Engine oil change in the morning followed by lunch on board, then we walked back to Cheddleton Mill for a look round there after they opened at 1pm. We set off for the short trip to Consall Forge and were there by 4pm in time to take a picture of the last train of the day. Booked a table for dinner in the pub at 630pm.
Went for dinner in the Black Lion. As they had more ciders than beers I decided to drink cider for a change.
Leek to Cheddleton
Set off back along the Leek arm and turned right to go down Hazlehurst locks towards Cheddleton. Moored on the 48 hour moorings near Cheddleton station. Went to catch a train on the Churnet Valley Railway to Consall where we went to the Black Lion for lunch. It has been temporarily renamed the Three Lions, one of 23 pubs renamed by Carlsburg for the football.
After lunch we caught a train to Froghall then back to Leek Brook and then back to Cheddleton.
In the evening after eating on board we went into Cheddleton for supplies then to the Black Lion for beer.
Etruria to Leek
Set off to get to the Foxley for lunch. We moored on their moorings but discovered that the kitchen was closed for refurbishment. We had arranged to meet Ians parents there so they took us to the Hollybush in Denford for lunch. After returning us to the boat we carried on and moored for the night just past the full length winding hole near the end of the Leek branch. Ians sister Judy had met us along the towpath for last bit and kindly drove us into Leek. We went to the Fountain Inn where they weren't serving food but fortunately has some sandwiches left from a function earlier that day. After 2 pints there we moved on to the Earl Grey which we had heard had just won a CAMRA award. Finally we went to the Wilkes Head.
Stone to Etruria
Stopped for an early lunch at Barlaston to go the Neil Morrisey Plume of Feathers. We had a two course set lunch with two 'Neil Morrisey' beers from Norfolk.
When we reached Etruria we turned onto the Caldon canal and moored near the facilities. As it was raining we decided to visit just one of the three pubs in the Good Beer Guide as they were well spread out. So we went to the best one, the County pub of the year, the Holy Inadequate. We had a small pork pie to eat and plenty of beer.
Weston Upon Trent to Stone
We did a long morning to get to Stone in time for lunch. Managed to moor in the pound above the Star Inn. We went to the Royal Exchange hoping to get something to eat there but they did not do food. So after a pint we went back to the boat for lunch.
In the evening we went to the Star to eat. After that we moved on to the Swan. We had to leave the Swan as they had a 9pm cufew for dogs and there was a singer setting up to perform. So we went back to the Royal Exchange.
Great Haywood to Weston Upon Trent
In the morning we went for a walk round Shugborough Park then went for lunch in the Clifford Arms.
Moored for the night at Weston. Went to the Woolpack to eat. On the way back to the boat we decided to risk a pint in the Saracens Head.
Fradley to Great Haywood
We were planning to go to the Spode Cottage near the Plum Pudding just past Armitage for lunch but it was closed and up for sale. So we carried on to Rugeley where we went to The Yorkshireman near the Rugeley Trent Valley station where we had very good sandwiches with beers from the local Blythe brewery.
Moored for the night near Great Haywood where we went to the Clifford Arms for the evening.
Burton to Fradley
Moored for lunch in Alrewas where we went to the Crown Inn for a very good Sunday lunch in the Tiller room.
Moored for the night one lock below Fradley junction. Went to the Swan for the evening where they did have some live music in another room.
Shardlow to Burton
Passed Jacobs sucessor moored in the same place outside Shardlow heritage centre. Did the first two locks on our own then shared with a hire boat to Stenson where we moored above the lock. Went to the Bubble Inn for a large lunch with poor beer.
We moored for the evening at Shobnall Fields in Burton Upon Trent. Went first to the Old Cottage Tavern, then to the Coopers Tavern where we had Pork Pies with our beer. As it was raining again we stayed there for two beers before going to the Devonshire Arms for Burton Bridge ales.
