Rothersthorpe

Today's Canals : Grand Union Main Line and Northampton Arm

We set off a little later today - 9:20! This was allowable as we did not have a challenging target today and one that included no locks at all.

Our overnight mooring had been very close to Whilton Marina entrance and in the background, elevated on an embankment is the very busy main rail line. It is only two track - the four tracks out of London separate for a while a little south of here, with one line diverging to pass through Northampton and often takes the slower, stopping trains. Some freight does also run past the marina, especially any related to the massive DIRFT, a major road-rail freight interchange. It was not hard to see the HS2 argument that this route is very busy and becoming a rail bottleneck. HS2, from here, does not look like a political vanity project but meeting a real need.

The next section of the Grand Union does not have many landmarks but is lined by dense green vegetation. Green and picturesque it may be but with next to no maintenance it is rapidly getting out of hand. Today Christine did have a close encounter with a hidden overhanging branch. She felt very fortunate to come away with only a small scratch just below her eye, saved by her new specs which luckily were not swept into the water nor damaged.

This unassuming bridge actually carries the A5, still busy but largely replaced by the close by M1. We shall cross it again later in the morning.

In a very rural location, a small day boat hire business keeps a couple for hire. This one was not out but the other we caught up with later.

There is also a business restoring old boats - wee understand that this splendid example was rescued here. Several more old 'project' boats await a lot of work to be done on them. 

We imagine this crane is not just a personal 'lift' for two boats! A truly 'rural' mooring.

A decorated former butty rudder is seemingly unconnected with anything . . .

The new bypass road for Weedon has begun to settle into its environment - we still remember before it was built and traffic had to wrestle with the bottleneck junction on the edge of the village. We passed here when it was in various stages of construction.

At some point  - forgotten exactly where - we came around a bend to follow a very slow moving boat going in the same direction. It made no concession to the fact that we had to drift in neutral for much of the time until eventually it pulled into the side to meet with friends and we could thankfully slip by.

Weedon used to be the home of a hire fleet, each with a name that of a weed. At one stage they were very well known and distinctive in design, especially large protective bars at the bows. They ceased some years ago and several buyers have tried to rediscover the earlier success. Today it is branded as Grand Union Narrowboats and have a number of hire boats as well as a boatyard offering a full range of maintenance skills.

We once left our former boat for a short visitor mooring at the small Stowe Hill marina, better known for its boatbuilding business.

Heyford Fields has been open now for a few years but is one of the more modern marinas on the central part of the Grand Union. We have passed quite a number of older and often quite small off line moorings.

We were also again behind a slow boat - the partner to the day boat we pictured above. We spent yet more time just drifting along behind it, slowing down even more for every moored boat. After passing many opportunities to let us by, it suddenly moved to the towpath to let us by - but did not signal so!

Banbury Lane road bridge carries a quite minor road into Rothersthorpe. However, before the new bridge was built the road crossed the canal by a standard historical narrow bridge, but more important crossed the adjoining rail track by a level crossing. The delays to rail traffic especially (the route we mentioned earlier in this blog entry) became unsustainable and an alternative was sought. Hence this otherwise seemingly disproportionate structure.

Shortly after, Mike spotted a small kayak being paddled right across our bows to pass on he wrong side and going out of sight in our blind spot at the front. Fortunately Mike made the right choice to avoid him but he seemed most put out that we had sounded our horn at him! He made the mistake of enquiring how many years we had been boating!

We stopped for lunch just short of Gayton Junction. Across the field we could still see the rail line but it was now moving well away from the canal and so we bade it farewell. Boats continuing south of the junction will meet up with it later.

After lunch we completed the short run to Gaydon. This splendid turnover bridge, with its extra lane for horses crossing from one side to the other (the turnover is now only relevant to the users of long term moorings on that side)

At the junction we turned left but immediately called at the service block. The route now ahead of us is quite sparse in such facilities and so we wanted to start down the Northampton Arm in the morning, full of water and empty of waste! (We have been this way a couple of times before so we know we can survive but care is needed)

Just beyond the service block is another small boat yard but with a large crane!

Moving off proved difficult, Not only was a strong wind blowing us onshore but the prop seemed to be much less effective. We struggled the short distance to where we planned to moor, opposite Gayton Marina. Fortunately there was a suitable space for us but it is quite busy otherwise.

Once we were secured to the Armco, Mike dived into the weed hatch yet again, find another heavy duty knitted garment that took some effort to pull out. No wonder we did not make much speed just earlier.

It was yere, some years ago when we were using the marina or a short stopover, that we met Adam for the only time in real life. He is a frequent reader of this blog and ready to correct Mike's sometimes erratic typing. All corrections are warmly welcomed - keeps Mike on his feet (as it were), at least keeps them on the ground.

