Back to Brinklow - At Last!

Today's Canal : Oxford

The final run back to Brinklow, not far but it was the Day of the Storm, as forecast. In addition we could not get going until just before 10 am with the three Hillmorton Locks locked overnight until then.

Whilst it has not been as ferocious a day as we were led to expect, it was still quite wet at times and windy, with combined effect making everything feel raw. 

A lock keeper arrived at the top lock well before the due time but was disinclined to open up before the schedule. However, with about ten minutes still to go, he had a phone call with the volunteers at the bottom and learned that there was a queue building there so it was decided that since everyone was in place and ready, it made sense to remove the locks straightaway!

We came down the flight quite speedily, helped by the fact they were all full. Only the middle lock was down to us although a volunteer arrived as we were just about to leave. If here is a vollie anywhere then it will be at the bottom and indeed so. In addition Mike spotted a colleague waterways chaplain. It transpired that she was in her chaplain's gilet as an experiment but really was on the next boat waiting to ascend. It was good to have the chance encounter as we do not often meet another chaplain when we ourselves are cruising.

Whilst Mike and Andrew brought the boat down the flight. Christine went to chat to the staff at the boatyard alongside the lower flight pound. We are in the process of planning blacking for the boat in the new year and also we want to sort out the oven which has now given up staying alight for more than two minutes at a time. He asked us to send a photo of the serial number plate so that he can investigate what options we might have given that the model is at least ten years old and obsolescence looms everywhere these days. Are spares available? We arranged that as soon as we were tied up on our pontoon! It will be good to have these tasks booked in as soon as possible. Enquiries are in hand.

Level water now for the rest of the trip but as we set off a light drizzle generally made itself known, even if the main storm seems to have passed us just to the south.

But the conditions did not make for good photography, nor is the rain much good for the camera so only a couple of miserable pix today. This one is of Kents Road Bridge, the first after leaving Hillmorton.

On the outskirts of Rugby we passed the base for Clifton Hire Boats. Most of their fleet seem to be 'in' for the winter now, although we did spot at least one yesterday. In common with most hire bases alongside the canal, there is usually little more than a boat width available. Good ting that the wide beams that are allowed to navigate between Braunston and Barby Moorings  (including Dunchurch Pools Marina) are forbidden from coming this way (actually the narrowness of Hillmorton Locks generally keeps them away! But you know what wide beams are like these days)

We continued on, passing through the short Newbold Tunnel before arriving at the turn for the marina, on what was once the contour route. We pulled up at the service point and marina office (Christine had already advised them that we were expecting to get here today) We were very cheerfully greeted as we had been in frequent touch over the past few weeks as closures and plans kept changing, 

The staff were a bit busy at first but we wanted to fill the diesel tank for the winter so we stayed there and had lunch.

By the time we were filled up the weather was farther less pleasant but the wind was at least in a friendly direction for us making the reverse turn onto our mooring (we are back where we were last winter!)

Of course, our car was still at White  Mills but Andrew very kindly offered to ferry Mike back there on his way back home. We had been very glad to have his assistance as the restricted opening times at all three flights today and yesterday could easily have led to one or two extra added to the journey time if we had not been able to make such efficient progress. At least we had stocked up enough food that we did not have to go shopping en route - but a trip to a supermarket tomorrow is now looking somewhat urgent!

We are planning staying on for a few days - relaxation? - but unless the weather perks up we shall be entombed for much of it. But we did bring plenty of library books . . .

6.7 Miles - 3 Locks

Hillmorton

Today's Canals : Grand Union, Oxford

In sharp contrast with yesterday and tomorrow's forecast, today was bright and sunny with generally clear skies, albeit somewhat cold. With a Yellow warning for tomorrow, our main aim today was to make as much progress as possible. Andrew moved his car to Brinklow on Monday and he also needs to get home as soon as possible - he had hoped for tomorrow but that may be difficult unless he takes a taxi from Rugby or thereabouts. We, on the other hand, have plenty of time.

The sun was unhelpful for photos and we were concentrating on our primary aim, so not much else to include here! We did start to unmoor just after 8 with a hope of reaching Buckby Locks by 10:30. Both this flight and that at Braunston are on restricted hours, starting at 10am and last entry at 2pm.

In Weedon we spotted the splendidly maintained traditional working pair, Hyperion and Hyades.