Langley Mill to Shardlow
Early start for a long day. Made quick progress down the Erewash canal as all the locks were in our favour. Stopped for lunch in Sandiacre, where we had moored on the way up, just as the rain got very heavy. Lunch on board then pressed on. Turned up the Trent and through Sawley to get to Shardlow. Went to the New Inn to eat and 2 beers, then on to the Old Crown. The beers we had in the New Inn were very good local beers whereas in the Old Crown the choice was dissapointing.
Stapleford to Langley Mill
Today was supposed to be short but all the locks were against us and there was no one to share them with so we made very slow progress. Stopped near the Bridge Inn at Cotmanhay for a pint then had lunch on board. Moored for the night in Langley Mill basin. Went to the Great Northen for a meal and 2 beers then on to the Railway Tavern for more beer, finishing the evening with an 8% Imperial Russian Stout for £2.30 a pint!
Loughborough to Stapleford
First thing I went B&Q to buy a new boat pole for the exhaust. Then we went into Loughborough basin to fill with water etc. I went to Argos to ourchase some clippers fir Muffin and also to Tesco.
Moored at Kegworth flood lock and walked into Kegworth to go to the Red Lion for a large lunch. After that we carried on to Trent junction where we went into the Erewash canal. We moored for the night on the noisy moorings at Sandiacre. From there we walked up the road to the Horse and Jockey in Stapleford for the evening.
Leicester to Loughborough
Stopped for lunch above Mountsorrel lick where we went to the Swan Inn for lunch. Then we carried on to Loughborough where we moored just before the junction.
Kilby Bridge to Leicester
In the morning we went as far as Kings Lock where we moored below the lock and walked to the Black Horse in Aylestone for lunch. After that we walked to a shop called All Screwed Up to get some new bolts for the drive shaft. To my surprise they were M8 bolts which we could have got anywhere.
After fitting the new bolts we carried on into Leicester. The Castle park moorings were full so we turned round and moored near some other boats on the straight mile.
We went to the Swan and Rushes to eat. They make very nice pizzas there. Then on to the Kings Head and the Rutland and Derby. We did go to the Criterion but they were closing early so we went back to the Swan and Rushes.
Market Harborough to Kilby Bridge
A long morning with no locks to get to Fleckney. Moored by the first bridge north of Sapperton tunnel to walk across the fields to Fleckney. I foolishly let Muffin off the lead and he found a cow pat to roll in. Went for lunch in the garden of the Golden Shield. A good selection of veg came with the roast and due to staff confusion I ended up having two desserts.
After that we started on the locks, fortunately we met another boat to share the first lock. Unfortunately there was a horrible banging noise when I went into reverse in the lock. I assumed that it was something round the prop however it was the universal joint at the gearbox that had was hanging on by one bolt. It seems that one bolt had been missing for some time a second had come out recently and the other 2 were working loose. Fortunately only one had broken off so by stealing 2 from the other joint we ran with 2 bolts in each.
We carried on carefully to Kilby Bridge sharing locks with a different boat all the way. After eating on board we went to the Navigation Inn for a few beers.
Market Harborough
Returned to Market Harborough by train at 19.09. Went to the Cherry Tree to wait for Ian to arrive by a later train. We had a meal there in the games room. Later we moved on to the Admiral Nelson for one pint before going to Jacob.
Foxton to Market Harborough
Earlier than usual start to get to Market Harborough before the moorings filled up. Went through the swing bridge and stopped briefly to empty the toilet and rubbish. I opened the bridge to let another boat through and they returned the favour at the next bridge. There was only space for the two of us when we got to Market Harborough. However it seems a lot of people were only stopping for the shopping and during the afternoon the moorings got quite empty. The owner of one boat that did stay introduced himself as their boat was the 10th built by South West Durham Steelcraft, and Jacob is number 26. Left Jacob there for 24 hours for a short trip home.
Foxton
Moved forward to join the queue for the locks. We were the 8th boat so were in the 2nd batch going down. Filled up with water whilst waiting. Once down we turned left and went up to the winding hole near Debdale wharf to turn to give the batteries a chance to charge. Moored back near the bottom of the locks.
