Banbury

Today's Canal - Oxford

When we awoke there was some light rain - the state of the towpath suggested that it had been coming down for a little while - but by the time we were ready to set off a bit before10, it was dry again.

It was a rather grey day as we set off, under a standard accommodation bridge and then the M40.

After about 20 minutes we arrived at today's only lock - Hardwick. A little way off we could see that a boat was coming up and so we could hover gently and then replace them once they had passed us by. Saved having to tie up in order to fill the lock, and open the gates. We had wondered why they were only using one of the top ground paddles but once in the lock we could see why - the offside one was chained and locked.

To add to the delays in the lock, only one bottom gate paddle was working. This one looks as if it is chained and locked by a determined gaoler!

The entry into Banbury is marked by Dink and Malc's house - we know it is their as the sign top left says so, and has done so for many years. However, we have no idea who they are! It makes a useful landmark, were one needed. The imminent arrival of various industrial sites is another clue.

When we passed here in 2020 and again in 2021 (see here and here) the site was for sale. It was then only scrub land but it was obviously bought by an enthusiast who has put a lot of work into making a smart mooring.

We passed Sovereign Wharf (only open on Fridays!) and so knew that the main town centre moorings, just beyond Tom Rolt Bridge were now only moments away. This always a nervous moment but we soon saw that there were plenty of free spaces. We were tied up just after 11 - so not a long cruise!

The plan was to visit the town centre for a bit of retail therapy - Christine had already noted that Roman, Trespass, White Stuff, Grape Tree and several other outlets had a presence here, mostly in the Castle Quay shopping centre opposite our mooring. She had thought that there was a Body Shop but alas that turned out to have closed down.

After coffee, Mike made a quick trip to the nearby Lidl to get some milk. We opted to leave shopping until after lunch!

We collected so many items in the first two shops that Mike had to make a quick return trip to drop them off on the boat. At White Stuff, Christine found a cardigan that she fancied but was then persuaded (by a combination of Mike and the sales person) to find a top to go with it. She also checked out the items we had seen in an unsolicited ad for Roman - but will probably order those on-line when we return home.

There were supposed to be some afternoon photos but alas they disappeared into the ether in the process of uploading from the phone to laptop!

2,3 Miles - 1 Lock