Wed 28th June, Caen Hill to Honeystreet

There was no sign of life from the boat in front but the four people on the hire boat behind said they would be ready to start by 830. Started up the flight together at 820 and got through the main 16 locks in 2 hours. Then carried on though the rest of the locks where the hire boat moored opposite Devizes wharf. We carried on and moored on the 48 hour moorings at Horton Bridge for lunch at the Bridge pub.

Carried on to Honeystreet and moored near the Barge. The pub has changed hands a few times and seems to be run by east europeans with an 'Italian inspired' menu, only one beer on but in good nick. Sadly I don't think it will survive with the current menu. There was very little evidence of its crop circle days, an OS map labelled Croppie HQ and a large advertisement on an outside wall for Stonehenge Croppie beer.

Mon 3rd July, Theale

Caught the 650 train to Reading then a train to Hayes and Harlington where I caught a Heathrow connect to terminals 123 and finally another Heathrow Connect to terminal 4. Martin was waiting there and we took the Piccadily line to Kings Cross where we had brunch. Then caught a train home.

In the evening we caught a train back into London and got the 8pm train from Paddington to Reading and from there the 841 to Theale.

Sun 2nd July, Colthrop to Theale

Filled up with water at Aldermaston wharf. Moored for the night at Theale on the 48 hour moorings. Went to the Bull for our evening meal.

Sat 1st July, Kintbury to Colthrop

Moored in Newbury for lunch. Went to the King Charles again. They had 8 beers on and some good food. Bought some Samosas in the market for our evening meal and some Croissant and Pain au Chocolate. Also bought other supplies in Tesco metro. We wanted to moor at Thatcham but the moorings were full so we carried on and moored above the weir by Colthrop lock.

Fri 30th June, Great Bedwyn to Kintbury

Moored in Hungerford on the 48 hour moorings and went for lunch in the John O'Gaunt. Wandered around town and bought some bread from a bread shop! Moored for the night below Kintbury lock as the moorings above were full. Went for dinner in the Dundas Arms then had a wander round the village which still has a butcher and a bread shop!

Thurs 29th June, Honeystreet to Great Bedwyn

Stopped at Pewsey wharf to empty the loo. Paired up with another boat, KBO, as we got to Wootton Rivers bottom lock. We paired with them all the way to the Crofton moorings. Passage through the summit pound was very slow due to the low water level and there was already talk of restrictions from the volunteers near Crofton. We carried on to Great Bedwyn where we moored on the visitor moorings and went for a meal in the Three Tuns.

Tue 27th June, Bradford on Avon to Caen Hill

Stopped at Hilperton marina to get gas but the diesel was 80p/l so we didn't fill up, they also had the Morris SAE30 oil so I bought a gallon of that. Shortly after there was another place with a coal and fuel boat advertising diesel at 65p/l so we stopped agagin and filled up with 70l. Got another gallon of oil which was cheaper here.

Actually managed to share a few locks before we stopped for lunch at the Barge at Seend wharf where we moored by their garden.

Moored for the night at the bottom of the main section of Caen Hill locks ready for them to open at 8am tomorrow. There was one boat already there and anothe hire boat turned up later.

Mon 26th June, Bath to Bradford on Avon

Went shopping in Sainsburys by the old Green Street station. Set off late and went up Bath locks and carried on to Avoncliffe Aqueduct where we moored and went for a late lunch in the Cross Guns. After that we went a bit further to moor by the Tithe Barn at Bradford on Avon.

After a walk round the town we went to Timbrells Yard for something to eat.

Sun 25th June, Bristol to Bath

Left the moorings at 930am for a tour of the harbour. We could not go into Cumberland basin as the gates were closed because of the high tide. That meant that we were early at Netham and had to wait for the tide to drop before they could open the lock. Whilst moored at Netham 2 trip boats arrived to wait as well. After the Harbour Master had towed a tree out of the way we followed the trip boats through the lock.

The moorings at Hanham were full so we carried on to Keysham where there was a space. Went to Lock Keeper for a Sunday lunch.

