Sunday 22nd July

Rugby to Brinklow Marina

Set off at 9am on a cool day with some sunshine. Only 3 or 4 miles to go today.

Had trouble turning into the marina as the offside is shallow. Initially moored on some vacant rings. However after speaking to two moorers, as the resident 'on duty' had gone shopping, we moved up the jetty and tied onto the supports.

The electricity is not connected yet, something to with flooding, but the other facilities I need are there.

Received a call from the taxi driver to say he couldn't find us. So I gave him the name of the road again, but he never turned up and we called another one which did. It was £8 to Rugby station.

We just missed a train and had to wait 40 minutes till the next one so we went into the Café. Caught the 14.33 train which was busy.

Saturday 21st July

Long Itchington to Rugby

Set off at 8.30 in some light rain. Didn't get to share any locks but after a while boats started coming the other way. When we got to Calcutt locks there was a day boat waiting to go up so we shared with them.

Made a detour at Napton junction to go to the Bridge Inn for lunch. The moorings there were full. So we winded and backed through the bridge and moored there.

The Bridge was holding a Summer Festival including a beer and cider festival. We got drinks from the festival bar then took them into the restaurant to eat.

In the afternoon we went back to Napton Junction and on to Braunston. We even overtook two boats! At Braunston we turned north onto the North Oxford canal.

Moored for the night opposite Clifton Cruisers. Had a light meal on board then walked into Rugby. We stopped on the way at the station to check on trains for tomorrow and book a taxi for tomorrow. Then we went to the Alexendra Arms.

Friday 20th July

Warwick to Long Itchington

Set off by 9.30am in the heavy rain which was forecast to last two days.

Shared with a boat through the two Cape locks. Then just missed a boat at the next lock, Radford lock, but they waited for us at the next one.

Stopped for lunch on board at Welsh Road.

Carried on to Long Itchington where we stopped for a mid afternoon pint in the Two Boats. We then decided to spend the night there in the hope that the weather is better tomorrow.

In the evening we went to the Buck and Bell to eat then to the Harvester Inn.

Definitely the wettest day that I can remember.

Thursday 19th July

Rowington to Warwick

Set off by 8am in order to arrive at the top of Hatton by 9am. When we got there there was no one in sight behind us and a single handed boater waiting to go down, so we shared with him.

After a while we caught up with another single handed boater who was going down and not sharing locks. This slowed us down and meant that a pair of boats caught us up and then we had plenty of help the rest of the way down which took 4 hours.

At Budbrooke junction we went straight on into the Saltisford Arm where we winded and moored.

Walked to the Cape of Good Hope for lunch, then we walked into town and followed the town trail.

Went to the Old Fourpenny Shop for a pint then to the Tilted Wig where we ate, and finally to the Lloyds No. 1 to avoid the rain.

Wednesday 18th July

Lowsonford to Rowington

Carried on up the Stratford canal to Lapworth Junction where we turned right into the short link through to the Grand Union. We moored along this underneath the railway bridge.

Went to the Navigation Inn for lunch then straight on to Baddesley Clinton house for the afternoon.

When we got back back from there we set off again, turning right onto the Grand Union. We stopped for water at the Tom O'the Wood moorings then carried on to the bridge near Rowington church. Had a small meal on board then walked two miles to the Case is Altered pub. This is a very good pub which I have been to before by car, but it does not do food.

Tuesday 17th July

Wilmcote to Lowsonford

Went to look round Mary Ardens house. The farmhouse formerly attributed as the one she lived in, is in fact too new, and she lived in the house next door, which the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust also own and is part of the tour.

Left Wilmcote to get to Wooten Wawen for a late lunch. When the only lock on the way came into view we could see that there were already two boats waiting, so we hung around the end of the Bearly aqueduct for a while. We had been under this on our return by train from Birmingham on Sunday.

Moored in the basin at Wooton Wawen and went to the Navigation to eat. Then we walked to the Village of Wooton past the hall, and found the other pub, which looks much more interesting from the outside.

At the first lock in the afternoon at Preston Bagot there was another queue of two boats. Due to this delay we moored two locks down from Lowsonford to avoid the risk of having to do another three.

Went to the Fleur de Lys to eat, where I had one of their famous pies.

Monday 16th July

Stratford to Wilmcote

At leisure in Stratford on a nice sunny morning, followed by lunch in the Golden Bee.

Left to go up the Stratford Canal. Met a few boats coming down the locks, including an hotel boat pair, and eventually caught up with a single handed boater which slowed us down.

Moored for the night at Wilmcote and went to the Masons Arms to eat. The beer choice was poor, Greene King IPA or Hobsons bitter, a clear case of Hobsons choice.

Sunday 15th July

Bidford to Stratford

Left Bidford at 8.45 on a very different day to yesterday, wet.

When we got to Stratford we moored in Bancroft Basin which now has floating finger pontoons. Peter slipped when he took a line ashore and injured his ankle.

We made it across the road to the Pen & Parchment for lunch.

Later we carried Peters bag to the station so that he could catch a train to London. At the station was the weekly Shakespeare Express waiting to return to Birmingham. Myself and Andy bought tickets for that.

We eventually left at 17.20 and it joined the main line near Hatton. It was strange to be on a steam train going fast. At Snow Hill we caught a normal train back down the Shakespeare line.

In the evening we went to the Golden Bee (Wetherspoons) to eat then to the Rose and Crown.

Saturday 14th July

Pershore to Bidford

Left Pershore and passed the boat we had shared locks with yesterday moored at the Anchor Inn at Wyre Piddle. By the time we were approaching the next lock they were close behind us. So we shared the two locks to Evesham where they had booked a mooring for the Evesham River Festival.

We passed through the festival site to the lock where Andy was waiting to join us. We moored above the lock and walked back to the festival for a beer from the beer tent and a pork roll from the hog roast.

After a quick wander round town and topping up supplies in Somerfields we set off again.

Moored for the night on the south side at Bidford on Avon. Went to the Bridge for an excellent 3 course meal. Then we walked around the village and went in the Frog and Bullrush. After that we tried the Bull.

Friday 13th July

Tewkesbury to Pershore

Went to look round the Abbey then set off. Stopped for fuel at Tewkesbury marina but as it was expensive I only got 50l.

Stopped on the rickety mooring at the Fleet Inn at Twyning for lunch. During lunch it started to rain.

After lunch we pressed on for Pershore. We met another narrowboat at the first lock and shared with them to Pershore and they carried on to Wyre Piddle.

Walked around Pershore and found that the Abbey was unlocked so we were able to look inside that to.

Went to the Brandy Cask to eat and I sampled all 3 of their beers.

