Today has grally been much fresher, with the sun being moderated by a sprinkling of clouds and a fairly strong breeze. We were away just after 8 - a little later than planned but as we had come down Islip Lock last night, we had a slighter easier run today. We decided yesterday that we would aim to find an overnight mooring in Oundle Marina as otherwise there are no other options that are not too soon or too late.
We were quietly tucked away for the night and had no distractions at all.
Alongside the mooring is Middle Nene Sailing Club, based on a former quarry that was started and exhausted in the 20C.
The next lock was at Titchmarsh. We expected this to be still manually operated but at least it is in the cooler part of the day.
The lock landing is on a slight bend and so we could not see clearly down to the guillotine gate until Mike began his reluctant trudge down to The Wheel.
But just wait! What is this? A brand new, probably this spring, electric operation! Hooray . . .
Below the lock, alongside which is a splendid former mill, is Middle Nene Cruising Club.
Looks like someone is trying to get a cheap mooring!
The King's Arms pub at Wadenhoe has now closed and planning is being sought to convert it to other uses. There has long been a very useful waterpoint here (as with all facilities, they are sparse on the river, to say the least). So there has been concern locally that it may also be lost but at the moment is available. We were leaving filling the water tank until Oundle but wanted to check it out. As can be seen (or not) in the photo is is in danger of being engulfed by untended vegetation.
Just before this we had managed avoid numerous wild swimmers - all women as it happened (may be it is a restricted club) but most did now what they were doing and several used floatation markers. Alongside the aforementioned water point is the village hall and there was quite a gathering there, with more swimmers joining entering the water. No doubt they are all TWATS (see)
In the land of Squires and Spires, yet another standing just back from the river and a small hill should be no surprise but this is Achurch! Yes, that is its name, and that of the tiny village, and dates back to 13C but extensively restored in 19C. In the 2021 census the population was 188, including the nearby Thorpe Waterville.
The road bridge below Lilford Lock is more substantial and almost ornate than most others across the river.
We have found Upper Barnwell lock quite difficult above - it seems likely that the trees on one side and the mill on the other funnel the prevailing wind and make mooring on the lock landing difficult. We had to help a singlehander here in 2018 (see) Even prepared, it was still quite a struggle to get the boat alomgside and tied firmly to a bollard.
With luck on our side, two young chaps were sitting by the lock having an early picnic lunch. They were more than ready to end a hand. Firstly, they opened the top door (opposite where Mike was doing the same) so that Christine had a wider target to aim for once set free. Secondly, as Mike was concerned that Christine might lose control of the boat after untying and before she could get back on board, he persuaded them to untie and hand the rope with Christine staying on board. In the end these provisions worked a treat and she came into the lock very smoothly.
The turning into Oundle Marina is very sharp from upstream but - perhaps because there was no-one looking - we managed it dead centre. The marina opened just over 60 years ago which must make it one of the early ones. It is laid out very openly and was formed from some disused gravel pits.
We were warmly welcomed and helped to tie up alongside the fuelling station. We were then given a choice of three nearby pontoons and opted for the one that meant that the wind would be blowing us sideways onto it, making it much easer to control.
8.2 Miles - 4 Locks
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