End of Season

Yesterday we spent the morning completing more domestic chores (slowly!) and had lunch early. Christine wanted to go to M & S in Banbury and Mike to B & Q. The first was because a couple of days ago we discovered that one of our bottom sheets had come to the end of its usable life and urgently needed replacing. The latter was to find some better screws to fix the rear door furniture and to avoid the problems of last week recurring. The early lunch was so that there would be enough daylight to allow Mike to use the screws as planned - which he did.

Today we spent most of the morning transferring 'stuff' to the car (we did have rather a lot in the fridge despite last night being a 'use up' meal). First, Mike did the task that he too often forgets - cleaning out the drains around the rear deck board. There have been a lot of leaves around in the past few days. If the channels and the drain holes become blocked then the engine room can quite quickly become inundated.

We were eventually ready to leave by 11:30 but when we set up the satnav, it immediately warned us that it was selecting a route to avoid delays followi8ng an accident on the A34. It took us through Chipping Norton and Lechlade etc etc to come onto the A419 around Swindon by the former Honda factory. Apart from a couple of road works in Banbury and the consequent tailbacks, we had a straightforward run. The grey and misty weather meant that there was little worth looking at despite being in delightful Cotswold countryside. We reach home just after 2 pm and settled back into land-based winter life style and schedules. 

We may have a couple of nights at the marina in a few weeks time as a stopover en route to Rugby for an all-day meeting. By then the boat should have had its annual checkover by RCR.

Cropredy Marina

Today's Canal : Oxford

We set off just before 10 for the very short trip to the marina mooring. This marina has two entrances and we are in the half that is served by the northern - today the further - entrance. After turning into the marina the next task was to line up for a tight right turn into the narrow channel into the newest basin, Swan.

Across this channel is also a swing footbridge - at least the length of the channel is plenty to come to a rest and let off a crew member to open the bridge. (Not sure what a single hander would do)

Our mooring is only just into this basin so a tight turn is needed. We almost made it at first attempt but at the last moment the breeze pushed us just a bit too far into the basin and we were heading for the next slot up!

All we could do was to back off some distance down into the basin and approach from the opposite direction this time  and we made it with just a little help from a rope taken off the front to help with the last part of the turn without scraping the next door boat. Next time we will probably try going rather further into the basin and plan to make an about turn before attempting to slot in and onto the pontoon. At least this time there was only a gentle breeze - quite unusual for a marina, which is necessarily a wide open space.

After coffee Mike and Andrew set off to drive up to Leamington where Andrew had left his car . Only just over half an hour. A couple of minutes to transfer his luggage and we were both back on the road. The return trip was just as uneventful (thankfully)

Meanwhile, Christine had been to the office and checked that our paperwork was now in order. She also made a start on the domestic chores that would take up the rest of the day for both of us.

0.3 Miles - 0 Locks

Cropredy

Today's Canal : Oxford

The weather was much better today, sunshine mostly but with a chilly breeze at times and out of the sunshine. Occasional dark clouds fortunately did not turn into actual rain.

We set off a bit earlier than usual, just before 9. We moored close to the Wormleighton Radio mast and hoped to get a better picture for our library. However, we then discovered that the camera battery was flat and not recharged overnight (User Error!)

We did try with a basic tablet but its camera is not its strong point!

So here is one we took 14 years ago when still having our winter mooring in Lower Heyford. We are not sure what the mast is used for now - it was originally built as part of the DECCA Navigator system for maritime users but that has long since been superseded by cheaper and easier GPS. We could not see any significant aerials on the mast.

We continued to contour around hills and valleys until we arrived at Fenny Compton, a popular spot for long term moorers and others who like to find a winter stopover. There seemed to be rather more boats on the move today than we have seen for some time.