Thursday 12th July

Worcester to Tewkesbury

Set off at 8.15. At Diglis Basin the orange warning light was on to say that the river was more than 1.5ft above the weir, but when I rang up I was told that was no problem. So we carried on through the two big locks and turned to head downstream and into Diglis river locks.

The current in the river meant we were doing at least 5.5mph without trying.

Moored on the floating 48hr mooring at Upton upon Severn, we had the last space. Went for lunch in the White Lion Hotel where we had starters as our lunch.

Turned off the Severn and up to Tewkesbury. Once through the lock we filled up with water and then moored for the night.

Went for a walk round town. Evensong was on in the Abbey so we weren't able to look round inside.

In the evening we went to the Aubergine Brasserie and had a very good 3 course meal. After that we went to the White Bear where I sampled 2 of their 7 ciders, though only three were proper cider.

Wednesday 11th July

Tibberton to Worcester

Left Tibberton and descended into Worcester. Moored near some houses before we got to Lowesmore basin.

Went for lunch in the Green Man which was very good, then had a wander round town. Took a look at the river which is still flowing quite fast, but we had been told earlier by a BW man that it was open again.

In the evening we went to meet Ewart off the train from Malvern and went for another two course meal in the Green Man. After we had seen Ewart off at the station we went for a pint of delicious porter in the Dragon Inn.

Tuesday 10th July

Stoke Pound to Tibbington

Found ourselves aground as the level had dropped 6 inches overnight. The boat in front got away before us and was working the locks single handed, so we soon caught up with him.

Moored above the lock at Stoke Prior and walked to the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings. We had lunch there before heading back to the boat.

Carried on and got as far as Tibbington just outside Worcester, where we moored for the night. Went to eat in The Bridge, then for a walk through the village and finally another pint in the Speed the Plough pub, which was also a Banks' pub and had a collection of clocks.

Monday 9th July

Birmingham to Stoke Pound

Left Cambrian Wharf by 8 on a cool sunny morning. Down the Worcester and Birmingham and through Kings Norton tunnel. We passed 4 boats in the tunnel. Moored in Alvechurch in time for an early lunch at the Weighbridge.

After lunch there was another hour and two tunnels before the top of Tardebigge locks. We got down the 29 locks in 4 hours. Most of the locks were full and we only crossed with one boat.

Moored below the bottom lock and went to the Queens Head for a three course meal.

Sunday 8th July

Birmingham

Dave left to catch a train home and Billy, David and Jon arrived for coffee. We then went for a trip up the main line and back via all three loops.

Went to the Old Fox for a pint then for a Chinese meal in Chung Yings. Then back to the Old Fox for more beer before Billy, David and Jon went to catch a tain back to London.

By this time Peter had arrived. We went for a meal in Pennyblacks then to the Tap & Spile for another pint.

Saturday 7th July

Birmingham

Changed the alternator belt with diffficulty as it was slightly shorter than the old one. Also looked at the valve gear oilers as one was difficult to regulate down to a slow rate. It's seems to be worn so may need replacing.

Met Dave, Jon, Billy and David in Pennyblacks for lunch then we went to the Prince of Wales for another pint.

In the evening we again met up in Pennyblacks and then went for a meal in Zizzis. After that we took a taxi to the Anchor where David was waiting for us.

Thursday 5th July

Warwick to Lapworth

Set off at 8.30, waited in the first lock for a boat coming up the previous lock but then they stopped for water above the top lock.

Went into Hatton bottom lock and another boat appeared so we shared with them until we caught up with another boat which had spent the night above the bottom lock. We shared with these Canadians all the way to the top which took 4 hours.

Moored on the long term moorings and walked back to the Waterman for lunch. A choice of 4 beers and I had cooked Oysters.

In the afternoon it rained all the way to Lapworth. We turned off the Grand Union at Kingswood Junction and through the original cut onto the Stratford Canal. Stopped for water then through the next 4 locks to moor at Lapworth Wharf.

Went to the Boot for the evening where the food was so good that we had three coures. I had Crevettes, Roast Suckling Pig and Summer Pudding.

Wednesday 4th July

Another bright start to the day but with the threat of rain later. Set off at 7.30.

Turned off the Oxford Canal at Napton Junction onto the Grand Union towards Birmingham. Went down Calcutt locks on our own, then part way down Stockton locks we caught up with a solo boater and shared down to Long Itchington, where we moored just after 11am.

Walked to the Harvester Inn for lunch (no it's not one of those, it's a real pub).

After lunch we carried on through Leomington Spa, which has no GBG pubs, to Warwick, which has three.

Stopped briefly at Tescos to top up my phone and buy provisions, then moored in my usual spot between the two Cape locks and went to The Cape of Good Hope for the evening.

It was very hot in the dining area and a party of 20 boys plus minders were booked in for their evening meal. They were off (at least) 2 Calcutt boats which we had seen arrive.

Tuesday 3rd July

Cropredy to Napton

Left ahead of the other boats and made good progress so we arrived early at Fenny Compton where we went to the Wharf Inn for lunch.

Also made good progress after lunch so we moored above Napton bottom lock to go for a pint in the Folly Inn. However it didn't open till 6pm so we carried on to the Napton Bridge Inn where we moored for the night.

The pub was very quiet and they closed at 10pm.

Monday 2nd July

Lower Heyford to Cropredy

Early start to get to Banbury for lunch.

At Aynho Weir Lock there is a section where the river Cherwell crosses the canal. This too has a wide octaganol lock. There were already two boats in it and one waiting. We watched the Sea Otter boat scrape it's roof corner as it left this lock.

The water level here was in the red but there was no obvious reason why. However when we got to the next lock the boat in front was backing out of the bridge and said they needed to take stuff off their roof to get through. So we went ahead and there was not much spare room.

Moored in Banbury for lunch and went to the Bell. As they don't do food we then got sandwiches across the road and took them back to the boat.

There was quite a queue after lunch to get through the lock in Banbury so this delayed us.

Cropredy was packed with boats and we got the last official mooring on the far side of the village. Went to the Red Lion to eat and the beer was so good we stayed there all evening.

Sunday 1st July

Oxford to Lower Heyford

Set off at 8.40 and through Isis lock where Ian left to catch a train home. Through Sheepwash channel and up the Thames again to Dukes Cut where we got back onto the Oxford canal.

Moored for lunch outside the Boat Inn at Thrupp. The beer choice was dissapointing but the food was better.

When we got to Shipton Weir Lock there was already a boat in it, but he waved us to join him. This lock is wide because it only has a small drop, although this varies because it's where the canal joins the River Cherwell for half a mile. The water level on the strong stream indicator boards here were in the amber section but there wasn't much current on the river.

Stopped at 3pm at the Rock of Gibralter for another pint, as this is in the GBG.

