Leighton Buzzard

Today's Canal - Grand Union

Somewhat warmer again today but generally hazy, even overcast. Later in the afternoon there were several spells where it could be said to be hot!

Setting off, we immediately crossed Grafton Street Aqueduct.

The road was not very busy even at this time in the morning (just after 8)

Over several years we have seen a building under construction beside Bridge 88. It looks as if we will have to wait yet more years to see it finished. Perhaps it is someone's 'project' that only gets attention on the odd spare weekend . . . 

After coming through the urban area around Wolverton, for a while we headed back into the countryside.

Close to Great Linford Church we could see a very active construction site - it appears that a couple of connected ponds are being made. Apart from probably eventually looking quite pretty, they no doubt have some significant function - but as yet we do not know what that is!

At this point we should perhaps get our complaint out of the way: we knew that Milton Keynes was gaining a reputation for a large number of all but continuous moorers living permanently, usually near to roads and parking spaces. We hardly ever managed more than tick over as from Wolverton through to Leighton Buzzard most moorable stretches were non-stop moored boats. Many are ide beam boats of all sorts and sometimes moored on narrow sections or opposite large overhanging vegetation. However, it does seem that enforcement has at least caused them to shuffle around at frequent intervals and deterred the accumulation of large amounts of detritus that so often accompany long over stayers.

Make no mistake - we do not believe that the right of boaters to stay put for up to 14 days in most places should be in any way compromised - the impact on boaters who wish to cruise is not any single person's decision but the result of lots of individuals who, perhaps through circumstances, choose this way of life, or find themselves with few alternative options. Most of the boats that clearly are in permanent occupation are in good condition but occasionally it makes us very sad that society is increasingly becoming more divided with increasing number in less that satisfactory conditions, both economic as well as housing an so on.

Another entry in our unusual boats gallery - not had one for a while. At a distance it looks just like many other converted lifeboats but in this case, a closer look seems to suggest that the orange survival pod has been added to a more historical open lifeboat.

A new marina has been built and opened since we last came this way. Sorry that we did not get a better picture of the iconic footbridge that connects the developments on either side of the canal.

It is not easy to see from the boat but is did look as if most of the moorings have been occupied.

Outside one oi the large buildings under construction is a set of pontoon moorings. However, apart from one, all the others are roped off so stand idle. Let's hope that they do not end up like one or two other places where pretty features intended to persuade reluctant planners are never fulfilled.

The proposed Milton Keynes - Bedford canal link is still a planning option. The first part will run along the southern edge of the new marina and the first 10 metres have been made! For now, the short arm is home to several wide beam boats.

Just outside Milton Keynes Marina are the sad remains of a burnt out cruiser. Let's hope no one was injured in what was clearly an intense fire which also affected the nearby trees.

We had been wondering whether the massive tree planting that was such a feature of the Development Corporation's policy was now creating difficulties as they mature. (It does seem that the subsequent Borough Council is not finding it easy to maintain the environment in keeping with the original ambitions. Patch and Mend is all too prevalent. A few minutes later we passed this bock of apartments where two of the trees have had to be cut back drastically and it looks as if the two at either end will soon need much the same treatment.

The long level pound came to an end at Fenny Stratford where this lock lifts the level just a few inches.

We wondered if this was some form of surrealist art installation.

Proper (ie a rise of several feet) locks started with Stoke Hammond. The flower bed around the lock name is well tended. We also notice that the pump house is now, in part, been converted to a dwelling and is occupied. Modern electric pumps only require a small space compared with their predecessors.

The pub at Soulbury Three Locks was doing reasonable trade but nowhere near as busy as we recall from the past. Volunteers lock keepers were on duty here which helped us ascend the flight remarkably smoothly. (Except when one made the elementary mistake of t4rying to explain to Andrew how he should operate the top paddles!)

We passed a good number of Wyvern Shipping hire boats, just starting their cruise. All of the fleet is booked out at the moment - quite a difference as often, especially out of the main season, it can be quite crowded alongside their base. Many years back we have  hired boats from here and fond them to be a a well-operated company. Every indication suggests that they still are.

We were fortunate to find a free space at the shopping moorings close to Tesco. After a major re-stock we moved a short distance under the next bridge for the water point to fill the tank and dispose of rubbish. It was then time to find our next night's mooring - just outside the town and before the next lock. Tomorrow we will being the long climb up to the summit pound above Marsworth.

17.3 Miles - 6 Locks