In the evening we moored on the river behind the trip boat moorings. Ate on board then went to the Garrick for a pint. They had Bath Chaps as a bar snack so I had some. Pigs Cheeks!

Sat 24th June, Bristol

Went with Ian to Temple Meads station where he caught a train home and Peter arrived at almost the same time.

Went for lunch in the Eldon. Beers very good and food very filling. As they had no new potatoes for my meal due to a chef walkout, we got a free drink out of it. Then walked around Clifton and back to Barndon Hill where we went up Cabot tower.

In the evening we went to the Three Tuns for a light meal. I had the Cream Tea, which was Black Pudding Scones with Goats Cheese and Shallot Jam!

Fri 23rd June, Bath to Bristol

There was space to moor on the pontoon above Keynsham Lock so we were able to go to the Lock Keeper for a meal. Before setting off I rang Netham lock and was told that I had to arrive before 5 as it would be closed then to keep out the high tide. Stopped at Netham lock to puchase a Harbour fee, £46 for 48 hours. Moored on the new moorings near Hotwells where there was only one other boat there.

Went to the Hope and Anchor where I had fish and chips, smoked makerel, sweet potato fries and mushy peas which were actually crushed minted peas. Then onto the Three Tuns for more beer.

Thurs 22nd June, Semington to Bath

Finally a cooler day. Moored just before the Avoncliffe aqueduct and went for lunch in the Cross Guns. Moored for the night on the 48 hour moorings in the Bath flight. Went to eat in the Bath Brew House then on to the Star Inn for more beer.

Wed 21st June, Devizes to Semington

Tues 20th June, Crofton to Devizes

Paired up with Merryweather which we had been leap frogging since Reading. Up through Crofton locks and down through Wooton Rivers locks. We stopped for lunch near Pewsey wharf where we went for lunch in the Waterfront. Moored for the night above the locks in Devizes. Went to the Vaults then to Morrisons and finally to the British Lion.

Mon 19th June, Hungerford to Crofton

Moored in the shade below Burnt Mill lock for lunch on board as the pub in Great Bedwyn is closed on Mondays. When we got to Crofton a boat offered to move up to make room for us to moor. Went for dinner in the Swan in Wilton.

Sun 18th June, Newbury to Hungerford

Another very hot day expected so we left a bit earlier than usual to benefit from the cooler temperatures. Made faster progress than yesterday and arrived at Kintbury where we filled with water and emptied the loo. Then went to the Dundas Arms for a Sunday roast.

Moored for the night in Hungerford in the shade of some trees. Shower and Sandwich on board then off to the John O'Gaunt for some beer. Great to have some beer at the right temperatures.

Sat 17th June, Woolhampton to Newbury

Stopped for lunch at Theale where went to the Bull for a light lunch.
Moored for the night above the lock in Woolhapton where we had booked a table at 830 in the Rowbarge.

Fri 16th June, Reading to Woolhampton

Thurs 15th June, Willington to Reading

Moored for lunch at Pangbourne and went to the Elephant Hotel to eat.

A hire boat from Aldermaston overtook us and then we saw it slow down with steam coming from the engine bay. We offered a tow and took them to the next lock. They gave us a bottle of wine as thanks.

Called at Better Boating for fuel at 84p/l. I was allowed to do the fill and managed to get 141l in! A new record. We turned off the Thames and onto the Kennet & Avan canal. Moored for the night on the 24 hr moorings buy the goal.

We had a sandwich on board then walked to the award winning Nags Head where Andy met us for a drink. Unkown to us it was the night of the presentation of their latest CAMRA award and we were treated to hot dogs after that. On the way back we called into the Ale House.

Wed 14th June, Oxford to Willington

Tues 13th June, Radcot Bridge to Oxford

Mon 12th June Tadpole bridge to Radcot Bridge via Lechlade

Carried on upstream and moored at Lechlade where we went for lunch in the Riverside then went for another pint in the Crown. Went for a walk up to Inglesham Lock where it is now too silted up to wind.

After that we winded below Halfpenny bridge and headed downstream. Moored on the moorings for Kelmscott Manor. Went to the Plough for a pint but as it was Monday they were going to shut at 8pm. So we carried on downstream to Radcot where we went to the Swan. We were pleased to discover that it is now home to the Old Forge brewery and they had two of their beers available.