Stopped for the night at Lower Heyford where we went to the Bell to eat. It was quiz night but there is nowhere else to go.

Saturday 30th June

Oxford

A wet start to the day. Went to pick up the new alternator belt then to the station where we caught a train to Didcot. Spent three hours at the railway centre there. They had three engines in steam. Earl Bathurst on the 'main line', Trojan on the branch line, and Firefly on the broad guage line. We had a ride on the branch line and changed on to the broad guage, travelling in an open third class truck behind Firefly.

Caught the train back to Oxford to meet Dave off his train. Went for lunch in Jericho via the boat, then on to the Lamb and Flag.

In the evening we went to the Loch Fyne restaurant to eat. This was my first time in one and we were impressed. Then we went to 'Far from the Madding Crowd' and the Turf Tavern.

Friday 29th June

Oxford to Oxford

Walked up to Osney lock and discovered that they had closed some of the weir gates and were no longer displaying the red boards. So we went back to the boat and set off.

Went up the river as far as Godstow Abbey where we moored to go to the Trout for lunch. The only beer was Landlord served without a sparkler, but the food and service were excellent so I had two courses.

After lunch we went on upstream and turned right into Dukes cut, and at the end of that we turned right onto the Oxford canal to get back to Oxford.

We moored for the night opposite the hire base. Went to the Rose and Crown to eat, then went to meet Peter in the Harcourt. After showing Peter round the boat he drove us to the Masons Arms in Headington Quarry. He also brought us back again.

Thursday 28th June

Oxford

At leisure in Oxford.

Walked to the for General Elliot in South Hinksey for lunch.

In the evening we went to the Angel and Greyhound to eat. Then on to the Hobgoblin, but they had a problem which meant that they had no real ale until Saturday. So on the way back into town we tried the Cape of Good Hope. Finally we went to the Lamb and Flag.

Wednesday 27th June

Shillingford Bridge to Oxford

Left Shillingford bridge at 8.30. The current seemed similar to yesterday so we were still only averaging 3mph.

Moored in abingdon outside the Old Anchor on St. Helens Wharf, and walked to the Old Brewery Tap for lunch. This is a relatively new pub which used to be the Morlands brewery office.

Battled on against the current. At Abingdon Lock we were told that Osney lock was on red boards.

Moored for the night below Folly Bridge. Walked to Osney lock to check out the situation. There was a current of at least 3mph past the moorings above the lock due to the weir just above the lock, which had 2 of its 3 gates open. The red boards say 'Strong Stream'. The lock keeper said that he was not expecting things to improve for a few days.

Went to the Kings Arms to eat then on to the Turf Tavern and the Eagle and Child.

Tuesday 26th June

Reading to Shillingford Bridge

A sunny start to the day but windy. The current in the Kennet was strong and at Blakes lock the lock keeper had put out the yellow board saying 'Stream Increasing'. He did say that the level on the Thames had peaked but they weren't sure of the effect of yesterdays rain.

Stopped for fuel and water at Better Boating again. Tonys boat Suzanne was there this time, but he wasn't around.

Moored below the toll bridge at Pangbourne and walked over the bridge to the Greyhound in Whitchurch for lunch.

We planned to stop for the night at Benson but the moorings shown in our guide did not exist. So we carried on to the Shillingford Bridge Hotel. There is an £8 mooring fee here for long boats, but if you eat in their restaurant rather than the bar there is no charge. They had Brakspears bitter and the food was good so I had three courses.

Monday 25th June

Reading

Caught a train into to London to exchange my third faulty Ricoh camera for another make. From there I caught a train home where I managed to do some washing, get my hair cut and clear the doormat.

Back to Reading where Ian met me at the station and we went to the Corn Stores for an Italian meal. The on to the Allied Arms and the Retreat.

Sunday 24th June

Midgham to Reading

Left Midgham at 8am.

Moored above Theale swing bridge and walked into Theale to the Bull. As they weren't doing food we then walked back the other side of the canal to the Fox and Hounds. This is also a Wadworths pub, where we had a roast lunch.

In the afternoon we carried on to Reading. The strong current made some of the bends interesting and also County lock was tricky both landing and picking up. There was a very strong back eddy below the lock which pushed the bow right out in front of the weir.

Moored below rhe bridge in the Forbury loop near the old Huntley and Palmer factory.

Went for a light meal in the nearest Wetherspoons which turned out to back on to the canal. Then on to the Hobgoblin, Butler and finally the Three Guineas in the station.

Saturday 23rd June

Kintbury to Midgham

Moored above the swing bridge in Newbury and went to the Lock Stock and Barrel (Fullers) for lunch. Then on to the Hoghead for another pint.

Stopped for water in Newbury and dropped in on Mike who lives on his boat Globetrotter there.

Moored for the night above Midgham lock and walked to the Berkshire Arms. This turned out to be a Chef and Brewer pub with a new Travel Lodge on site. They had 3 beers and the food was good. Andy joined us for a pint after we had eaten.

Friday 22nd June

Crofton to Kintbury

Set off shortly after 7am as we had a 6 hour morning ahead of us. Stopped briefly at Great Bedwyn to pick up Andy who arrived on the 9am train from Reading West. Eventually we met up with another boat, Waterloo, also going to Hungerford.

Moored below the lock in Hungerford opposite the wharf and walked to the Downgate for lunch.

After lunch and shopping in Somerfield we carried on to Kintbury which was only two hours away.

Andy left to catch a train home and I changed the alternator belt on the engine.

Went to the Dundas Arms for the evening and also managed a walk round the village.

Thursday 21st June

Devizes to Wilton

Early start for the 4 hour journey to get to Honey Street for lunch. There were very few hire boats around so there weren't many boats on the move and we did not get to share any locks.

Stopped for lunch at noon in the Barge Inn at Honey Street. The beer was warm but the homemade Fish Pie was good.

Left there by 1pm as we had a 6 hour afternoon ahead of us to get to Crofton and help us catch up a day.

Moored one lock above the visitor moorings as they were full. Walked by the side of Wilton Water to Wilton where we went to the Swan Inn. Here the beers were poor but the food was good.

Wednesday 20th June

Semington to Devizes

8am start to get to Sells Green for lunch by noon where we had lunch in the Three Magpies.

Away again at 1pm to get up Caen Hill today and immediately paired with another boat. They were originally going to stop below lock 29, but they must have liked sharing with us and went as far as 44. We got there by 5.30 but we went through three more locks and moored opposite the Black Horse.

Walked into into Devizes where we spotted a Cask Marque plaque on the Black Swan in the market square, so we went there to eat, and it was very good. Then we went went to the three pubs in the GBG, the Bristish Lion, Hare and Hounds, and the Southgate.