Just after passing Fenny Compton marina (now under new ownership we believe) comes a long straight section. Despite still having the name of Fenny Compton Tunnel, daylight never disappears. When the canal was first built, Brindley did specify a tunnel here but it soon became a bottleneck it what was at first a busy and important transport link to London. When competition from the new Grand Union started to erode the traffic on the southern Oxford the tunnel was opened out.

This turnover bridge results from having a towpath where once the horses would have been taken separately over the hill. That old track joined the towpath on opposite sides of the canal north and south of the tunnel.

Old OS maps show a brick works beside the canal (on what was originally the land above the tunnel) close to the main A423 between Southam and Banbury. It owed its existence to the opening out of the tunnel which produced a large quantity of clay suitable for brick making! (see) There was sufficient to last until 1915.

Strangely, the short section at the southern end of the tunnel was never widened enough for boats to pass  - odd because it was the one way nature of a narrow tunnel that caused the traffic delays.

Some tree cutting was taking place on a sharp bend and the contractors had moored a small boat right on the apex. In making sure we did not hit it (if we had they they would have had a long trek at the end of the day!) we failed to avoid some off side vegetation which blocked quite a lot of the width. Not normally a problem except on this occasion it swiped two of our fenders and hangers off the roof and we had to back up to collect them - the overhanging vegetation did not make this an easy task!

The end of the summit pound comes with the Claydon Flight of 5 locks.

At the second lock we met what is fast becoming a standard temporary repair to balance beams. At least it is quite and easy to install when a beam fails to make it to the next planned replacement (typically every 30 years). The idea has proved remarkably successful.

Oxfordshire County Council were due to undertake a major strengthening of Bridge 145 just below the middle lock. Many boaters have been planning their trips around a two week closure at the start of November - we have been aware of this for some time. However, kit has just been announced that this work and the closure will not now take place at this time, hopefully planned into 2025/2026! Let's hope the bridge stays up that long.

And so to Claydon Bottom Lock - 40 minutes.

The locks from here down towards Oxford all come one at a time. We worked through Elkington's and Varney's before mooring up for a lunch break, opposite Varney's Slipway - looking remarkably similar to when we passed last year except that the small boat has collapsed even more.

On again and after Broadmoor Lock we passed the entrance to Cropredy Marina where we now have our Home Mooring. However, we have booked to have a meal at the Red Lion in the village, close to the next lock.

After dropping down Cropredy Lock we arrived at the winding hole and service facility. We did not need to take on water but did need to empty an elsan and dispose of some rubbish. Turning took a little while a another boat had moored in the winding hole to use the water point (it should really have moored adjacent, but never mind, we made it without damaging his paintwork!)

We went back up Cropredy Lock and moored very close to the village and the pub.

9.3 Miles - 11 Locks

Wormleighton

Today's Canals : Grand Union, Oxford

Although today has been dry, it has also been very overcast and rather chilly. We set off in good time with a 20 minute run before the Calcutt Locks.

Calcutt Marina entrance is just below the bottom lock. 

Alongside the bottom lock landing is a small building associated with the back pumping. This design is typical of similar structures along this part of the Grand Union (and is noted in the reference we cited yesterday)

Two locks up and we called at the boatyard - we checked that they now were able to supply diesel today, after the disappointment that our lock companions has last week. As always the staff were very helpful and friendly. Christine nearly found a replacement for Tippy (our ash can) which is developing holes in the bottom but alas it proved to be a different make and a bit larger, too large to fit in the space available.

With the stop it was 10:30 before we cleared the top lock and headed towards Napton Junction. We turned right, back onto the Oxford, now the southern half. We passed the entrances to Wigrams Turn and Napton marinas. At the latter most of their fleet now seem to be back in for the winter. Certainly 20 of the, were.

This boat seems to have made use of every available surface to fit in  patchwork of solar panels. Should give them a good supply, at least on better days than today.

We paused just before the bridge below Napton Locks to fill with water. Another boat was just finishing its fill and started to set off when we spotted that they had left their keys in the water point lock! Lucky for them as it is likely that it would be some distance before they noticed that the were missing.