Welford to Foxton
Lots of boats left Welford today, the lock was in constant use for a few hours. By the time they had gone we were ready to leave. Turned north at the junstion towards Foxton. Shortly after North Kilworth we were met by a boat going backwards! They said there was a tree blocking the canal and a lot of boats were held up. We carried on and moored amongst the others. I foolishly assumed that someone must have tried to get over the tree but after a while a boat came through and said that it was easy to get over. So after we had finished lunch we set off to have a go. Unfortunately we had left it too late and local contractors were already there sorting out. So we moored up again and waited for it to be cleared. We were away again by 5pm and made to Foxton before 8pm. After dinner we went for beer and cider in the Bridge 61 pub at the bottom of the locks.
Welford
Took Muffin for a long circular walk before the rain started, they stayed put for the day. After dinner we went to the Wharf Inn again which was open today and only closes early on Mondays. There were three guys there from Scotland, two of whom had been to the show from Welford by rowing a dinghy and camping over night.
Crick to Welford
Due to the forecast for lots of rain tomorrow and that there will be no beer or entertainment after the show tonight we decided to go to Welford today. On arriving in Welford there was no room to moor near the end and we had to turn around and moor near the lock. After dinner we went to the Wharf Inn but found that it was closed.
Braunston to Crick
Set off in the morning again towards Norton Junction where we turned onto the Grand Union Leicester Line. Stopped there to top up with water. Carried on to Watford locks where there was only one other boat waiting. It was a boat going to be put on display at the show and they were asking £150k for it. Apparently it has £500 waterfall taps, underfloor heating and Android control. We didn't have long to wait before we were able to go up through the locks. We moored for lunch before the tunnel. After lunch we just had another hour to do to get to our mooring at Crick. Our mooring turned out to be the last one going north which is where we wanted to be to get a TV signal and 4G phone signal. However this is a section where there are water voles and you have to moor to wooden posts in the water and use a gang plank. In the evening we went to the entertainment tent to smaple some beers and ciders and enjoy the music.
Brinklow marina to Braunston
Set off in the morning. At Hillmorton locks one of each pair of locks was out of use as they were repairing one of the middle pair. There were two volunteers at the bottom lock and one of them came to help us through the middle lock. Stopped for lunch on board in the shade of a tree at Willoghby wharf as it was quite hot in the sun. At Braunston bottom lock there were no other boats waiting or in sight so we went up the flight on our own. Unusually too the 14 day moorings were almost empty and when we arrived at the top lock moorings there were no other boats there! Later on another boat arrived through the tunnel and moored.
For the evening I had booked at table at the Admiral Duncan. We arrived at 830 as arranged and were put in the games room as expected but were given the bar menu which has no starters on it. As usual no one came to take our order and I had to go to the bar to order. They were very busy and as we were not able to have a starter I was looking forward to a dessert. However we were told it was too late to order one. I am sure this would not have happened if we did not have a dog with us and were sitting in the restaurant area. So a dissapointing visit and we will be more wary next time.
Rugby to Brinklow Marina
Short hop back to the marina. Relieved to find that the car started. On the way home I dropped Peter off at Luton parkway station.
Braunston to Rugby
Carried on down Braunston locks and then onto the Oxford canal at Braunston Junction. As there was space to moor outside the Royal Oak at Hillmorton we moored there for lunch. There was a better choice of beers than I was expecting, three, but the food was of the standard we expected from a Hungry Horse pub. We moored for the night on the towpath side near Tescos. We ate before heading to town. Went to the Merchants Inn in search of real Perry where they had 2.
Weedon to Braunston
Moored below Bucky top lock to go for lunch in the New Inn. We had to sit outside and ask for an umbrella to keep off the rain. In the afternoon we carried on through Braunston tunnel and started to descend Braunston locks. Managed to moor above lock 2 near the Admiral Nelson where I had booked a table for 2 plu dog. We had an excellent meal albeit that the service was a bit slow.