Tuesday 19th June

Bath to Semington

Set off at 8am to go up the locks in Bath. We were on our own for the first few locks including the double depth Deep lock. This was tricky on our own as the water comes in at several points and it was difficult to control the boat with one rope.

Paired up with another boat for the last three locks. Then there was the long pound to Bradford.

Moored below the lock in Bradford and walked to the Bunch of Grapes for lunch.

Having to wait yet again for the trip boat to go through Bradford lock, we topped up the water tank and emptied the loo at the wharf.

Stopped for the night at Semington again for another good meal and Badger beers at the Somerset Arms.

Monday 18th June

Bristol to Bath

Left Bristol at 10.45, late enough to avoid being held up at Netham by the high tide. On the way we were overtaken by the Tower Belle, a 1920 steamer which we had seen loading as we left Bristol.

Stopped at Hanham again to go the Lock and Weir pub for lunch. The Tower Belle had just moored there too and was full of students, some of whom headed for the same pub.

Although the first few locks on the Avon were very slow filling, some later ones were not and my usual technique of using the centre line did not work. As the locks are bigger than normal broad locks the water pushes the boat forward, net result two broken plates.

At Weston lock there was a wide Dutch barge ahead of us. I went to help and noticed that when they were in the lock there seemed to be room for us as well. So we shared the lock.

Moored in Bath before the station and walked to the King Williiam to eat. Their dining room is not open on Mondays but the bar snacks were of the same high standard as the meal we had last week. I had Breaded Mackerel followed by Hot Chocolate Pot.

After that we went to the two pubs which are in the GBG and the National Inventory, the Star and the Old Green Tree. There were morris men dancing outside the Old Green Tree.

Sunday 17th June

Bristol

Woken by the naval ship coming down to go out on the tide. Noticed that there were stalls being set up on the bank. Later someone came to tell us that there was Dragon boat racing on today and we had to move.

Rang Uncle John to arrange for them to join us at the pump out pontoon. We then moved up and moored on the harbour wall opposite the pumpout pontoon.

When Uncle John, Auntie Cora and Mum arrived we moved over to the pontoon to pick them up. We took them on a tour of the harbour and up to the station where we moored to go for lunch in the Wetherspoons near there. After that we took them back.

We then moved onto the visitor moorings.

In the evening we went to the Commercial Rooms to eat and then on to some pubs towards the station. One of these was the Kings Head which is in the National Inventory.

Saturday 16th June

Hanham to Bristol

Cast off at 9.15 and went straight in to the open lock. I had checked the tides during the night and I knew it was a big one, so I rang Netham lock. At the second attempt I got through and was told to wait where we were for half an hour.

We had only dropped 6 inches in the lock and by the time I had finished on the phone the level had gone up 3 inches. We waited half an hour, during which the tide started to go out. On the way down river we met a narrowboat coming the other way about a mile from Netham lock.

At Netham I bough a 48 hr licence for a 14m boat, and asked advice about where to moor.

Stopped near the station to wait for Ians tain to arrive and I went to meet him.

Then we carried on to the visitor moorings by Peros bridge and we all went to eat in Zerodegrees. This is a modern gastropub brewing 6 of their own continental style beers unfiltered.

Then we moved down to the quiet moorings between the marina and Underfall yard so that Gavin and John could go to see the SS Great Britain.

At 5pm took Gavin and John to the station to catch their train at 6pm, and finally back to the quiet moorings again.

Ian and I went to eat in the Adam and Eve pub in Hotwells, then on to a few more.

Friday 15th June

Bath to Hanham

Left Darlington Wharf and went down the locks to the river Avon. Part way down we paired up with Ian on Hippocampus. His new boat had been a show boat at the Crick boat show and he had brought it all the way from there single handed.

Went up to the moorings below the Polteney weir and went for lunch in the Volunteer Rifleman.

Then we set off down the River Avon towards Bristol. Although there was a current helping us, the locks, which are bigger, are slow, especially to fill.

Bath certainly does not show it's best side from the river. But once out of Bath the scenery is really beautiful. It rained on and off all day.

Moored for the night on the visitor moorings at Keynsham. Went to eat in the Lock and Weir free house. The menu was quite limited but they had 4 beers and 2 ciders.

Went back to the boat and I set up the satellite dish so that we could watch Doctor Who on BBC3.

Thursday 14th June

Semington to Bath

Forgot to mention that somewhere down the lower end of the Caen Hill flight the bow T stud got broken off by a lock gate. Phoned Bradford Wharf to ask about welding it back on and arranged to call in later.

The stretch from here to Bradford is probably least attractive bit of the K&A.

Arrived Bradford Wharf at about noon. They agreed to do the job there and then, but we had to wait for the trip boat to leave first so we could shuffle boats around. Had lunch in the cafe on the wharf. Eventually got away about 3pm.

The stretch from Bradford to Bath is one of the best bits of the K&A, only spoilt by the large number of moored boats.

Moored above the locks in Bath and walked to the King William for a meal. We were not expecting such expensive food, £22.50 for 2 courses, but it was the best meal of the trip so far. I had Cornish Crab salad followed by slow cooked Lamb for 2. Then we went on to the Old Green Tree which I remembered from previous visit(s) to Bath.

Wednesday 13th June

Devizes to Semington

Up at 7am so that we were ready to go at 8am. Had a word with the lock keeper who said there was no need to wait for another boat to share locks with, so as there was no sign of other boats coming down we started down the main flight of locks at 8.15am.

It was a clear and sunny morning. For a while the towpath is in the shade but after that we were in full sun operating the excessively reduced tail paddle gear. When they are working properly they are too easy and too slow but more often than nor they seem to be as stiff as the paddles would be without the gearing.

Stopped for a cool drink at about 11.15 on the 24hr moorings at the bottom of the main flight. Then carried on to Sells Green where we went to the Three Magpies for lunch.

Shortly after setting off after lunch it started to rain, so we did the next 6 locks and a few swing bridges in the rain.

Stopped for the night at Semington where we went to the Somerset Arms for a meal accompanied by Badger beers. This is where the Wilts and Berks Canal used to go from to get to Abingdon.

Monday 11th June

Great Bedwyn to Pewsey

Set off about 9.15 and immediately paired up with another boat who noticed a change of crew since Thatcham.

John and Gavin left at lock 60 to go and look round the Crofton pumping station. I carried on and they caught up with me a few locks further on .

However there was a problem ahead. A hydraulic paddle was stuck up on lock 56 so we had to wait below lock 57.

The level in the pound below lock 57 was already low, but when another boat started coming up lock 58 we got stuck at an alarming angle. Eventually, as the pound above was full, the two boats waiting in 57 went up, which got us afloat again, and we went into the lock to wait. Had lunch on board whilst waiting in the lock.

