold.   Again little traffic, so we made good time and returned to the same mooring as last week, right by the bridge.   The mowers had been out making a good job of the towpath.  We were amazed to see "our mooring" near bridge 208 had been given the treatment.   This is a spot where years ago we were running out of time and also needing a TV signal so we had to moor against a bank with tall vegetation although with concrete piling and deep water.  We cut the vegetation down with shears for our one boat length and thus it seems to have remained to this day.   A one boat length tidy mooring.   We tried sitting out this afternoon, but the intermittent cloud and chill wind took all the pleasure away.   Another fine meal in the evening at the "Great Western Arms".

Oxford Canal:Lower Heyford

Once past the electric lifting bridge we did a sharp left and moored at the service block.   This seems to be looked after by the local cruising club.

Thrupp Services

 The gardens are very attractice.  There is an exchange book library.  The pumpout is run by the club, so only cards purchased from the warden canbe used.   Our journey from there was really uneventful.  Just the occasional passing boat but only one opposite at a lock so by early afternoon we arrived at Lower Heyford.   Interestingly, since we passed on the way to Oxford last week the grass has been cut.    We were impressed to see that our mooring near bridge 208 has also been made pretty.   Just one boat length where a few years ago we stopped late in the day and moored up on concrete piling but with waist high vegeation along this stretch.    Then we cut the growth with shears and left it looking like a regular mooring which it remains to this day.     Pat tried the "Village Shop" at the boatyard, but they have no bread for sale.   The particular feature seems to be a forest of boat chimneys, presumably aimed at the boaters who have been unlucky at the low bridges.    The pub ("The Bell") was also shut when we went up at 4:30.   Too early in the season I guess.     The sun is warm today but no sooner had the chairs come out than it rained.  Or maybe it was me changing into shorts.

Oxford Canal:Thrupp

We are back at Thrupp.   We left Osney taking the Sheepwash Channel to Isis Lock and beyond.   The canal was more attractive than I remember with mooring available in several places.   The first lift bridge was causing a problem to a pair of hire boaters who couldn't unlock it.   We struggled too, but eventially a way was found to do so by twiddling the key not in the expected way.   We leap frogged the hire boat at the next bridge as they kindly kept it open for us and we were leapfrogged in turn as we stopped for lunch.  Plenty of mooring at Thrupp once again.  The weather has been kind today.  Much less wind and warmer too.  We were actually able to get the chairs out this afternoon and then the men visited "The Boat" for a couple of pints ater in the afternoon.  Our host said that she is normally closed in the afternoon, but as the weather is getting warmer is now open.  The place was deserted save for us and later a couple of dogs.

River Thames:Oxford

Still the strong blustery winds this morning.  A leisurely start, first to the water point above the lock and then the pump out.  The light showing the pumpout available was not showing, so I spoke to the relief lock-keeper who was very helpful.  Checked that my card had not been stamped and when it failed to work went and turned on the unit manually from the back of the sanitary station.    Something wrong with the user operation control seemingly.   Anyway we got our pumpout.   Then the long cruise past the motocross field and the rowing club to Sandford Lock, then Iffley and finally Osney.  There were very few rowers out this morning compare to yesterday.  After lunch a quick walk into Oxford and back again.  Osney lock has one of the new lock signs (see pic).  

Can yo see the sign for the lock?

In my opinion the sign is all wrong.   It looks as if it has been designed by an arts student or else a lot of money has been spent for a "new design"...Why?   The standard lock sign is  blue in colour and the legend is visible from afar.  All boaters will recognise it instantly.  This new sign is green.  What is the predominant colour of the waterway?  Green!  So this new sign will never stand out against vegetation and if half obscured as some of the signs are, will be invisible.   Navigation signs should conform to a standard.  This one doesn't.

River Thames:Abingdon

Heavy rain overnight but soon the sky cleared and the sun came out.   So instead of the threatened "dreadful day"  we had a dry cruise to Abingdon, albeit with increasing wind.   Iffley Locks and Sandford were staffed but Abingdon was on self service, a blow because I wanted a pumpout card.  We moored on the Abingdon Gardens side which I would not normally recommend as it is very public being the playground of the local youth.  We had two young lads sitting on the roof this afternoon.  Would they expect us to invade their home?   We had a wander around Abingdon.   Found a very smart Wetherspoons (pint £2.35) and the pub opposite (Grapes pint £4).   Feel sorry for the Grapes.  Just can't compete.   The Morris Dancers were having a big day, but we were disappointed that it was not market day.   In spite of the general high winds we seem relatively sheltered where we are, probably why we chose the spot. 