Leighton Buzzard to Willen Park, Milton Keynes
On leaving Soulbury bottom lock Muffin escaped and then tried to get back on again which resulted in another soaking. We stopped there anyway for water and discovered due to the high pressure that the hose has lots of pinholes courtesy of Muffin. We then moved onto the trial 2 day moorings and went to the Three Locks pub for lunch. For the evening we moored near Daves boat in Milton Keynes and went to the Barge Inn for dinner.
Bulbourne to Leighton Buzzard
Whilst waiting at Marsworth top lock another boat appeared from the Wendover Arm. This was the boat that Tony Redshaw had built and fitted out and he was on board with his wife. We shared locks with him till we stopped for lunch on board at Slapton wharf. Leighton Buzzard had no dog friendly pubs with food so we had a take away on board before going to try the Red Lion. One of the resident dogs came over and had a brief argument with Muffin. After a pint there we went to try the Black Lion which is not in the Good Beer Guide. It was obvious that it deserved to be in the GBG and I speculated that it would be in the next one.
Winkwell to Bulbourne
Set off up the locks but soon ran into a problem, the pound above lock 58 had very little water in it. We had to run water down from the next two pounds to sort this out which held us up by 1 1/2 hours. Peter had arrived by train and we stopped below Berkhamsted bottom lock to go for lunch in the Rising Sun. They only had Cheese or Cheese and Ham ploughmans but several nice beers. After lunch Andy left us to catch a bus to Aylesbury. Peter and I carried on up the rest of the locks to the summit and then on to Bulbourne. A very peaceful mooring there. Had a sandwich on board before heading to the Grand Junction Arms for a beer.
Kings Langley to Winkwell
Stopped for lunch above Boxmoor middle lock to go for lunch in the Fishery Inn. The menu was almost identical to last night as both pubs are owned by M&B, so I was able to have the vegeterian dish that I fancied but didn't have. The Brakspears Oxford Gold was dissapointing. Carried on to Winkwell for the night, however Andy was not feeling well so we did not visit the pub!
Croxley to Kings Langley
Stopped at Hunton Bridge and went for lunch in the garden of the Kings Head. After lunch carried on to Kings Langley. Went to the Rose and Crown for dinner outside.
Cowley to Croxley
An early start to try to make the most of the cooler morning. Stopped at 11am above Black Jacks lock near Harefield to go to the Old Orchard for lunch (GBG). This is another Brunning and Price pub but with better beer than the last one in Odiham. Two of the beers ran out while we were there but there were still enough to keep us amused. Stopped for the evening above Common Moor lock at Croxley and went to the Red House to eat and then onto the Sportsman (GBG) for more interesting beer.
Greenford to Cowley
Stopped to try and get gas at High Line in Northolt which was not open, and Willowbridge marina where they wanted £3 to empty the Portapotti, which we declined. At Bulls Bridge we turned right up the Grand Union then left at Cowley Peachy junction onto the Slough Arm. The first bit was very fast then there was a very slow bit, then the boatyard moorings, but the rest of the canal has been fully dredged and was fast enough. Spotted Tortoise and Floss on the moorings. Chris joined us with his bike and we moored by St Marys road bridge and retired for lunch in the Red Lion where Andy I. was waiting for us. Andy J. left us here to catch a train at Langley station. Carried on after lunch to the end where we turned and came straight back. Stopped on the way for gas at Highline yachting. Back on the Grand Union we moored for the night below Cowley lock. Went to the Malt Shovel for the evening.
Olympic Park to Greenford
Turned around and went back up to the Hertford Union junction where we turned left onto the Hertford Union. At the top lock Andy spotted a lightweight windlass in the water below the lock and manage to retrieve it. Turned right at the other end of the Hertford Union and headed towards Paddington. We kept catching up with a boat I had met on the River Stort so he agreed to wait at the next lock and we shared the rest of the locks to Camden. I had already decided not to stop at Little Venice and we didn't go down to Paddington but there were no moorings free anyway. Stopped outside Sainsburys at Kensal Green for supplies. Carried on to Greenford where we moored for the night on top of something in the water, and adjourned to the Black Horse.