A man from BW managed to get the offending paddle down and we all started to make our way through this lock using just the one paddle.

Moored for the night at Pewsey and went to the French Horn to eat. It is a Wadworths pub run by an Australian couple, and they did some good food.

We were inteding to go to the Coopers Arms in the village, but as we left the French Horn it started to rain. So we went straight back to the boat and watched Pirates of the Caribbean II.

Tuesday 12th June

Pewsey to Devizes

Moved along to Pewsey Wharf to fill up with water and have breakfast there.

Stopped for lunch at the Bridge Inn, Horton Bridge. Here they had Wadworth IPA and 6X from wooden firkins behind the bar. Although the IPA was good, the 6X was not.

At Devizes Wharf we stopped to empty the loo and have a cup of tea. Then we went down through the first five locks to reduce the number we have to do tomorrow. This takes you to the top of the main flight of 16 locks at Caen Hill, and there are a few 24hr moorings here. We were the only boat moored here that was waiting to go down.

As none of of the 3 Devizes pubs in the GBG does food in the evening we went back up the locks to the Black Horse by the canal to eat. This too is a Wadworth pub and we had some JCB which was drinkable but not right.

After that we walked into town for cash, provisions and to the Hare and Hounds pub for what is supposed to be the reference pint of 6X. It's been in the GBG for 20 years with the same licencee.

Sunday 10th June

Kintbury to Great Bedwyn

Late start but it was only a two hour journey to Hungerford.

Went for lunch in the Downgate, an Arkells pub. I had home made Faggotts folowed by home made Banana Ice Cream, excellent.

Stopped for the night at Great Bedwyn. The visitor moorings were full and we moored with the stern 6 feet from the bank.

Of the two pubs, one was not open and the other was not serving food, so we had to eat on board and go back for a drink later.

Saturday 9th June

Thatcham to Kintbury

Prepared to set off from Thatcham as a boat appeared at the swing bridge, only to find that three boats came through. So I was lumbered with sharing locks with the last boat, a hire boat full of Germans.

Made it to Newbury by noon and moored outside the Narrow Boat pub, which didn't look inspiring. John and Gavin were delivered here by Paul and Andrew. We had lunch in the pub which was better than I was expecting.

Left by 3pm and got to Kintbury by 8pm. The 250m of moorings were full so we moored opposite the very large old rectory.

Went to the Dundas Arms where we had a very good two course meal. Then we went for a wander round the village, which even had a fishmongers!

Friday 8th June

Reading to Thatcham
Andy and John arrived at about 8.30 and we set off for Thatcham. We did not get to share any locks until after 1pm, but then we shared for the rest of the day.

We did not stop for lunch as we were worried about getting through Aldermaston lift bridge before the rush hour cut out operated. Aldermaston was busy as there were some hire boats starting out.

Went beyond Thatcham station, through Monkey Marsh lock and swing bridge, where there is a bridle way into town. Walked back to the Swan near the station for a meal, after which Andy and John caught a train back to Reading. I then went to explore the town and managed to find my way back via the bridleway across the railway tracks. (There was a footbridge too).

Thursday 7th June

Sonning to Reading

Left Sonning to get to Reading for lunch. I saw a narrowboat called Golden Cross which was featured on Waterworld.

Went slightly out of my way to fill up with fuel and water at Better Boating in Caversham. Tony who used to work in my department has his boat moored there and helps out too, but he is away for a week on his boat, probably up the Thames.

Turned off the Thames and onto the Kennet & Avon Canal at Reading, through Blakes lock and moored in the Forbury loop by the Oscar Wilde walk outside the jail.

Went for lunch at the Eldon Arms. Later I had a wander round Reading.

Went to Andys for dinner, then we went out for a few beers at the Retreat.

Wednesday 6th June

Aston to Sonning

Late start as I only wanted to get to Henley for lunch. Moored on the east bank just north of Henley. Walked to the Bird in Hand which is the one I went to last time, 7 years ago. It's the only free house and had 5 beers including Hooky Dark (mild).

Having spotted Waitrose on the way to the pub I went in on the way back.

Moored for the evening at Sonning by Sonning Court where Uri Geller lives. He donates the £5 mooring fee to charity.

Went to the Bull to eat. It's a former Gales pub so they only have Fullers beers, but at least they had 4 different ones.

After that I walked over the bridge to explore Sonning Eye but decided against walking to the pub listed in the GBG on the main road as there was no footpath.

Tuesday 5th June

Maidenhead to Aston

Another sunny day but with a cool easterly wind and the current was just as strong as yesterday.

Stopped at Cookham lock lock to empty the loo and get some "Welcome to moor alongside" stickers.

Moored for lunch at the Bounty which is listed in the GBG under Cookham but is actually nearer Bourne End. It's on the opposite side of the river from Bourne End with no road access. I witnessed a beer delivery by boat. I was the only boat based customer.

Carried on and managed to moor on the jetty at Aston sticking out into the river. Later walked up to the Flower Pot for an evening meal of roast pheasant and Brakspear ales.

Monday 4th June

Staines to Maidenhead

Late start from Staines. Had the first lock all to myself, then 2 other narrowbaots at the next and finally a big trip boat as well at the last lock.

Moored on the south side at Windsor where you are supposed to pay £4. Went to the Carpenters Arms for lunch. They had a choice of 5 beers, all from small breweries, and good food. It's behind the venue for Charles and Camillas marriage.

In the afternoon the current seemed even stronger, at times I was not even making 3mph so the current must have been 1.5mph.

I baulked at paying £8 for the moorings below the railway bridge in Maidenhead and went on to the free moorings by the road north of the road bridge. Most of the rings here were broken.

Went to the Portland Arms, then on to the Greyhound (Lloyds No.1) to eat. On the way back spotted the display on the guaging station showing that the river is flowing at 40 cu.m/s.

Sunday 3rd June

Weybridge to Staines

Andy arrived at 10.30 and as Town lock was set against us we waited for a boat to come the other way before starting. At Thames lock we had to use the gate on the outer pound as the level on the Thames was back to normal.

Bought a one month licence at Shepperton lock.

Moored near Laleham and walked to the Feathers where we had a good roast beef lunch.

After lunch we went the short distance to Staines where we moored on the east side. Went for a drink in the Swan on the west side and decided to move to their moorings. No sooner had we started tying up than a waitress appeared demanding a £10 mooring fee refundable against purchases in the pub.

Andy then left to cycle back to his car in Weymouth. Later on Andy from work arrived and we went for a few more beers in the Swan and I had my second Eggs Benedict of the hoiday.