LATE BREAKING NEWS

We have just seen that Adam has visited here today - thanks for the info, but, what, no corrections?!? Still, Christine had her teacher's marking pen at the ready.

*******

We are now well placed to make a prompt start on the long flight of locks down the Northampton Arm. These are narrow locks so somewhat easier but the flight is notoriously weedy and prone to empty pounds. There was a short lived closure notice a few days ago. Yes, it is Sunday but the churches around here are just a bit further than we are these days comfortable to walk and many only meet monthly, so we press on.

11.1 Miles - 0 Locks

Whilton Marina

Today's Canal : Grand Union, Leicester Arm and Main Line

Firstly, some pictures from Crick Marina before we left.

The marina is now very much an important element in the Aquavista portfolio and the company have done quite a bit of work to align it with all the others. The staff we met were excellent - one even stood outside the office when he saw that we were leaving in order to wave us farewell. The only downside is that where we were the boats are packed closely together, just a few inches away from the next on another pontoon. That said, the marina is well maintained and the residents that we spoke to all seemed very positive about living there.

We set off just after 8.30, turning left and south from the entrance. Just after passing the end of Crick Marina and the road bridge into the village we also passed the smaller Crick Wharf Marina (we suspect that the two are oft confused!) As we mentioned on the way past in May, the wharf has closed down under its previous ownership and is in the process of re-inventing itself but we did not get a clear picture of what is their aim.

Soon we were entering the darkness of Crick Tunnel - the estimated transit time is given as 15 minutes - we took a couple minutes over that.

The tunnel is very straight and, given a good magnifier (digital or analogue) you can just see the dot.

As yesterday, the main other landmarks are the bridges - whilst all but 20th century ones are of a similar design, nature has taken hold and given each its own unique identity.

We arrived at the top of thew Watford flight but no lock keeper was in sight so whilst Christine went down the locks to find someone to book us in, Mike did some of the usual tasks - so far the disposals. Before he could start on filling the water tank, the lock keepers (three of them) came back with Christine and immediately ushered us into the top lock.

They took us down very efficiently but it left Mike - steering - with little to no time to take pictures. This one does perhaps give a sense of the depth of the staircase locks.

The bottom two locks, as with the top one, are individual and not connected as in the four lock staircase - here Christine walks down with one of the cheery volunteers.

We completed the flight in little over half and hour! Just below the bottom lock we stopped at the second water point to fill up - just as well as by now the washing machine had depleted what we had!

A little further we went under Bridge 5, an unspectacular name for the crossing of the canal by Watling Street, perhaps the most well-known of the Roman roads - now also known as the A5. We wonder what the legionnaires would have made of today's scene, with the close proximity of the canal, a major rail line and the M1.

Weltonfield now have two marinas, one (Haven) just with moorings and the other (Hythe) offering services to passing boaters as well as a small number of moorings. We have left our beat there as a short term visitor in the past.

Norton Junction is marked by a splendid little cottage right on the junction - we know what it looks like from previous cruises this way but it is now all but hidden by the huge weeping tree in front of it.

Just after the junction is a canal maintenance depot - the right hand of these two stonemason's cottages is for sale leasehold, asking price of £425K with three bedrooms.

And so the Buckby Top Lock, the first of 7 (now back to wide locks) Our plan was a little bit vague - would we stop part way where there are good moorings? Christine, now back as steerer, found that the water level in some pounds was low and she was getting stuck well out from the towpath. Hence we opted to soldier on.

In the first pound another cottage on the market - now STC on an asking price of £290k, two bedrooms with bathroom on the ground floor.

Progress down the flight was a bit slow as there was another boat immediately in front of us that failed to take the hint from several boaters coming up that they ought to think about lock sharing! They did not seem to feel that it was necessary, but it did leave Mike with a lot of extra work to do, especially as many of the gates were self-openers! And, of course, some of the intermediate pounds were distinctly short of water.

We caught them up at the penultimate lock where they were sitting in an almost empty lock and gates that would not open. Mike suggested to them that they would never get through as they were, just one paddle open and a significant overflow into the lock via the ground culvert, bubbling up just behind the steerer (who did not seem to understand what it was doing)

Eventually they graciously suggested that they would wait for us at the next lock (the last one). Mike was a little delayed in getting down to the next lock: just as he was closing up, a gentleman walking slowly with sticks, took a tumble into a bed of nettles on the slope down to the next level. With the help of a couple of walkers we were able to help him to his feet and to recover his composure enough to continue with his walk to the bottom lock.

All this effort and not a little frustration meant that Mike did not take many photos - so we will make do with this view of the cottages beside the bottom lock, the distant right hand one was at one time an important inn (Spotted Cow) serving refreshment to working boaters, before or after their exertions.

