Welford Junction

Today's Canal - Leicester Section Grand Union

It was again a bright and sunny morning as we set off, almost as early as the last few days. We planned to gt back to the bottom of Foxton Locks as soon as we could even though we knew that the volunteers lock keepers do not start until 10. When they are not on duty he flight is locked so that self service is not possible. CaRT are also concerned about water supply as work is currently being done on one of the reservoirs that supplies the top pound. Boaters have to find a lock keeper and book in as soon as possible.

All went well for the first few minutes until we arrived back at the Foxton Village Swing Bridge which carries a small road from one part of the village to another. Mike hopped, put the key into the control box, heard kit unlock the barriers and went to shut the first one across the road. Only when both are in place will the box release the bridge to be swung. However, it would not allow the end of the barrier to go into the catch. At this point, nothing would work, but the key was captured in the control.

After trying to encourage everything to move, with a following boat also doing the same, it was clearly time for a call to CaRT. It took nearly 20 minutes for them to stop saying, "You are moving up the queue". When the call was answered they chap at the other end (probably working from home) was very pleasant and helpful, agreeing to pass the call to the local team as a matter of urgency (well, perhaps we did exaggerate the length of the queue a little bit!) Another CaRT person arrived coincidentally - he was supposed to be inspecting the section - he has to check everything every two months. But he did have a tablet that accessed some of the CaRT system and he confirmed that someone was on the way.

Eventually, 'a man in a van' did arrive and seemed quite familiar with the problem (some local villagers suggested that the bridge fails several times a week!) He immediately gave the bridge itself a good shake and it started to release the locks. He thought that the heavy rain last night had washed gravel down into the looking mechanism - he carries a broom to sweep under the bridge!

At least the bridge would now open and Christine waved the other waiting boat through ('cos Mike was stuck on the offside until the bridge was closed)  The two CaRT men and Mike then tried to close the bridge but it was having none of it so some more jiggery-pokery and sweeping was needed until eventually the bridge and the barriers were back in place and the key released. As they went through Mike did ask the other boat to book us in at the locks - which they did do. Sorry no pictures of the saga!

Just around the corner, obstacle number two. A moored boater was waving at a warning but only as we came further round the bend did we see a large wide beam boat right across the canal. It had come unhitched at one end - piling clips are not the safest device at he bet of times but even less so for such a large vessel. Fortunately three kind gentlemen from the other moored boats came to the rescue and managed to bring the wide beam alongside and we could proceed.

A number of boats were waiting at the junction and we soon discovered that we were fifth in the queue. This was fortunate the the system in operation if five down, five up alternately. The bad news was they start at the top so we first had to wait for the descending cohort to clear the flight. It was pleasant weather and everyone was chatty so time passed. Christine went to the bottom lock shop (we had run out of an essential item which fortunately they did stock) but also for an ice cream. Alas they only did the packaged types and ice lollies so she left that as she was also told that the 'best' (ie 'scoop' ice cream) are served from the top lock shop - later!

Our time eventually came and the team of five volunteers are dedicated to making sure that boats pass through as quickly as possible. Half way and the lockies have a shelter but we continued immediately to the second part.

45 minutes and the ice creams are in sight!

The view looking back down.

With the volunteers help, we made it to the top in just under an hour. One extra boat is allowed down from the top but has to wait in the middle pound between the two five lock staircases.

When we reached the top we pulled in to the water point just beyond some bank repairs in progress. No doubt the steady flow of boats every day especially wear out that length of towpath.As the tank filled, we enjoyed two very delicious ice creams. this also meant that we were in no hurry to find a lunch stop - other than it was now coming to the hottest part of the day.

We continued onwards for about 20 minutes until, near Lubenham, we found a good spot in 'proper' shade from trees - had lunch and 'rested'.

By four o.clock it was deemed that the temperature was sufficiently reduced with a slight breeze that we could do another couple of hours.

Very much a rural, farming, area with typical scenery. We were amused to see that one or two sheep in this field they were sharing with some recently-cut bales of hay, found them just right for a bit of shade!

We passed a couple of boats with rather extensive roof gardens, flowers and sometimes stuff to eat. We did wonder how they coped with the overhanging vegetation which as caused us to duck often enough.

Shortly before Bosworth Tunnel another boat took off in front of us. This was not a problem as they made exactly the same speed as us but they did have a rear-facing white navigation light. No doubt they feel that it is good to tell following boats where they are (surely, tunnel bands are supposed to be for that) but it was very bright and a difficult distraction for the steerer.

At North Kilworth the marina that opened in 2017 - with only a few boats when we last came this way - is now well settled in operating at a good capacity it seems.

Not much further we arrived at Welford Junction and took almost the last mooring at this surprisingly popular location. There is no pub and mobile signal is poor (Just before the junction there were some excellent moorings, with armco not concrete and pins, that were totally empty!) If we had known.

8.6 Miles - 10 Locks