Ware to Waltham Abbey
Set off from Ware at about 10am in-between rain showers. Stopped at Stansted Abotts Marine to fill up with 116l fuel. Stopped for lunch at the Fish and Eels, Dobbs weir. Another Vintage Inns, was only epecting 1 beer but there were three pumps clips on show but the Brakspears was off. Had Sunday lunch here. Moored for the night north of Waltham Town Lock. Walked into Waltham Abbey which I had not been to before, and we hada pint in The Crown. Unfortunately the town is full of McMullens pubs.
Ware Boat Festival
Lazy morning, took Muffin for a walk before it got too hot then sat on the front deck in the shade to watch the parade of boats. This was a bit of a shambles, despite the rules stating that they should be very close together and should all go up to the lock to turn around, the boats were 5 minutes apart so I suspect that many boats moored up before doing the full course and we witnessed one boat doing so. After that I watched the boat handling competition which consisted of a 180° turn, touch the priory wharf quay to get off and shake hands with someone, then a 360° turn followed by touching the towpath to get off and shake hands with someone else. In the evening we went to eat in the Punch House followed by some decent beer in the Royal Oak. Shoulda gone Hertford...
Roydon to Ware
Set off aiming to get to Hertford for lunch but when we got to Stansted Abbotts lock there were 2 boats already in the lock and another two waiting. Also one of the top paddles was not working so filling the lock was slow. After the delay we carried on through Ware having a sandwich on the move and got to Hertford about 2pm. Went for a beer in the Old Cross Tavern. After that we headed back to Ware and took our mooring W7 alongside another narrowboat. In the evening was the barbecue which was well organised.
Teddington to Greenford
The inspection launch behind us asked if they could follow us to Brentford but after speaking to the lock keeper they went one hour earlier because they were in a hurry. We joined another narrowboat that was going to Limehouse in the lock and we were out on the tidal Thames at 10am. We were fighting the incoming tide most of the way to Brentford. Turned into Brentford creek and through Thames lock which was still branded as British Waterways! At the gauging lock there was someone there to operate it for us but she didn't open the sluices in the right order and opened them too quickly. At the next lock we caught up with the inspection launch who had only stopped for a pumpout so had only goined 1/2 hour by going one hour early. We moored below Hanwell bottom lock to go to the Fox for lunch. On the way up the flight Rob arrived to join us for the day. At Bulls bridge junction we turned onto the Paddington Arm and moored for the night near the Black Horse by the canal at Greenford. We had a meal in the Black Horse then walked towards the station to try the Railway. After a pint there Rob went to catch a train home and we returned to the Black Horse.
Walton to Teddington
In the morning we went in search of two difficult geo-caches. I managed to spot one disguised underneath a wooden bridge but we failed to find the other one under the old Walton bridge. We had lunch outside the Anglers on the riverside before we set off as we could only go as far as Teddington due to the tide times. On arrival at Teddington I booked the lock for 10am. We went to eat in the Tide End Cottage then to the GBG pub, the Mason Arms.
Godalming to Guildford
Set off at 930 to get to Guildford for lunch. Stopped on the same moorings as before and walked to the Stoke where we had pizzas for lunch. Even the sandwiches are folded pizzas! After lunch we moved on and moored at Dapdune wharf which was not open to the public today. This was so that we could return to the Stoke to try the other three beers.