River Thames:Oxford

After a very windy night and early rain shower the sun came out.   We had some very strange bangs in the night, like something hitting the roof, so looked out to investigate.  Saw nothing strange.  Perhaps a bird hit the fan guy lines.   Then Alfie woke us because the carbon Monoxide alarm was squeaking - low batteries this time.   Pat has been busy changing the boat around for our guests arriving this afternoon.  So we took our time leaving Godstow.   The wind was quite strong trying to blow us off the bank, so Pat walked the boat round to the lock on the bow rope.  

Osney Moorings. Never seen them this empty before

The stream at Osney is running fast as usual, but the moorings were empty save for a fellow Braidbar Boat (nb Hazel) so we had no problem mooring.

River Thames:Godstow

In spite of the wind howling in the windcharger overnight the batteries were low enough to switch the inverter off this morning.   And it was raining, but not for long.   We set off with the intention of stopping somewhere en-route with access to Sainsbury's supermarket Kidlington.   The problem is that the towpath is on the wrong side and there is no obvious access from the nearest point as the crow flies.   Yarnton Bridge would work, but we found the mooring less than ideal and it would be a long walk - over a mile.  There is a footbridge (229 not shown on Nicholsons) that leads to the Stratfield Brake nature reserve, but not an easy job to get several bags of shopping back (about 3/4 mile)across rough terrain so we thought we would just moor up at Godstow and get a taxi.    So we continued and needing water stopped just past the Drinkwater Lift Bridge (needs a BW key).   I remember this one, its dreadfully slow.   Took us about 50 minutes to fill half a tank.   Dukes Cut has been cleaned up I'm pleased to say although there are still quite a few boats moored there.  We  had some trouble mooring at Godstow as the bank is sloping and shallow in places but eventually ended up with a less than textbook arrangement.  The lockie wouldn't let us moor on the nice straight concrete edge extension of the lock landing as the lock cut is too narrow.   We need at least part of the boat near the bank for Alfie to get off, so we have bows in and stern out facing the wrong way altogether in the stream.  I am imagining all the things that can go wrong, changing water levels, increasing flow, rear pin coming out etc.   My insurance is a stout tree stump.   Leaving the boat we crossed the bridge at arrived at the Trout Inn.   As we had 20 minutes to wait we thought we would drop in for a drink.   It's a massive dining venue for all the Oxford great and good it seems and we two vagrants inappropriately dressed carrying a bundle of Sainsbury shopping bags felt really out of place.    Two £10 taxi rides and the superstore had come through with 5 full bags and the boat is now restocked.   

Oxford Canal:Thrupp

Thrupp Moorings

Good wind last night!  We left for Thrupp at 7:15.   As we descended the first lock a boat was arriving behind, but we didn't see it again.   Just the odd opposite direction boat until we reached the river Cherwell, then a steady stream of boats - all leaving Thrupp moorings we hoped.   This turned out to be true.  Plenty of space there.   We had kept dry thus far, but a shower shortly after arrival proved a reliable weather forecast today with more showers and wind expected.

Oxford Canal:Aynho

Moving on!   The wind has a real chill to it today in spite of the sunshine. Only four locks today one of which was Kings Sutton

Kings Sutton Lock

where some years back three cutwebbers were held up with a stoppage.   I think the nearby old lock cottege was selling ice creams, but I see today it is up for sale.  The rudder juddering got worse, so at Nell Bridge I went down the weed hatch and retrieved a load of webbing.   Bridges are presenting some problems with the "roof furniture".   The chimney has had to come down twice although the TV aerial and wind generator have survived.   The latter needs to be rotated so that the fin points to the towpath side to avoid the lift bridges, but the one at Aynho is a beast being low and flattened, but offset so that the canal centre is on one side of the arch.   You can see in the picture that a chunk of masonry has been knocked off after bridge strikes.   The chimney definitely came off for this one.

The tricky bridge at Aynho Wharf

Oxford Canal:Banbury

This morning we moved the boat as our 48 hours had expired on the town moorings.  We just went through Town Lock,

Town Lock, Banbury

past the station exit and settled nearer to the bridge giving access to Morrison's supermarket.  WE need a big shop for the week ahead, but this is never a straightforward matter.   Pat goes with the trolley, but there are always a few extra things we need when she gets back, so a list is prepared.   I go off with a big trolley for the beer but forget the list, so there is one thing on the list I can't remember (but I did get the beer).   So later a third trip is needed (might as well get some more beer anyway.    So apart from a bit of cleaning and minor maintenance items, that was our day.   Pleasant sunny weather though and Alfie had the run of the towpath trying to put the fear of death into any dogs trying to pass, but failing of course.