We had to move to the lock landing for elsan and rubbish but then we were ready to set off up the nine locks - back to narrow size now.

Alongside the lock we noticed a warning that we do not recall being there before - do not leave fenders hanging as some boats doing this have been stuck in the narrow locks. It is possible that at least one of the locks is a bit out of shape as well.

Moored just above the first lock was nb Silver Fox which we think was formerly owned by Colin and Shaun of Foxes Afloat videos fame.

Alongside the flight is a farm that has a specialist herd of buffalo, but where were they? The first field where we have often seen them before was full of (boring) sheep.

Above Lock 13 there was a convenient place to stop for lunch.

Off again and there at the next lock were some of the buffalo! Initially in the distance, they eagerly ambled across the field to come and greet us.

Soon after this we completed the Marston Doles locks and began the long trek across the 11 mile summit pound. The southern Oxford never received the straightening upgrade that took so much distance out of the northern half. All of this canal was first built under the direction of Brindley - at that time the technology available to him (largely shovel and wheelbarrow) dictated that he selected a route that avoided tunnels and large embankments or cuttings. Instead it followed contours which meant that it had a lot of bends! The Grand Union opened in 1803 and took most of the traffic into London that the southern Oxford previously carried down via the Thames. The northern section continued to carry a ,lot of coal and other goods so it received the upgrade, leaving the southern part to meander through rural countryside.

We cannot ignore the obligatory shot of the famous landlocked narrowboat which continues to be someone's home.

We began to see the HS2 works near Wormleighton. The first site, which does not cross the canal,.seems to be some sort of underpass, perhaps for drainage. It is the type of structure that is a major undertaking on its own but once the project is complete will not be noticed and probably be largely forgotten.

Soon after came the main bridge crossing the canal. When we passed here last year there was only one span but now a second is well on its way. The structure over the canal is in place but now work is needed either side leading up to it. The first span is a temporary haul route for construction vehicles and the one in the photo is the 'real' crossing. It certainly has more 'finished' look, including the textured wall on the right of the photo. See here for some images of how it is expected to look when complete and will have the name Oxford Canal Viaduct.

As soon as we reached the next available good mooring we pulled in before it was dark!

10.4 Miles - 12 Locks

Gibraltar (Bridge)

Today's Canal : Grand Union

Storm Ashley, or its remnant, was forecast to bring rain and high winds for today. Although it was definitely very grey, we set off in good time, remarkably warm and dry. Apart from a very short shower it stayed dry until lunch time.

Across the field from the canal (but it is a long way round on foot!) is the Radford Semele church and even before we set off we could hear the bells summoning parishioners to worship (though how many notice them these days is a moot point!)

The poor light and the fact that we came this way only a few days ago, means that we do not have many useable and useful pictures, but we quickly established an efficient routine at each lock. Out times were helped by the fact that we only had one set against us and two or three boats came the other direction at just the right moments.

The former lock cottage at Welsh Road is very impressive in some ways a reminder that even in the 1930s the canals were important and that lock keepers were key personnel able to ensure that boaters had the speediest journey available. This cottage was one of six constructed by LG Speight (see), one of the many contractors that worked on the major improvement programme for the Grand Union. Some say that its design reflects the style of similar cottages at locks on the Thames.

At the Bascote Staircase we noticed a distinctive feature not at any of the other locks in the area. It looks as it it is a paddle mechanism and is where in some places a side pond was once in use. Here, the only place that a sluice could discharge is into what are now the former narrow locks. However, we understand that these remained in use whilst the wide locks were being constructed and for some years after. In any case, why use a side pond only in the staircase is a mystery. Unless someone knows better!

We aimed to stop for lunch just before Long Itchington bit as we were coming alongside a sudden and very heavy shower arrived! By the time we had tied up and retreated inside we were rather wet!