By now it was half past two and we agreed to moor for lunch just before the entrance to Whilton Marina. We really did intend to move on to a potentially quieter spot but by the time we had eaten we were too unkeen on the idea and pout up with staying put. As a concession, Mike did tie up the boat better as we were moving about too much from gusty wind and passing boats. The mooring bollards were exactly opposite our bow and stern cleats giving no resistance to forward or backward forces. Hence he fitted a spring to the bow which was enough to stabilise us for the rest of the day and night. 

7.4 Miles - 14 Locks

Crick Marina

Today's Canal : Grand Union Leicester Branch

Today was different: when we awoke there were raindrops on the outside of the windows! Actually, it was very fine and was well gone by the time we set off, just before 8:30. Also different because we knew that we would not need to pass any locks - the next are at Watford (Watford Gap for those not so familiar with the main places on the canal network!)

By the time we were up the view directly across from the boat was very typical English countryside.

From now on, today remained sunny, blue sky with occasional non-rain clouds. A stiff breeze kept the temperature temperate, even chilly for the first hour. There were few significant landmarks all day but plenty of bridges to count our way through - about 38 altogether, Each has its own character - some stand out in unprotected blazing sunshine, but others like the one above, are partially shaded by trees which lend a distinctive dappled pattern.

Before long we approached Husbands Bosworth Tunnel, very similar to the one yesterday but ever so slightly longer. It is quite dry and dead straight - even before entering it is possible to see light at the far end. We had to pass some non-working bank repairs (well, it was a bit early but the welfare boat look as if it had been unlocked.

The towpath edge is being reinforced with trench sheet piling, the classic way to prevent the edge from falling in to the water. It is not always favoured by the ecologists but seems to last much better and longer than all the alternatives which have been tried. Besides, it is generally preferred by boaters as it gives a better place to moor and much easier to tie up to.

 

And so into the tunnel. Before long we could see a light at the far end - it was only just before we passed that it became obvious that it carried two bow lights and not two boats as seemed possible until then. It also had bright white lights at the stern - which is deprecated. Perhaps as a result of the time taken to slow down and pass, we emerged the far end after 14 minutes, two over the estimate on the sign board at the outside.

Twenty minutes later we arrived at North Kilworth Wharf (not to be confused with North Kilworth Marina which is on the opposite side) Christine had already arranged for us to call - when we came by in May we had wanted to taken on some  diesel but they were not selling at that time as the result of the tremendous price hike that Trump's Iran War had precipitated. They would have to buy red diesel at the same price as (white) road diesel. The price has recovered somewhat, dropping 10p a litre in just the past week. 

The Wharf is quite a well established service and makes few concessions to the modern shiny boat brigade! Nevertheless they are very friendly and helpful but we did have to come alongside their hire boats which were taking up all the space by the diesel pump. All this is an excuse for why Mike forgot to take any photos!

Only when we passed the marina did normal operations resume.

Around this point Christine came up with the idea of attempting to reach Crick today and seeing if we could have a one night stay in the marina, also part of the Aquavista group. A quick phone call had us welcomed and booked in.

Not long after North Kilworth we passed Welford Junction - not diverting up the arm this time. We are saving any spare time we can accumulate for new things later in the trip. In the photo, we came from the left and Welford is off to the right.

Yet more bridges - only 18 more to go!

Just after passing under the busy A14 we noticed Heygates Adult Glamping - just a couple of quite intriguing lodges. However, their website is  rather out of date and the booking page could not find any available dates. Shame if it is no longer trading.

We had lunch on-the-go - Mike made a small amount of tuna pate as our supply of supermarket stuff had run out. We forgot to put it on  the list last Saturday! It went well in some ciabatta rolls that had been in the freezer since Sunday.

By the time we passed Yelvertoft we knew that we were well on the way to Crick, perhaps 45 minutes to go.

And then Crack's Hill just around the corner from Crick. This time we took a different view than the usual one with the beacon stand in the middle.

Just before 2 we arrived at Crick Marina still a strong wind blowing we were a tad apprehensive, manoeuvring in an unfamiliar marina. We came alongside the service mooring and Christine went to the office to sort out paperwork and where we were going to be put for the night. The staff were very welcoming and one went to the end of our pontoon to help guide us in to the slot.

After we were settled into our position we had and hour's break before walking  back to the office: one of the staff had kindly offered to take us to the Co-Op in Crick on his way home when the office closes at 4.30. However, we did have then to carry everything we bought back along the road to the marina! Our trust folding shopping trolley once again came to the fore and we managed to pack into it all of our purchases bar a carton  of fruit juice.