Saturday 2nd June

Guildford to Weybridge

A warm and sunny day, so shorts and t-shirt from the start. It was nice to see this stretch of the river in good weather as it had been miserable going the other way.

Stopped at the New Inn again for lunch. It's a rare treat to find a GBG pub actually on the navigation, shame about the poor phone signal.

In the afternoon carried on to Weybridge and moored for the night above Town lock.

At the previous lock kids had been swimming in the lock, and they had also put a rope from the bridge. I was careful to avoid getting this round the prop, but it caught the anchor which nearly broke a front window pane.

Walked to the Old Crown, where I had some good fresh fish. Then to the Jolly Farmer for a pint of Hop Back Odyssey bitter.

Friday 1st June

Godalming to Guildford

I was rudely awoken not long after 6am by builders on a site which had been very quiet yesterday.

Winded by the boat house as I did not want to risk winding by the town bridge again without crew. Set off slowly for Guildford. There were no hire boats out in the morning as it was turn round day at the boatyards.

At the second lock, which was set against me, I decided to risk going into the lock through one gate. But the waterways officer, who appeared on foot, caught me at it and offered to open the other one.

Moored on the non towpath side above the Guildford Rowing Club and went to the Keystone for lunch.

Then I explored the town, finding the castle, visiting M&S and finally traipsing all the way to the cathedral. I purchased a CD featuring the organ and caught a bus back into town.

In the evening I went to see a Flanders and Swan show at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. I had an interview here 29 years ago.

Thursday 31st May

Shalford to Godalming

A grey start to the day so I waited till it had brightened up. Arrived at the first lock to find a queue of 3 boats with another one behind me, so 5 in total.

Moored below the sanitary station in Godalming and walked to the Red Lion to find it shut and no clips on the pumps. So for lunch I went to the nearby Star which I'd seen advertising in the local Camra newletter.

It was quite poignant seeing a Phylliss Tuckwell Hospice in town.

Purchased a pedal bin in Robert Dyas. Later on topped up supplies in Waitrose.

In the evening I went to the Cricketers in Farncombe but their kitchen is being redone. So I had to resort to eating in the Jack Phillips, the Wetherspoons named after the radio operator on Titanic. The town seems to be quite proud of him and even have a specially built memorial cloister by the river.

Wednesday 30th May

Send to Shalford

A miserable morning. Set off for Guildford. Shared the first two locks but the other boat stopped for water at the third, so I carried on.

Moored in Guildford and went to the Keystone for lunch.

Waited till the rain stopped and then carried on the 2 miles and 2 locks to Shalford. As the bank was quite soft I used the big mooring pins for only the second time, the first time was also on the River Wey.

Walked into Shalford to go to the Queen Victoria the back to the Parrot to eat.

Tuesday 29th May

Weybridge to Send

A nice day and no restrictions on the Wey. Set off to get to Byfleet for lunch. Met another boat at the first loack and we wnt through two locks together. I had to do the third lock myself and discovered the need for front and aft ropes due to the gate paddles. Also the paddle gear can be very stiff despite the long handle windlass that I had hired.

Moored by Byfleet Boat Club and walked into Byfleet to visit the Plough for lunch. On the way back I purchased some bread and milk.

In the afternoon I did not get to share any locks but I did get help from hire boats coming downstream.

Emptied the loo above Pyrford lock and filled up with water at Cartbidge wharf. Moored for the night by the New Inn at Cart Bridge, Send.

Monday 28th May

Kingston to Weybridge

Mark came along to Kingston to help me get off the Thames and onto the River Wey at Shepperton. There was quite a strong current due to the weirs being opened to get the levels back down to normal. It was also very cold due to the wind. With Marks advice I went round the wrong side of some of the islands. Had lunch en route.

The hairiest bit was going across the bottom of the weir at Shepperton to get to the Wey. There was a very strong current which bounced off the oppsite bank causing a whirlpool in front of the mouth of the Wey.

We did not need to use the gates on the outer pound at Thames lock to get over the cill as the level was 3ft higher than usual!

Moored above the lock for the night. We were collected by car from here to be taken back to the real world for the evening.

Sunday 27th May

Limehouse to Kingston

Joined two other narrowboats in the lock at 8am. It rained all the way to Teddington which took just under 4 hours. There was hardly any boat traffic in central London but further on we encountered quite a few rowing boats and a whole flottilla of cruisers coming downstream.

Moored above the lock at Teddington to go back and get a licence. The we went to the Queen Dowager for lunch.

After that we wnet to the station where John and Andy caught a train to Waterloo to get hone.

Later in the afternoon I moved further up river to Kingston. I was going to go out for a drink but it started to rain. It was a wild and wet night, but I slept quite well.

Saturday 26th May

Paddington Basin to Limehouse

Andy and Simon arrived in time for us to leave shortly after 10am. We also collected Jon on his bike near St. Pancras.

Stopped for lunch at the Narrowboat in Islington. Jon left us here on arrival and Simon left on departure.

Turned off the Regents canal onto the Hertford Union and the south on the River Lee to Old Ford Lock, by which time it was raining. After that turned left to go round the Bow Back River loop which has been dredged since my last visit.

Squeezed into a gap in Limehouse. Ended up eating in The Narrow, which has gone more upmarket. The restaurant was fully booked so we had to select from the very limited bar menu. After that we moved to the Grapes which used to be in the GBG.

Friday 25th May

In the morning I ran the engine and did some cleaning.

For lunch I went to the Duke of Wellington in Marylebone. Here I had the cheapest sandwich since Worksop, only £2!

On the way back to Jacob I went to Maplins to buy a new lead for my GPS. The lead that I wanted is now only mail order, but they had sound meters on special offer again and also some solar panels so I got those.

In the evening Mark come round and we went for a lovely meal in Zizzis. The food was good but the service was slow.

Thursday 24th May

Little Venice

Went on a day trip home to do some washing, clear the doormat and email.

When I got back I went to the Mad Bishop in Paddington station to eat. This is a Fullers pub which is accessed from the shopping area but is in what appears to a grand room in the old station building.

Wednesday 23rd May

Harefield to Little Venice

Rudely awoken at 7.30am by horrendous noises from the works next to the canal which we had not spotted when we moored.

Purchased some fresh bread and milk so that we could had a bacon sarnie for breakfast.

Just as we were ready to set off a wide barge and pusher tug nabbed the lock. Only 4 locks today. Passed Tudor Rose moored at Uxbridge.

Stopped at Uxbridge boat centre for fuel. I had dipped the tank and was surprised to find 1cm above the low level mark. Managed to get in 104l which meant we qualified for the 1p lower rate of 48p/l. Also bought some cable for the throttle. To fit it we had to slightly enlarge one of the end fittings, but the end result should last for longer than the original.