After lunch, Mike was directed to begin preparation of tonight's roast dinner whilst the other two set off to tackle the next batch of 10 locks - there are very few mooring opportunities before reaching the top lock.

Very soon, the weather repented of its sins and turned very pleasant, with quite a bit of sunshine that lasted until the sun set.

Andrew and Christine through these ten locks in even quicker times, into Itchington Bottom Lock at 13:56 and out at the top by 15:18, a total of 82 minutes, 8 per lock. Not bad going!

We continued for a short while above the locks to find a good overnight mooring. As we passed the entrance to Stockton Top Marina the late afternoon sunshine was catching the trees, now quickly taking on autumnal colours, unless blown off by the high winds.

Beyond Birdingbury Bridge, the first part had been signed for winter moorings (starting 1st November) since we came down. At a quick glance as we passed, it seems that the designated stretch has no mooring rings or armco piling and very poor ground for pins. Plenty had taken up residence on the much  better option next along! Not long after we also moored to good armco.

8.0 Miles - 20 Locks

Radford Semele (facing the other way)

Today's Canal : Grand Union

Before we could move off today we had to wait for the delayed Locksmith that we booked yesterday. We were given an estimate that he would arrive around  10:30. Just after that time he phoned for detailed directions but was only a few minutes away.

Initially he was faced with the same difficulty that we had yesterday and could not make the lock turn. However, he must have a more skilled 'shake' as after about five minutes it eventually conceded defeat and the door was open! In fact, the lock itself was perfectly OK, except that we had that stripped the grub screw that retains the thumb knob used to open the lock from the inside. 

THE close examination it was obvious that Mike had not been careful enough when adding epoxy filler to solve the previous problem earlier in the journey. It seems that only the lightest of pressure on the end of the lock causes it to refuse to open - we guess that this is an intentional security feature. Although for the last three days there had been enough room for the lock to work properly, it was now catching on a small piece of the filler. With that removed, He Presto! and all was well. Although the locksmith did not have a spare grub screw he managed to fit an ordinary screw at least as a temporary measure. An expensive learning experience!

After settling the invoice we were able to move off, with an ETA from Andrew around 1 pm at Lidl. 

The short 45 minute run was very pleasant as bright sunshine had now arrived - early morning, the overnight rain was still with us.

Mike crossed this railway bridge on the car shuffle last week.

Between the mooring for Morrisons and that for Lidl there used to be a rather unsuccessful open space, presumably created when the adjoining large roundabout was built. It is currently being used as the base for some roadworks nearby - we suspect that not too many locals will be unduly discomfited by the lack of amenity. Hopefully it will be restored with a little more thought then before.

We arrived at the Lidl mooring in good time so started on the shopping - there is little available once we leave Leamington.  By the time we had finished (at least the distance from store door to boat was about as short as it could be!) Andrew had arrived and unloaded his stuff (including some spare firewood!) As he had had lunch on the way he then went to park his car nearby whilst Mike and Christine enjoyed her latest soup.

Around 2:15 we reversed back the short distance to the winding hole so that we could turn and begin our return journey back to Napton (and then down to the southern part of the Oxford Canal)

We stopped at Morrisons with a short shopping list of items that we could not find at Lidl. Christine was still stowing away the earlier collection and Andrew decided to take the boat down to the water point - we were getting rather low. This left Mike to visit Morrisons (not the best of experiences as it took some time to discover that they were out of stock of some of the items!) and then walk the towpath to catch up the boat two bridges along,  next to the student accommodation.

Shortly before he reached there, he was greeted by Andrew with the news that the tap has been decommissioned as it is not owned by CaRT. We concluded that it was by now a little late to make it to the next tap, three locks up and would stop at the same spot as last night, except for facing the opposite direction. Frugal washing until some time tomorrow morning!

4.7 Miles - 0 Locks

Leamington Spa

No boat movement today.