Before long it was time to prepare the evening meal (very much a 'go-to-the-cupboard-and-use-what-you-find affair AKA Beef and vegetable gnocchi bake with a cheesy crust!) You will know if we survive when (if) we post tomorrow's blog!

Photos of the marina next time!

14.7 Miles - 0 Locks

Theddingworth

Today's Canal : Grand Union Leicester Branch

After the exertions of the succession of wide beam locks that brought us up from the River Trent to Kilworth, today marked a change to a very different style of cruising. Only the Foxton 10 and the Watford 7, all narrow and generally staffed with volunteers, we have extended level cruising, often through some pleasant and varied countryside.

Today for forecast looked as if it was going to be cloudy all day,. but actually what arrived (and is probably what was in the forecast model) was a lot of cloud cover but extensive blue sky in between. The temperature was pretty much as expected, still quite warm but much pleasanter and often with a good breeze. It is hard to think of better cruising weather.

As the photo shows, there were a few darker  clouds but Mike gave them a stern talking to and reminded them that they had 0% chance of delivering rain at last until lunch time! Just for once they behaved themselves.

After about three quarters of an hour the first major landmark for today came  into view: Saddington Tunnel. This is about half a mile in length, very well constructed and totally straight - the end is in sight before even entering.

It seemed as if a rather boat had been through as at times there was definitely something in the air, slightly alarming at first until it was confirmed that we were not actually on fire! Inside, with just the light of the headlamp it is difficult to be sure quite was around but we were not asphixiated.

By the time we emerged into the open air much more blue sky had arrived (actually, it more that grey clouds had disappeared! The blue sky is there all the time, just that we do not see it)

Plenty of rolling countryside to enjoy.

Saddington Reservoir Feeder did not look as if it was topping up the long pound with much extra water.

Sometimes those darker clouds gave more texture to the background and were rather attractive just so long as they remember that 0%.

We had been going very slowly and there were extensive banks of reeds to contend with - even more than back in May. We even stopped at one point to check the weed hatch but nothing much was found. Just the effect of the reeds on narrowing the channel. Just before Debdale Marina we passed the sign that is really the explanation: that stretch is designated an SSSI and so cannot be managed properly for boat use. We also wondered how much the added growth contributes to water consumption and the drop in levels? Ironically, the extensive vegetation overhanging the towpath (and being quite a hazard for walkers) made it difficult to read the notice!

We pulled in to Debdale Marina to fill up our diesel tank. Alas, when Christine went to the office to announce our need, she was given most apologetically the news that the pump was broken! Just as well we always try to keep the fuel level not much lower than half.

It was around 11 when we reached Foxton Junction. We first headed to the services for the usual activities. The water point had good pressure so we were finished much sooner than we had anticipated. 

As soon as Mike was ready to stow away the hosepipe, Christine went in search of the volunteer lock keeper with 'the book' - as boats can only go one way at a time through Foxton Locks, there is a queuing system, first come first served! The news was that four boats were in the process of descending and we would have a wait of perhaps an hour. Still, gave us a chance for a mod morning mug of coffee.

Eventually we were given the go ahead to enter the bottom lock. With so many volunteers on duty and only us and one other boat waiting to go up that it was quickly clear that we would have an effortless trip to the Top Lock! Christine stayed ashore to chat with folk and Mike stayed aboard, only waking up to move the boat forward a lock length every few minutes (actually he had to be woken up on one occasion when he missed the gates ahead being opened)

We came out at the top just under an hour after starting. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful if just a little possessive of the lock operation! We headed straight to the nearest visitor mooring to tie up for a slightly late lunch.

It was decided that we could proceed a little further, not quite to the next tunnel, depending on where we find a mooring around Theddingworth. We immediately passed Dolly (Boy and Horse), originally intended to celebrate the role of horses in early canal trade. However, it is also important to remember how young children from a very early age were once put to work, often for their parents, working long and arduous hours.

Now away from the SSSI, our progress was much smoother yet the scenery still very green, more so than when we passed through in May when much was still coming fully out.

It was also good to note that the strange rattle we had  both noticed this morning had now gone. (Mike had checked the weed hatch Uxter plate whilst waiting below the locks)

We cruised for about an hour, reaching a stretch where there at least six mooring spots marked on Waterway Routes map. Just after Bridge 51 we picked a spot where the trees were no quite so over-arching. 

For most of the afternoon we noticed a faint sewage smell but could not locate it, or even be sure of its direction. It came and went at times as we wound around the hills (this was quite a contour canal). After we moored we tried to discover what might be its source. The next bridge, 52, is called Stink Farm Bridge but no such farm appears on even the old OS maps. Google yielded up reports of a couple of possible issues but were so old we would have expected the problems to have been fixed by now. A mystery (to us) Where we moored was not too bad.

8.4 Miles - 10 Locks