Quite a windy night and raining early, however blue sky beckoned by the time we set off. A good run through as far as Ivinghoe Locks but here we came up behind our now familiar Gayton Hire boats moored below the lock. Much curious gesticulations indicated that there was no water as usual. The good news was that lock keepers were already on the case and the delay was not long for us. For the hire boaters it was different. They had hoped to get to Aylesbury, but their delay meant that they needed to turn back at Pitstone. From Ivinghoe on water levels were low. We stopped below the main Marswoth flight for lunch and then continued in company with a single hander and aided by a friendly volunteer lock keeper. A rapid ascent resulted. We hoped to be able to moor beyond the road bridge at the Bulbourne end of Tring cutting and were attracted by the neat banks and rings, only to realise that this was a disable landing, water point and marked winding hole. Fortunately there was space beyond on the proper visitor moorings. We repaired to the Grand Junction Arms and had some expensive (for us £3.50) beer and later a meal. I cannot speak highly enough of the food which was restaurant quality and later on the pub filled and got very busy, a testament to the quality. Definitely worth a visit. (No dogs in bar)
Comments