There were many more boats moored along the route today which slowed us a little and it was 10:45 when we arrived at Buckby Bottom Lock. Alas it was set against us as were most of the flight. The bottom couple of pounds were full to overflowing whilst the upper half of the flight was very low, in one case we scraped large stones on the bottom quite a lot. It was 12:30 by the time we came out of the top lock.

At the junction we had noticed earlier this year that the 3 bed right half of the canal cottage was for sale at a guide price of £425K. The sign says that it has now been sold and a Google report suggests that it was bought close to that value.

Christine had already prepared a fresh batch of soup so we had that 'on the go' as we cruised through the long Braunston Tunnel. There was a boat just ahead of us so we had hopes of being able to lock share down the next flight. This indeed happened - they were a very competent crew so that Andrew could go ahead to set each lock ready for the two boats to come side by side down the short intermediate pounds.

It proved a very smooth and efficient operation and we emerged at the bottom 50 minutes later - we had arrived at the top only a quarter of an hour before the flight was due to close.

At the bottom, the other boat moored up close to the marina and we continued on, soon turning onto the north Oxford Canal. On this stretch we were also surprised by the number of boats on the move, coming towards us, many of them bhire boats from local bases.

The former toll house that was controversially sold at auction on 2024 for £210K, is now undergoing extensive renovation and work seemed to be progressing apace.

As it was still a bright sunny late afternoon, Andrew was keen to make it as far as possible which we happily let him do. As there are no locks until the three at Hillmorton, level cruising allows good progress. We tied up just on five o'clock, just short of the locks - Andrew did take a look to see if there was room nearer but the only space was not as good as where we moored at the start of the long line of moored boats.

19.5 Miles - 13 Locks

Bugbrooke

Today's Canals : Northampton, Main Line, Grand Union

We were up bright and early, well before day break. During the night it seemed as if the water level was unchanged but by the time we could see properly, we were convinced that it was up at least 400mm, enough to hope that we could get away from Lock 17 at least. It seems that another waiting boater may have preempted CaRT by letting water down from several pounds further up.

It was a cold, but very bright day once the sun was up, despite the forecast for heavy rain and strong winds to come later in the day.

Just after 7 we set off - very, very slowly at first but, as the last look at Lock 17 shows, quite a bit higher than yesterday, especially when we could not even reach the bank. Unfortunately we were facing in quite the wrong direction for the sun so that, at best, out photos all look a bit 'arty'!

We might have been moving only slowly but it was a great relief to pass through the narrows (former bridge hole) where we had come to a dead stop two days earlier.

We had not gone very far before it was obvious that the mass of detritus above Lock 17 had left us with something around the prop that was slowing us down even more and also making quite a noise. We stopped to clear it - although we took a lot - a lot - of weed from the prop we did not actually find the culprit making the clonking sound. We presume that it dropped off once some the the weed was removed. Whatever, when we finally resumed progress it was much smoother even if, as yet, not a lot faster. No change in the air temperature but the sun and sky were very bright.

One more photo that, if we had been using a 'real' camera, might well have looked a 'proper picture'.

The former Express Lifts test tower, not far from the canal at this point, caught the sun as well.

To our surprise, we passed at least three abandoned e-scooters on the towpath. It is an odd business model that can stand to lose so much of its expensive capital, either for financial or regulatory reasons.

The next boat coming up was able to progress a bit faster than us along the long, slow pounds and caught us up at Lock 14 - at least they offered to close up for us.

So far the pounds had been shallow but absent of many reed banks. That now changed and for the next few pounds we were hampered by only a narrow channel - even with more water, progress would have been fairly slow.

At last we could see a goodly flow of water in the bywashes - the bottom few pounds had yet to see much of it but it will reach there eventually.

Lock 12, under the motorway, is the start of the section that was being locked up to avoid unsustainable demand from the Main Line of the Grand Union, but specially opened for this transit. About this time we spotted that a Notice had just been issued that, because of the disruption caused by the Police Incident, the open period was being extended to Friday (no mention of the fact that no water had been fed down to the bottom few pounds to make them navigable!) We were now making good progress and sped well ahead of the following boat.

There were once a number of lift footbridges below some of the locks but all, apart from one, are no longer maintained. However, here - and a couple of others - the principal components have not been destroyed but abandoned nearby. Perhaps the Heritage lobby harbours ambitions for their eventual restoration even if that would require a very different financial climate for it to happen.

The promised rain not arrived, but only, at this stage, a light occasional drizzle - with an odd heavy patch, especially when Christine  took to the bank to assist with a lock. However, it was enough to keep the camera dry in the locker.

