Banbury

 Today's Canal - Oxford

Although today began much as the past few days, somewhat hazy and overcast but warm which turned to searing heat mid morning, today turned out very different indeed. No heat at all!

Setting off we immediately passed through the first of the characteristic lift bridges, even if this one is usually left open.

After about half an hour we arrived at the top of the Claydon Locks - the canal is all downhill from here to the Isis at Oxford.

The former stable at the top is now converted into a pleasant cottage with a huge picture window opening out to the canal.

Although we did not encounter any queues, there was a steady stream of upward boats but we did not feel that there were as many going in our direction. 

At the second lock we not only had help from the oncoming boat but also the one volunteer we saw today.

he lock keepers also seem to spend time looking after their old hut (helps keep them, dry in rain!) but also have produced some amazing sunflowers.

After the Claydon Flight the rest of the locks are all spaced out and as we made our way towards Elkington's Lock dark clouds loomed on the horizon which soon turned into prolonged heavy rain. As a result, as soon as we could find a place to moor just beyond the lock landing, we pulled in and found dry clothes.

The rain persisted as we had lunch and it was not until nearly half past one before we felt it was dry enough to venture out.

At Cropredy Marina some extensive  earthworks are underway. It first opened in 2013 and quickly established a reputation for customer service, with a waiting list for places. In 2016 they were granted planning permission for an extension but it seems that it has taken a while to get underway and actually move earth. Perhaps the change of ownership inserted a delay.

After Cropredy Lock there is a full service facility at the former wharf. Whilst Mike tied up and started on the process, Jess and Christine visited the nearby village shop. Although they did nit find our newspaper they did treat ourselves to chilled medication.

The section beyond the service point has long been a slow and narrow stretch with a lot of permanent moorings. As with much of the southern Oxford, depth is an issue. An oncoming boat seemed to think that it needed to leave at least the width of a boat between it and the moored boats, forcing Christine to steer towards the offside where we became wedged on rocks. It took some minutes to get back into deep enough water to make progress.

This boat has a name that no doubt has had many photos taken. In case you are wondering, and if our very rusty Latin is correct, Lister has driven this boat everywhere, no doubt a reference to the fondness that the owner has for an old and trusted engine!

Just a short distance and a group of cattle demonstrate the water depth - or lack of it.

The former lock cottage at Bourton Lock is sadly still in a derelict condition. When we first moored at Lower Heyford in 2008 it was already much like this although the lock side garden was still visible - no longer. We understood that a couple bought it to redevelop as a home but found the lack of access and utilities just too much. It is too easy to moan and regret that 'something should be done with it' but realism often gets in the way in such cases.

Mooring for the night was always going to be an issue - the approach offers very limited opportunities and the centre in currently undergoing development and we had seen reports which persuaded us to stop before the town come what may. we had to decline the option of mooring by Hardwick Lock as it was too close to the motorway. In the end, opposite the very first industrial site, we just about managed to pull in but we do have quite a gap between us and the bank! Tomorrow Joanna and Ellie are driving up to collect Jess at the end of her week with us, so we need somewhere accessible. Our stores are also depleted as we have not had much opportunity to replenish since Leamington Spa.

7.4 Miles - 12 Locks