All this meant we were now running late but we made it to Hayes in time for a pint and a meal in the Wetherspoons. Mikes car would not start so I removed the engine battery from Jacob and Mike carried it to the car to jump start it.

I did not get away till 3.30pm but managed to average 3.6mph and arrived at Little Venice by 8.30pm.

Little Venice was very busy and I moored even further out that last time. Tudor Rose passed by at modnight.

Went to the Union for a pint and a beefburger.

Tuesday 22nd May

Kings Langley to Harefield

Started at 930 and immediately another boat joined us at the first lock.

Moored near Croxley Green station and went to the Sportsman for lunch.

Again after lunch we were joined by another boat, Tudor Rose, and we shared all the way to south Harefield, where we moored above the lock.

Walked to Denham. We failed to find the footpath shortcut, and ended up going the long way round, almost 2 miles. Went to the Falcon to eat accompanied some very good Brakspears bitter. We managed three couses, maily because the portions were small, especially my sweet.

After that we tried the other two pubs, both of which had good beer despite not being in the Good Beer Guide. Ordered a taxi back.

Monday 21st May

Berkhamsted to Kings Langley

Left Berko at about 9am, going solo through the locks for a while until I teamed up with another boat just in time to go through Winkwell swing bridge. We both wanted diesel but the boatyard there was closed.

Saw Jannock and Parglena of Cutweb and Canals list fame at Bourne End.

Also saw quite a few old working boats coming north from the Rickmansworth canal festival. Including one pair travelling breasted up through a bridge hidden by a tree.

Moored in in Boxmoor and went for lunch at the Fishery Inn. This pub was being refurbished 7 years ago and is now an Ember Inn.

After that carried on through Hemel and Aspley to Kings Langley where I managed to moor 2' 6" from the bank.

Met Mike at the station and we went to the Saracens Head.

Sunday 20th May

Tring to Berkhamsted

Left Little Tring and squeezed our way through the boats moored both sides for the festival next weekend. The water level had dropped overnight which had made things worse than when we arrived.

Turned south at Bulboune down the Grand Union. Stopped briefly at Cowroast to check out the fuel price, which 52p. That combined with the difficulty of getting in to the marina to buy it meant we didn't bother.

On trying to leave Cowroast lock the throttle cable broke so we moored to sort it out. The chandlery didn't have anything suitable so I used a bit of 2.5mm wire.

Arrived in Berhamsted for a late lunch at the Boat. It was very busy and due to the delay for food, Ian did not order any, as he had a train to catch.

Stayed in Berhamsted for the rest of the day, and visited the Lamb and the Crystal Palace in the evening.

Saturday 19th May

Aylesbury to Tring

A good sunny start to the day we left Aylesbury by 9am. Stopped below lock 4 on the Aylesbury Arm and walked to the Anglers Retreat for lunch. As arranged Mike turned up later with Victoria and Tom.

At Marsworth junction we turned right and teamed up with another boat to go through the locks up to Bulbourne. Here we turned right onto the Wendover Arm which is now longer than it was 7 years ago. We winded at the end and backed into the very end of the canal where we moored for the night.

Mike, Tom and Victoria left us there and later myself and Ian walked the mile into Tring to go the Kings Arms. This has been in the Good Beer Guide 25 years running. They had a good selection of beers and some interesting food.

Only our second dry day in 2 weeks..

Friday 18th May

Marsworth to Aylesbury

Had a lie in and a late start. Turned off onto the Aylesbury Arm and stopped for lunch at Wilstone, which is where we stopped 7 years ago. Except this time I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt instead of feeling like a drowned rat.

Carried on down to Aylesbury. Pulled in for water then turned round and moored for the night on the offside with permission from the guy on the welcome boat of the Alyesbury Canal Society.

Went to The Hop Pole for food and some Vale Brewery beers, followed by some beer from the Chiltern brewery in the King's Head. This pub is owned by the National Trust but is run by the Chiltern Brewery and had four of their beers on draught.

Thursday 17th May

Soulbury to Marsden

A warmer day but with a bit of drizzle.

Stopped for lunch at Slapton and walked to the Carpenter Arms expecting to find the home of the Vale Brewery, however the canal guide was jumping the gun, and they never actually brewed here and have sold it. However we had some very good London Pride.

Stopped for the night at Marsworth. Went to the Red Lion to eat then on to the Anglers Retreat.

Wednesday 16th May

Stoke Bruerne to Soulbury

Left Stoke Bruerne bottom lock on a dry and relatively warm morning. It started to rain when we got to Wolverton and just finished by the time we moored for lunch at the Black Horse, Great Linford. They only had Tim Taylors Landlord which was good. The open sandwiches were better and cheaper than the ones last night.

After that we carried on through Milton Keynes. Stopped at Willowbridge to buy some new fenders, having destroyed two in last few days I had no spares. Then on to Soulbury to find that the Three Locks pub was closed.
However Mike and Rosie soon turned up in a car to take us to the Bell in Beachampton, where we had a two course meal with Hook Norton Hooky beer.

Tuesday 15th May

Welton to Stoke Bruerne

Left Welton Hythe and turned left at Norton junction onto the Grand Union main line. Another boat joined us to share Bucky locks. We moored briefly at Whilton so that I could collect some filters from the chandlery.

Pressed on to Weedon for lunch. Walked into Lower Weedon to the Plume of Feathers where we were served beer in jug type glasses.

In the afternoon we carried on through Blisworth tunnel and down Stoke Bruerne locks where we moored for the night at the bottom.

Walked back up to the Boat Inn where I had a very expensive smoked salmon sandwich. It was twice the price of the one I had 4 days ago, and not as good. The beer also was not cheap, the Marstons Old Empire was £3.00 a pint, but it was good. We finished off with a pint in the the Navigation, to see what that was like. Very much a family pub but with three beers, we had the Banks's Amber.

Monday 14th May

Welford to Welton

Left Welford and turned left at Welford Junction to carry on south down the Leicester section of the Grand Union.

Moored for lunch at Crick where we went to the Red Lion to eat, then on to the Royal Oak, which is in the GBG but does not do food.

After lunch we went through Crick tunnel and down Watford locks. Moored for the night opposite Welford Hythe marina. As it was not raining we decided to walk to the White Horse in Welton for the evening.

Sunday 13th May

Market Harborough to Welford

Arrived at Foxton to find 3 boats on their way down so we had to wait about 1/2 hour. Then we were the first of two boats going up with one coming down, which we passed at the half way point.

Moored at the top of the flight near Gumley bridge, and walked to the Bell Inn in Gumley. We had an excellent 2 course lunch, the best meal so far. By the time we had finished that it was raining, which continued for a few hours.