Just after midday, some five hours after setting off, we reached the top lock and risked taking the camera out, just to record what was a sense of achievement. We had passed only one boat on its way down - but it was in perhaps the shortest pound!

From here it was a short distance to the service block just before Gayton Junction. One of our more frequent nightmares as we languished at the bottom of the flight was what we might do if we ran out of water - in the tank as well as in the canal! At least that one should not recur. We also made the elsan and rubbish disposals.

By now the rain had arrived in the full force predicted together with a  very chilling wind. We were keen to make as much progress as possible, especially as the forecast give Friday as a complete write-off. Andrew volunteered bravely to take the first steering stint allowing the rest to have their lunch on the go.

Mike then took over - at which point the rain and wind increased in ferocity (or so it seemed). The first available armco mooring was alongside the West Coast Main Line. Mike soon began to wonder if he had made the wrong call in turning it down in favour of finding somewhere just a bit quieter. It seemed that others were all feeling likewise and the next armco stretch was fully occupied, with the last two slots just being taken as we approached! Finally, just before the entrance to Heyford Fields Marina, a great expanse of mooring presented itself and could not be ignored. The weather made sure that, as we made the boat secure for the night - and put the chimney on for the first time this autumn, we left in  no doubt that this was definitely the right time to call it a day! Still, we feel a sense of achievement that we had reached this far.

8.5 Miles - 16 Locks

Lots of waiting!

Today's Canal : Northampton Am, Grand Union

We were awake quite early (before 7) and as soon as sunrise was beginning there was someone about to empty the lock. They then realised that we were in the way. Mike dressed quickly and went out to     explain the situation - they had not heard about the low water. The promised rain had already arrived and continued all day, quite heavy at times.

Other boaters waiting below came up from time to time in the day but no-one was going anywhere.

At 8, Christine called the East Midlands Customer service and spoke to Sharon, the same person as yesterday (Christine felt that she was now on someone's watch list!)  She did not have any new information but promised to call as soon as she could find out today's plan.

It was a while before she called but by then boats were being admitted to the flight at the top. However, the empty pounds at the bottom of the flight seem to have caught the bankside staff on the hop. Not long after this update a member of the team arrived to check the bottom lock. The water level where we were had dropped a little overnight but not enough to suggest more than the usual leakage around the cill of the top gate. However, he felt that there was something preventing the towpath-side paddle from fully closing so he went off to find a keb, returning a while later.

By this time there was police activity two or three hundred metres up the canal and a walker told us that a body had been found in the water. (So even if we suddenly had water we would not be allowed through just yet anyway)

Keb in hand, the CaRT person was able to explore the suspect paddle (we had not used it yesterday when we came up) Apart from a lot of weed, he eventually pulled out a long branch that had become wedged underneath the paddle, (part in the canal and part in the culvert) He was then able to drop the paddle fully down. Even so, the leakage into the lock chamber did not seem to have changed very much. He indicated that it might day a day and half to bring down enough water for us to make progress but it was on its way.

Andrew walked up the first few locks in the flight and found that the level in at least the first three or four pounds was well below the bywash overflow so our pound would not see any for some time yet.

By now a couple of formal Notices had been posted online - the first gleefully announcing that the flight was open and the second to say that because of a Police Incident the transit was now ceased for the day and and an update would be posted tomorrow. In between we did learn from Customer Services that it was expected that we should be on the move early in the morning but if necessary the temporary opening would be extended to ensure that all the boats waiting made it through.

Andrew's walk extended into town and, although there was little to excite him he did find a Turkish bakery that makes its own cakes. He returned to the boat bearing a large box inside which was a delicious and impressive gateau. The impressive bit was immediately obvious but delicious judgement came when we rounded off lunch (mainly one of Christine's famous soups) with a proper cake tasting session.

Mid afternoon, Andrew went on another walk and this time discovering that the police cordon was not lifted and also that one of the down passage boats had made it to Lock 14. Comparing photos with this morning he could see that water was definitely coming but that the pound above us is yet to overflow into ours. Hopefully, CaRT will continue to send water during the night so that we can expect to move quite soon after daybreak. (Another early alarm as the boats below will be champing at the bit if it looks possible to make progress as they cannot do so until we are out of their way)

Otherwise we passed the day staring at the stone wash walls to see if there was even the slightest change in water level. Alas almost nothing other than a small further drop!

