Storm Ashley, or its remnant, was forecast to bring rain and high winds for today. Although it was definitely very grey, we set off in good time, remarkably warm and dry. Apart from a very short shower it stayed dry until lunch time.
Across the field from the canal (but it is a long way round on foot!) is the Radford Semele church and even before we set off we could hear the bells summoning parishioners to worship (though how many notice them these days is a moot point!)
The poor light and the fact that we came this way only a few days ago, means that we do not have many useable and useful pictures, but we quickly established an efficient routine at each lock. Out times were helped by the fact that we only had one set against us and two or three boats came the other direction at just the right moments.
The former lock cottage at Welsh Road is very impressive in some ways a reminder that even in the 1930s the canals were important and that lock keepers were key personnel able to ensure that boaters had the speediest journey available. This cottage was one of six constructed by LG Speight (see), one of the many contractors that worked on the major improvement programme for the Grand Union. Some say that its design reflects the style of similar cottages at locks on the Thames.
At the Bascote Staircase we noticed a distinctive feature not at any of the other locks in the area. It looks as it it is a paddle mechanism and is where in some places a side pond was once in use. Here, the only place that a sluice could discharge is into what are now the former narrow locks. However, we understand that these remained in use whilst the wide locks were being constructed and for some years after. In any case, why use a side pond only in the staircase is a mystery. Unless someone knows better!
We aimed to stop for lunch just before Long Itchington bit as we were coming alongside a sudden and very heavy shower arrived! By the time we had tied up and retreated inside we were rather wet!
After lunch, Mike was directed to begin preparation of tonight's roast dinner whilst the other two set off to tackle the next batch of 10 locks - there are very few mooring opportunities before reaching the top lock.
Very soon, the weather repented of its sins and turned very pleasant, with quite a bit of sunshine that lasted until the sun set.
Andrew and Christine through these ten locks in even quicker times, into Itchington Bottom Lock at 13:56 and out at the top by 15:18, a total of 82 minutes, 8 per lock. Not bad going!
We continued for a short while above the locks to find a good overnight mooring. As we passed the entrance to Stockton Top Marina the late afternoon sunshine was catching the trees, now quickly taking on autumnal colours, unless blown off by the high winds.
Beyond Birdingbury Bridge, the first part had been signed for winter moorings (starting 1st November) since we came down. At a quick glance as we passed, it seems that the designated stretch has no mooring rings or armco piling and very poor ground for pins. Plenty had taken up residence on the much better option next along! Not long after we also moored to good armco.
8.0 Miles - 20 Locks
If you are going uphill and you need to turn the staircase then you take two lockfulls of water from the pound at the top. If you use the side ponds presumably you will save a lockfull. Whenever we've been through there I try to work out the sequence of using the side ponds and I've always failed!
ReplyDeleteMick
NB Oleanna