Carried on in the rain south through Husbands Bosworth tunnel and then turned off onto the Welford Arm to Welford where we moored for the night in a mobile phone blackspot.

Went to the Wharf Inn to eat then into the village. The Shoulder of Mutton is no longer a pub, but the bar of the Elizabethan restaurant was open, so we went in there. Then we went back the Wharf Inn.

Saturday 12th May

Kilby Bridge to Market Harborough

Up at 8 and got under way just in time to beat two other boats setting off, who would have left all the locks set against us.

Caught up with another boat which had been moored at Newton Harcourt, and we shared the last 5 locks up to Saddington Tunnel.

Carried on through the tunnel and moored at the southern end. Walked up the hill for lunch in the Queens Head in Saddington village.

Carried on to Foxton where we moored opposite the Inn. Left the water tank filling whilst we went for a pint in the BW refurbished Inn and a mooch round the Inclined plane.

Then went up the Market Harborough arm to Market Harborough where we winded and moored for the night. Went to the Sugar Loaf (Wetherspoons) to eat, then on to the Cherry Tree.

Friday 11th May

Leicester to Kilby Bridge

Decided that we would only go as far as Kilby Bridge today, so I had time to go into town and look at cameras. We had seen a Jessops last night and I also found a Jacobs where I purchased another Ricoh.

Moved on to Aylestone where we went to the Black Horse for lunch. It was an Everards pub and I had their new beer called Sly Fox, which is flavoured with Ginger and was excellent.

After that we were off the River Soar and onto the Grand Union Lecester Line which carries on round the south of Lecester to Kilby Bridge. All the locks needed a BW key to operate the paddles.

Moored at Kilby Bridge and went out to try and catch the bus that we had picked up a leaflet about, but we gave up and ended up walking to Wigston to get a bus to Leicester city centre.

Went to the Corn Exchange (Lloyds No.1) to eat then to the Globe, Shakespeares Head, and Out of the Vaults.

Managed to catch a bus back closer to Kilby Bridge than on the way out.

Thursday 10th May

Loughborough to Leicester

Stopped for lunch at the Hope and Anchor, Syston, which is a Hungry Horse pub. Then on into Leicester where we moored on the secure pontoon at Castle gardens.

Visited 4 pubs in the city, Leicester Gateway to eat, Swan and Rushes, Ale Wagon and the Criterion.

Wednesday 9th May Correction

Please ignore the last two paragraphs of the previous entry, these apply to Thursday.

Moored for the night outside the Albion in Loughborough. They were still doing food so we ate there. Then we walked up the town arm, which is currently closed whilst building works are taking place, to the Swan in the Rushes, and finished in the Tap and Mallet.

Wednesday 9th May

Went to Sainsburys for some supplies then set off at about 9am. Stopped to empty the loo at Beeston lock.

Made a diversion at Trent Lock to go to Sawley. Filled up with fuel at Sawley marina 48p/l and turned round before we moored. Then we went to Harrington Arms for a short lunch.

I have never used the southern lock at Sawley so we used that on the way back. It has now been mechanised so is more popular now. This time we turned south at Trent Lock onto the River Soar.

Stopped for lunch at the Hope and Anchor, Syston, which is a Hungry Horse pub. Then on into Leicester where we moored on the secure pontoon at Castle gardens.

Visited 4 pubs in the city, Leicester Gateway to eat, Swan and Rushes, Ale Wagon and the Criterion.

Tuesday 8th May

We were up at 8am and set off to operate Town lock ourselves. The lock keeper arrived while we were doing this and he opened the top gates for us.

Made slow progress through the beautiful stretch to Gunthorpe. It was very windy with the occaisional squally shower. Moored in Gunthorpe on the secure pontoon, and went for lunch at Tom Browns. Just one course and a pint of real ale. I had chicken stuffed with black pudding served with bubble and squeak, which was excellent.

Pressed on in order to get to Nottingham. Moored on the Nottingham Canal near Sainsburys. Ate in the Canalhouse which is now owned by Tynemill, then on to the Newshouse which is also a Tynemill pub, then the Cock and Hoop and finally the Bell Inn.

Monday 7th May

Saw the boat moored ahead of us move into the basin so I went up to find out what was going on. The flood had started early and there were two narrowboats in the lock ready to go. I went back and we set off and the lock was almost ready for us when we got there. We got a new gas bottle and I also cancelled the booking that I'd made for the return trip in July. We were locked out on our own at about 10am.

The river was quite busy and we lost count of the number of boats that we saw. We cruised non stop and arrived at Cromwell lock at 4pm. Carried on through Nether lock and moored in Newark.

Went to eat in the Tynemill chain Fox and Crown, then on to the Mail Coach and the Castle and Falcon. Then tried the Castle, but that appeared to be shut, so we looked into Wetherspoons, but they didn't have any guest beers so we went back to the Fox and Crown.

Sunday 6th May

Set off from Retford at 9.20. On the outskirts of Retford I managed to drop my camera in the cut. It was in the pocket of my jacket. Fortunately I did bring my old camera with me so I've only lost a few pictures that I've taken yesterday.

Stopped for lunch at the Blacksmiths Arms in Clayworth. Had an excellent fresh Lobster and crab cannelonni.

Stopped for the night at West Stockwith. Moored further back than usual on the piling where there is no concrete shelf. Had a snack on board then to the Waterfront Inn for the evening, which was doing food.

Saturday

Delayed start from Shireoaks due to another boat setting off just before us. Further delays due to the new restrictors on the bottom gate paddles of all three locks at Shireoaks. Arrived in Worksop by 1pm and went for lunch in the Mallard. One of the two beers had been changed since last night so we had that. Only pint though, so that we would be away by 2pm.

Shortly after leaving Kilton lock we picked up a piece of carpet round the prop. I had a go with a Stanley knife until I managed to cut myself, into a vein in my arm. Having sorted that out, Ian had a go and managed to get the rest off, but he cut himself too.

Made good progress to West Retford and even crossed two boats coming the other way. One of them was the guy who followed me to West Stockwith last year hoping to buy Jacob. He asked again if I was selling.

Moored in our usual spot in West Retford and went to the new Wetherspoons, The Dominie Cross, to eat. Then on to the Brick and Tile to get away from the noise in Wetherspoons.

Friday

Arrived at Shireoaks by train at 14.19. Travellers have set up camp near the marina entrance.

Ian arrived on the 18.09, I went to meet him mainly so that I could get some milk and bread at the shop.

Went for fish and chips then to the Hewitt Arms for a couple of beers. There is a vintage rally there this weekend. There was an Aveling-Barford roller there, but it was a petrol one. After that we caught a train to Worksop for a few beers at the Mallard.