And now no water

Today's Navigations : River Nene, Northampton Arm, Grand Union

We set the alarm to make sure that we did not oversleep! We needed to do the usual round of rubbish and elsan disposal as well as filling the water tank before we could leave. Christine then realised that we failed to buy some more olive oil spread yesterday so she popped over to Morrisons whilst Mike was completing these tasks. On the way back she called at the marina office, mainly to hand in the gate key fob.

Mike managed to make contact with someone in the East Midlands CaRT Office to confirm that we could get through Lock 17 and, after a delay whilst she checked with other staff, we were good to go.

We disconnected the electric hook up and were soon bidding the marina farewell and speeding up the remaining part of the Nene - less than 10 minutes later we were passing the Carlsberg brewery and then turning into the Northampton Arm.

The lock was full but we could already see that the level in the first pound above the lock was low. Now on narrow locks (until we reach the Grand Union proper) we came through quite quickly and gingerly started to move forward.

Barely 50m and there was a narrows - a former bridge but now supporting a pipe bridge. Even before the bow was near that point we came to a halt and could not make our way through. We reversed off and tried again but to no avail so we had no choice but to back to the lock entrance, not even able to get to the lock landing or even the bank. Eventually we were just able to get the stern close to the edge so that we could at least tie one rope to a bollard. (Later Andrew plumbed the depth and found it to be barely two feet - 600mm)

Christine managed to get through to the East Midlands office again and they seemed to think that 'the team; were doing water management this afternoon, ahead of tomorrow's opening. We should begin to see some improvement this afternoon.

By now Andrew had arrived but when he realised that we were not going to go far today, he opted to move his car to Brinklow. We thought about moving our car - Andrew could ferry Mike to White Mills - but after much consideration we felt that this was one risk too many for today!

Still, at least we had time for one or two chores - now we are off the river we could stow away our anchor and chain. In so doing we discovered that for the second time this year (and possibly the second time for us ever) an Elsan container had sprung a leak. Before being able to stow into the bow locker Mike had first to take everything out and clear away as much of the pungent stuff as possible. Eventually all was clean and tidy!

Soon after Andrew returned - he had taken longer as a train ahead of the one he was hoping to catch from Rugby had broken down and passengers for the Northampton route were advised to go via Milton Keynes.

By now we had had two interesting conversations with a professional  boat  mover who is waiting on the embankment to follow us up. He understood that there were 12 - 14 boats due to transit in the next two days.

We made another attempt to get through the narrows but, if anything, the water is even lower now. In fact, for some time were were stuck fast not even able to reverse back to where we could tie up. Eventually we managed to become unstuck and so another call to CaRT.

After some time it transpired that 'the team' were not responding to their colleagues phone call and the person Christine spoke to seemed to be concerned that all the effort was going into setting up Locks 1 - 12 and no-one had thought to check the levels down the rest of the flight. We now had to resign ourselves to staying the night where we were and hoping that water was sent down overnight.    

On the bright side, at least today has been dry!

0.7 Miles - 1 Lock

Staying in the Marina

As we arrived in Northampton earlier than planned, we stayed in the marina almost all day. It has been quite cold and towards the end quite a bit of rain arrived although that should pass in the night.

The main activity was to walk to Morrisons for a few items including some crusty bread (in lieu of garlic bread which we cannot bake off at the moment as the oven is still playing up!)

In Beckets Park we spotted a squirrel climbing a tree trunk. Whilst obviously very wary of humans, it was kind enough to stay in place long enough for us to take some photos before disappearing from our view.

On the way back we talked to a boater moored on the embankment (most of the stretch is double moored with many expecting to make the transit of the Arm this week) and he said that another boater had  discovered that Lock 17 (the one that connects directly from the river) was still locked up. This contrasts with an email we received from the East Midlands office that said that 13 - 17 were to remain unlocked. We rang the main Customer Service Line but did not have any useful conversation as the person answering just read from the standard navigation  notice that is also ambiguous. Its headline refers to the whole flight whilst the content limits to 1 - 12!

The problem is compounded by the fact the the lock is directly onto the river and has a relatively short lock landing and queuing is not really an option. When we came down it was further complicated by most of the landing occupied by what was either a long stayer or abandoned boat.