Guildford to Godalming
The navigation on the stretch that we were in was closed today between 11 and 12 so we went to the Stoke pub hoping to get breakfast there after 10am, however when we got there they had changed their opening time to 11 so we returned to Jacob for breakfast there. The stoppage was to do with National Forces week and the Navy were taking a flag from Dapdune wharf to Town wharf in RIBs. Set off at noon and moored in the town centre. Walked to the Keystone where we sampled their 2 beers between us and had hot dogs made with Cumberland sausage in baguettes. After lunch we set off to get to Godalming for the evening. We went all the way up to Town bridge but we couldn't wind there so we backed down to the winding hole where we turned and moored on the offside so that I could go to Sainsburys and Petsathome. Then we moved across to the towpath and walked into town to the Red Lion. They had 6 beers and between us we managed to sample most of them. The only food was Pieminister pies with mash and minted peas.
Woking to Guildford
Set off to get to Woodham top lock for 930. When we got there JennyB was waiting for us and we shared the locks. They were going up the Wey too but only as far as the Anchor at Pyrford. We carried on to go to the Seven Stars near Ripley for lunch. The London Pride there was not nice but the sunday roasts were good.
Brookwood Country Park to Woking
Set off at 830 to get to St Johns top lock at 9. There were 2 boats already there and none due to come up so we followed the 2 boats down the flight. Stopped briefly at the sanitary station at Bridge Barn then moved across onto the moorings for the Bridge Barn Beefeater pub. Andy left us and we walked to the Crown in Horsell for some beer. Back on the boat we ate the sandwiches and Eclairs that Andy had left behind. In the evening we had a meal outside the Beefeater and when it strarted we hurriedly finished our meal we retired to Jacob with our pints. Later after it had stopped raining we went back to the Crown where Stedmans Ale from the local Horsell brewery was now on.
Ash Vale
Day trip by train, Ash Vale to Alton then onto the Watercress line Alresford.
Brookwood Country Park to Frimley Green
There were two other boats moored next to us and they both made it to the Brookwood bottom lock before us so they went up the Brookwood and Deepcut flights together and we followed. Fortunately there was another boat coming down so we could leave the locks open behind us until we crossed. Andy J. arrived by train and caught up with us. Stopped for lunch on borad in one of the locks as we kept catching up the other two boats. On reaching the top we carried on to Frimley Green where we moored by Frimley Lodge Park. Walked to the Rose and Thistle for a meal. Andy left us here then Ian and I went to the Old Wheatsheaf and finally to the Miners Arms. From there we walked back through the park.
Brookwood Country Park
Andy left us here and later on we went home by train from Brookwood station.
North Haw to Brookwood
Set off at 9.15 and turned into the Basingstoke Canal to get to the Woodham bottom lock at 930. We were greeted by Matt who had opened all the locks in the first flight for us. As there was another boat coming down we were able to leave all the locks open for them. After the 6 locks in the flight we carried through Woking to the sanitary station opposite the Bridge Barn pub where I emptied the loo and we got some water. The other boat was here taking a rest here, an unusual wooden boat with a single cylinder Gardner. Before we have completely filled with water we set off to get to St John's bottom lock at 130. We did not see Matt again and now we had to empty all the locks behind us. After going through locks 9 and 10 we were unable to shut the top gates so we informed the Canal centre. Stopped briefly above the top lock to check the local shops, there was a Coop there. Then we carried on to the water point in Brookwood park where we completed filling up with water. On the way to the pub we checked the moorings near Brookwood bottom lock but these were so bad that we decided to stay put. Andy and I had a pint in the pub. Again no dogs allowed inside and the beer was very average. We returned to Jacob where we had a barbecue then we all went back to the pub for another average pint.
Windsor to New Haw
Andy J. Arrived and we set off downstream at 1110. Another quiet day and we didn't have to share any of the locks. We only had to self operate one lock. Turned off the Thames below Shepperton lock onto the River Wey. Purchased a transit licence to get us to the Basingstoke canal tomorrow. Stopped for the night above Haw lock and went to check out the White Hart nearby pub nearby. They only allow dogs in the garden so we decided to have an early dinner there before the sunset.