Oxford Canal:Banbury

We stayed in Banbury yesterday moored at the top end of the shopping centre.   Michael went back to Harefield (Denham is an easy rail journey from here) to move the car back home, collect the post and retrieve some vegetables from the allotment.   Pat had phoned to say that the gas alarm was pipping (the best way to describe short infreqent squeaks) and had spooked Alfie who ran off across the road to the other side of the canal.  For some reason, even though we had 100% at the end of the cruise on Friday, the boat domestic batteries were well down yesterday morning (less than 11 volts) and I suspected that this was the reason, so I suggested that she should run the engine and temporarily turn the power to the alarm off.  This did the trick and she ran the engine for about 4 hours bringing the battery level up to 72% on the Smart Gauge.   Michael was back at 14:00 and being a sunny warm day, the solar panels had already brought the batteries up to 82% and by the evening 87%.  No wind yesterday.

First thing his morning they are still showing 84% and 12.7 volts.   There must have been a big power drain on Friday and the usual culprit is the fridge/freezer.

Oxford Canal:Banbury

We stayed in Banbury yesterday moored at the top end of the shopping centre.   Michael went back to Harefield (Denham is an easy rail journey from here) to move the car back home, collect the post and retrieve some vegetables from the allotment.   Pat had phoned to say that the gas alarm was pipping (the best way to describe short infreqent squeaks) and had spooked Alfie who ran off across the road to the other side of the canal.  For some reason, even though we had 100% at the end of the cruise the day before, the boat domestic batteries were well down yesterday morning (less than 11 volts) and I suspected that this was the reason, so I suggested that she should run the engine and temporarily and turn the power to the alarm off.  This did the trick and she ran the engine for about 4 hours bringing the battery level up to 72% on the Smart Gauge.   Michael was back at 14:00 and being a sunny warm day, the solar panels had already brought the batteries up to 82: and by the evening 87%.  No wind yesterday.

First thing his morning they are still showing 84% and 12.7 volts.   There must have been a big power drain on Friday and the usual culprit is the fridge/freezer.

Oxford Canal:Banbury

Our new schedule was to stop tonight at Cropedy.   Leaving at 8:00 we met just one opposite direction below the first Claydon Lock and the three before Cropedy without further traffic.   I was hoping to see the fender maker at Broadmoor Lock, but of him there was no sign.  Too early?   Needing water we passed through Cropedy Lock rejecting a few potential moorings beforehand to arrive just in time to see a boat leave the services.    A likely mooring nearly opposite turned out to be reserved for a workboat and the remainder along this stretch are all long term moorings.   So goodbye Cropedy!    The new Cropedy Marina is massive and pretty well full, but there would have been space for some of the inline moorings to relocate at least.   It comes down to expense I suppose.   Perhaps inline moorings should command a premium to discourage their use now that more marina moorings are available?    Three locks later we arrived at Banbury.  Plenty of room by Spiceball Park and even some places by Castle Quay.

Castle Quay Banbury

  Interestingly our number was taken as we moored up, presumably mooring control.   No TV signal here though, so it means another trip to Wetherspoons to download important stuff for viewing later.    Someone has to do it!

Oxford Canal:Claydon

Off to an early start again and everything took longer than I remember.   An hour and a half to Napton and although we had a smooth ascent of the Napton flight apart from a lock set against us while a boat above took on water (naughty but we elected not to turn it round again) the long meandering pound didn't get us to Fenny Compton until 13:00.   Here a pumpout token was bought (£13) from Fenny Marina and the job done.    Whilst sitting doing the long pound we decided to take stock of our plans regarding the K&A and our plans to meet our daughter at Devizes to carry on to Bath.   We are a day ahead of plan and could make Devizes in time all things being equal, but they are not.   There is some easing of the flows on the Thames with more heavy rain forecast later today, so the likelyhood is that the river will be closed again.    County Lock in Reading, the access to the Kennet & Avon, is currently closed and there are still warnings of strong flows.   So rather than attempt to carry on and get trapped somewhere, we have decided to stop at Oxford and get our family to meet us there.   Then we will come back up the Oxford Canal and carry on "up north".     So we now have plenty of time to get to Oxford and the pressure is off.    Our new found relaxed feel means that we can stop, and here we are at the top of Claydon.   I even have time to give you a picture.

Top Lock Claydon Flight. We are moored on good piling this side of the bridge