So the uncertainties of this part of 2026 cruising continue and we shall just have to see what transpires. Andrew is driving up to join us tomorrow morning. The plan was for us to meet him just above Lock 17 where he had identified a suitable place to park. At the moment we have arranged that he will take a look at the lock and we will then decide what to do. One possibility is that even if it is locked that we will cruise up to the lock (for want of anything else to do!) and pick him up before returning back to the marina for the night. The prospect then is that there will be quite a log jam of boats on the short arm just off the main river all waiting to get through on Tuesday  morning! It seems possible that there are around twenty boats hoping to transit in the two days. Perhaps some will have to attempt it in the hours of darkness! It is probably a very long time since the Arm saw so many boats in one day.

Northampton Marina

Today's Navigation : River Nene

Our aim was to get as far up the river to Northampton as we could today - if luck was on our side then we might even be able to share locks with one of the other boats at White Mills that has been waiting for an opportunity to go up the Northampton Arm. Our main problem was where we might find a mooring as this stretch of the river is even less well provided than further down and FOTRN have not developed any either. The pontoon at Weston Flavell is emergency only after October 1st, Midsummer Meadows near Northampton is often full with long term stayers (despite it having a 24 hour limit!) and the main embankment was chock-a-block when we came down.

We were away just before 10 - a little later than planned but we had disposals first (the rubbish bins are at the far end of the car park from where we were moored!) It was a bright and sunny mooring but still with the chilly overnight temperature - extra layers and gloves to begin with.

And so farewell to White Mills Marina. We knew that they have gained a good reputation since they opened and our experience these past two or three weeks indicates that this fame is well justified.

The first lock, only ten minutes away, was Whiston, the lock which was closed for a short while on Thursday.

Yes, there was some weed collecting above the lock but the clearance by EA staff meant that it did not impede us. We heard later from a staff member working on a weir close to another lock, that the mat had been very think indeed, although for a few moments after leaving the lock it did feel as if we had picked some up on the prop but it quickly cleared itself.

We also spotted  that the boat that was moored next to us in the marina arrived just before we left and so we arranged to wait for them at the next lock and share. They had a deadline to arrive at the marina before 4 so that they can leave their boat whilst they return home.

Cogenhoe Lock next - we had a little wait to allow the other boat to catch up. 

We wrote about the former caravan park alongside this lock on our way down (see). From the lock bridge we had an even better view of the extent of the site - little left except the electric hookup points and even they are gradually being overrun by the wild vegetation.

There is a kissing gate between the operation lock side  and the path which runs over the lock bridge. 

Nothing exceptional except that Mike spotted this tiny little engraved label. What is the story? 2016 is far too late for it to be Marilyn Monroe in disguise but it was obviously an important event for someone.

Just one of the many by-washes that carry water around the locks.

This was not meant to be a definitive shot of Tread Softly as it came under the bridge beside the river entrance to Billing Aquadrome. However it does show that it is steered by a wheel at the bow of the boat in what was meant to be a homage to the inspection launch inspiration for the design and construction by Peter Nicholls. (It seems strange to see it arriving but with no-one of the stern!) The style and design appealed to the new owner so much that he travelled from Harpenden to Twenty Pence Marina on the Great Ouse to buy it.

By the time we came through Weston Flavell Lock (the last of the guillotine gate designs) the bright sunny sky had been overtaken by dark dense clouds, with the hint of possible rain. (Actually we were lucky and stayed dry until a few drops arrived just as we were mooring in Northampton)

This is the Washlands Mooring that we would have liked to stop at but our conscience about it not being an emergency (wonder what justified these two boats taking a break here?) meant that we pressed on. Actually, we had just rung the marina to check that there would be room for us for two nights - yes, that will be OK.

This is another marked on our maps but said to be for Patrons Only. Not sure whether it would be a peaceful mooring!

It was fortunate that we had not persisted with the option of looking for a mooring at Midsummer Meadow ort the town embankment as there was no ro came into the marina m at all at either. We would by now have been in a panic were it not for our alternate plan. Soon after Northampton Lock we turned sharp left and where we were guided by the manager into our mooring spot.

It was comforting to realise that we managed eight locks in only an hour longer than on the way down - and feeling rather more up to the challenge than we had feared might be the case. Note that lock sharing can reduce the effort but add to the time to pass each lock. All of these locks were quite easy to operate except for one guillotine lock that had been left full, a top gate and paddle open. After our 'reprimand' earlier in the trip when EA staff commented that despite finding a lock in this state we should still keep to the rule of leaving the lock empty with the gate raised, we decided to be 'good' and do as we had been told!

Our departure was planned on the basis that we might not get as far as Northampton on the first day so we now have a day spare and will move up to the Arm on  Monday when Andrew is due to arrive.

7.6 Miles - 8 Locks