Sunday 11th June Oxford to Tadpole Bridge

Joined the Thames through Isis lock and Sheepwash channel and headed upstream. Decided not to stop for lunch so that we could get to Tadpole bridge. The Ferrymans at Bablock Hythe was open when we passed. Moored for the night at The Trout by Tadpole Bridge where we had dinner.

Saturday 10th June Thrupp to Oxford

Left Thrupp at 8.25. Drinkwaters swingbridge had boats moored on both sides of the bridge on the off side. Another boat came from the other direction and as there were two of them they left me through first. I moored briefly on the 24hr moorings at Wolvercote junction but then when one of the hire boats from Heyford came along I followed them throught the two lift bridges. So rather than stop at Wolvercote and have to mess around with buses I carried on into Oxford. Moored on the 7 day moorings which are very nice but much further out than I normally moor. Ian arrived by train and we went for lunch in the Gardeners Arms. I had read that they specialised in vegetarian food but in fact thats all they have and much of it is vegan. However I like good veggie food and they had a few good ales. We did not move after lunch and in the evening we went into town and into the St Aldates Tavern to eat. The first pint that I had wasn't very good but that they had a good selection of other beers so we stayed for 2 more which were much better. Foolishly decided to go to the Turf Tavern. they only had 5 ales on, but we did manage to get a seat outside and then inside later when it started to rain.

Friday 9th June Lower Heyford to Thrupp

Left Lower Heyford at the wrong time as several hire boats were all trying to get into the boatyard by 9am. A very pleasant day, warm with some sun. Stopped for a rest and early lunch below Bakers lock at the start of the river section. After that I carried on for Thrupp. Shipton lift bridge was open. I moored up at Thrupp lift bridge and just as I was looking at the controls a boat appeared from the other direction so I opened it for him. He was single handed so we arranged that he would close it after I had gone through. I got a spot on the 7 day moorings and went to check out the Boat Inn. I had a swift half and returned to Jacob for a cup of tea. Later I returned to the Boat Inn for an early dinner at 6pm.

Thurs 8th June Banbury to Lower Heyford

Stopped at Aynho and went to the Great Western for lunch. This place has gone upmarket since my last visit and I had really good 8oz burger.

Moored for the night in Lower Heyford. Went for a drink in the Red Lion before going with Andy to the station where he caught a train back to Reading.

Wed 7th June Fenny Compton to Banbury

Moored in Cropredy and went for lunch in the Red Lion. We weren't sure that it would be open but it was. Very quiet but very good beers and food. Moored for the night in Banbury. After eating on board we went to the White Horse for a drink. Sadly this meant that we missed their Yappy hour!

Tues 6th June Braunston to Fenny Compton

Braunston to Fenny Compton Wharf

Late start as we only wanted to get to the bottom Napton locks for lunch. Moored on the 24hr mooring below the locks and went to the Folly for a very good lunch. After lunch we went up the locks and carried on for Fenny Compton. We moored on the long term moorings again as it was about 7pm. Had a light bite on board then went to check out the Wharf Inn. Another pub with only one beer on, so I tried a new cider instead.

Mon 5th June Brinklow to Braunston

Set off at 8.25 with a view to getting to Napton tonight. However when I worked out that would put us in the middle of nowhere tomorrow night I decided to only go as far as Braunston today. Light rain all morning. Stopped for lunch on board on piling in-between bridges 78 and 79. After that we carried on without rain to Braunston where winded in the marina entrance before returning to moor almost opposite the Mill House, or whatever it's called now..

We went to the Old Plough to eat in the public bar, nice food but the only beer on was Doom Bar! So after finishing our meal we walked on to the Admiral Nelson, passing the Wheatsheaf which no longer has real ale. After another drink in the Admiral Nelson we walked back along the towpath.

Sunday 4th June 2017

Arrived at the marina too late to set off to pick up Andy J by boat, so I collected him from Rugby station by car then we went for a swift half in the Merchants Inn before going back to the marina.