Henley to Windsor
Today was quieter than yesterday. At WIndsor we moored on the north bank, the Eton side, for which we had to pay £8 again. Went for a meal in the nearby Watermans Arms. The beer was good but the food was average, but at least it was not expensive. Then we walked into Windsor where we had a pint in the Carpenters Arms.
Beale Park to Henley
Another busy day with lots of lock sharing. Stopped for water at Shiplake lock after being unable to get some at Mapledurham due to a change in policy to avoid congestion at the limited mooring there. Moored on the west bank below Henley bridge for which there is a charge of £8. Went to eat in the Little Angel on the east side of the bridge then on to the GBG entry The Bird in Hand.
Beale Park Boat and Outdoor Show
I went for a look round the show on my own in the morning. An interesting mix of boats from canoes to steam boats. Later we went back together for another look. After the show had closed we returned to Jacob. Having seen someone else swimming in the river nearby I was encouraged to do so and take Muffin with me. First we tried Muffin with his life jacket on and he was swimming well, then we tried him without the life jacket and he was still able to swim well. However although he seemed to want to get in to join me, he didn't. After that we had a barbecue.
Oxford to Beale Park
Another long day to get to Beale Park in one day. Left Oxford before 9 to get to Iffley lock after 9. I was a bit annoyed when I saw the lock gates closing and only 2 narrowboats inside. I think the gates paused but briefly but we had to wait. So we had to share with a large cruise boat. I didn't think we would both fit in but when I spoke to the lock keeper I saw the lock is wider than the gates. Stopped at Days lock to empty the loo, stopped at Sheridan Marine near Moulsford to get gas, and finally got some water at Cleeve lock while waiting for a boat to come up. We got to Goring lock at 1745 but it was already on self operate mode. Unfortunately the water point there is for containers only so we couldn't get any more water. Moored behind the larger island at Beale Park. As it was a sunny Saturday it was quite busy so we took 10 hours rather than 8 1/2 hours.
Tadpole Bridge
Due to the high winds which were predicted till late in the day we stayed at Tadpole bridge. Ran out of water in the morning but managed to extend the hose reel on the pub to reach Jacob. In the evening we went for another meal in the pub, only two courses and no pudding wine.
Cropredy to Banbury
A wet morning and not far to go so we delayed our departure till after lunch and arranged for Andy to meet us in Cropredy rather than Banbury. We got a bit wet a few times on the way and moored on the offside outside the Castle Quays shopping centre. Went to the Olde Reindeer Inn for a meal and stayed there to enjoy the Hook Norton beers.
Fenny Compton to Cropredy
Set off earlier today around 10am. Had a good run down the Claydon locks meeting boats coming the other way at every one. Once again remembered a great time many years ago (1984?) spent playing Northampton skittles and drinking cider in the Rising Sun pub that is no longer, just a bus stop named after it as a reminder. Stopped for lunch below the bottom lock. Carried on to Cropredy where we went through the lock and filled up with water before mooring for the night. Took Muffin for a walk round the village and booked a table in the Brasenose Arms which was advertising its dog friendliness on a sign by the lock! They had a real pie on the menu so I had that.
Braunston to Fenny Compton
Muffin wanted to go out very early today, 630am! So we went for a wander round Braunston marina. Later on I went to Midland chandlers and Wharf House narrowboats chandlery. Stopped for a late lunch at the Folly Inn at the bottom of Napton locks. I had foolishly believed their website which said that they would be serving food till 230, but on arriving at the bar I was informed that had already stopped serving food. So we just had a pint in the garden in the sunshine. Worked our way up the locks and pressed on to Fenny Compton where we moored on the end of the long term moorings as it was 8pm by then. Unfortunately whilst I was mooring Muffin jumped off the rear deck and ended up half in the water. I pulled him out and after we had eaten our dinner I fired up the generator to use the hairdryer on him. Unfortunately this meant were then too late to go the pub again.
Willoughby to Brinklow Marina
Cool cloudy but dry day.
Stopped for lunch above Hillmorton locks.
Stopped for water below the locks.