Christine had a Zoom meeting this afternoon, starting at 1.30 but she wanted to take advantage of being near a good shopping town centre whilst still being in a place with a reasonable mobile signal. The only option was to go in this morning - we aimed to catch a bus on the nearby main road into town, just about 7 minutes away.

We had yesterday studied the bus possibilities on Google maps - the main route is 63 which is an hourly service but an extra service on a different route was available at 9:46. What we should have done is to realise that this is the only service on this route each day! As we neared the stop, a very late 63 (should have been 9:30) went by and in the past we might have tried running for it but not now! 

When we reached the stop and checked on the timetable there was no mention of the other service. After a short dither we opted to walk to the next stop where we had been told there were other buses on a different route. Turned out to be a false hope and with yet another dither we decided to walk into town as we were by now almost half way there!

Overall, it was around an hour from leaving the boat that we reached the shopping district. On the way however, we did see some of the development that made this a very sought after place in the past, First we crossed over the River Leam. Before that bridge many of the houses were quite substantial but quite a lot have, inevitably, been subdivided into either offices or flats.

Once over the river, the buildings became ever more imposing. Victoria House was said at the time it was built around 1841 to be the most impressive in Leamington. It was, however, a speculative project and went through a cumbersome process to get from the initial purchase of a plot of land 21C to having a real building (almost as long as modern planning approvals!) Even then it was held on the market waiting for a buyer as the developer did not want it for himself (and in any case probably ran into his own financial troubles) It went through a lot of short term uses, often standing empty until in 1889 it was bought by a syndicate of local freemasons who converted into a masonic lodge. 

They soon formed a limited company and donated the property to it so that it could be rented out as meeting rooms for all sorts of purposes. It is that company that still operates it today, proud to being able to market it as offering some of the finest regency rooms in the area. Weddings, wakes, Christenings, conferences and many and varied celebrations take place here. (The web site has a lengthy history of the building)

Next along the road is Lansdown Crescent, an impressive row of town houses built in the very middle of the 19C. It seems that the original intent was to rent them out to wealthy visitors to the spa but gradually they became permanent residences, gradually being turned into flats.

The main shopping street, The Parade, (after about 1.75 mile walk) is also full of imposing buildings, many seeming to be too large for the ground floor shop that they house.

We found Trespass, The Body Shop, Mountain Warehouse as planned, all very close to each other, Christine found what she was seeking! (and Mike was persuaded to buy a couple pairs of gloves that he needed)

With the better part of an hour before our planned return bus (we did check out the stop and time!) we adjourned for a coffee and pastry. We might, if we missed out the coffee, have been in time for the hour earlier service but . . .  and here lay our big mistake. 

Other people waiting told us that this service is notoriously very late and so it proved, not helped by having to stop shortly after we eventually boarded in order to change driver. In the end we were almost half an hour later back at the boat than we planned. Still enough time for Christine to log in to her Zoom meeting.

As Mike began to unlock the rear doors he found that the lock would not turn. Eventually we gave up and used the front doors only to find that the mobile signal was having one of its hissy fits and so, annoyingly, Christine's meeting had already started without her when she logged on.

Mike then set about trying to found a locksmith as his further attempts at opening the rear doors only resulted in making the problem worse (the turn knob came apart!) The first three numbers from Google that he tried all had numbers invalid! He then made contact with another two who promised to come back to him in a couple of minutes - total silence! Eventually he tried a nationwide company (presumably an agency of some sort) but at least within a few minutes we had an email conforming that a locksmith would attend before the end of the afternoon. Phew!Relief.

Alas the relief lasted only an hour when a call came to say that the allocated locksmith had gone down with a tummy bug and it would be first thing tomorrow morning before anther one could come to us . . .

At least, tomorrow Andrew is joining us around midday, driving up by car so that if we eventually have to track down a new lock and see if we can fit it ourselves, we can do that more readily. So, not the best of days - shame we could not be cruising in a day of warm sunshine, but that's canal life.

0 Miles - 0 Locks