Today's Navigation : River Nene
Today was supposed to be find with warm temperatures towards the latter part of the day. Alas, the bit the forecast left out was a long spell of very light drizzle!
Our overnight mooring was at Fotheringhay and with all of the mooring space to choose from, we managed to find perhaps the best bit, next to the memorial stone (Mary Queen of Scots, Richard III and all that) The bank was low and the water had enough depth to allow us right alongside. The village is directly ahead in the picture and the castle mound is to the right.
Despite waking late we managed to be away by 9.30. The church in the village is most imposing - alas we had neither time nor energy to go and take a look.
As we passed, a rare gap in the cloud allowed the sun to catch the weather vane on the tower and shine brightly. (This very zoomed photo does not really do it justice)
We knew that the third lock today would be manually operated but we were uncertain about the first, Perio. (Our list was at least one short so we also knew that there was to be one surprise somewhere! Yes, you guessed, it was here. As usual, the guillotine was open and when we came to close it after the boat had come in and made safe, the gate dropped most of the way on its own.
As the lock was filling, a groundman from the adjoining fishing lake complex cane by on his ride on mower. He stopped for a chat and then offered to give Mike some help with opening the gate after the boat had exited. (He is himself a boater) In fact he told Mike to get on board as he would close up for us!
Approaching Tansor, a very small river-side village, we noted this splendid and huge house, seemingly a modern development of the Manor Farm. at least there is little doubt about which centuring it belongs to!
Next along, this once splendid boat house is now neglected and in some disrepair.
Close to the church is what appears to be a modern rowing club complete with launch ramp for eights boats. However, we could not see any name (nor on any of our maps) and there seemed to be little sign of life.
On the opposite bank is Cotterstock with substantial church. Whilst it looks much larger than one might expect for such a small village (pop 210 in 2011 census) it was at one time home to one of the largest Collegiate Churches in the country, It closed in 1536.
In today's modern church arrangements, most rural churches are groa river, they have to belong to distinct benefices grouped together (a benfice) under a single full time priest. Mostly when there are two separated by a river they of necessity belong to different groups. However, here there is a bridge and a road between the two villages of Tansor and Cotterstock so they are grouped along with three other parishes including that at Fotheringhay.
We were expecting Cotterstock Lock to be mechanised and were not disappointed. Getting to the point at which Christine could steer our boat out of the lock towards the upper lock landing, was quite efficient. However, a combination of strong wind and river bywash current meant that it was all but impossible to turn the sharp corner onto the landing.It took us some time to escape from the trap!
We were now heading towards Oundle and the parish church spire was visible almost as soon as we left Cotterstock Lock. However, the river then takes a large loop to the south of the town, never really getting close.
The old Oundle North Bridge is said to be over 450 years old but as it carried what is now a busy trunk road, it was replaced in that role by a nearby concrete structure. But we were surprised by just how busy the old bridge was - however the main road out of the town still crosses the old bridge, joining the A605 immediately after.
The main bypass bridge dates from 1980s although the A605 was built in a succession of projects that tinkered with the route.
We expected that Ashton Lock would be manual - it was - but surprised us by having the guillotine gate in the down position. Unsure how to leave the lock, we left as found with the gate still down.
On the next stretch we passed this sort-of houseboat. We noticed it briefly on our way down but this time took a closer look and it did not seemed to be fitted out as living space. It does seem to be in active use but there was no-one around.
And so to the last lock today: Lower Barnwell. It was as expected mechanised but again we arrived to a closed guillotine gate. However, this time there was a Navigation Notice posted inside the control box telling navigators to leave the bottom gate closed for reasons to do with water shortage. Unfortunately in this case the vee doors (mitred gates at the top end) are not well balanced and quickly open themselves whenever the lock is full. Mike had to summon Christine to help keep them closed whilst he hastened to the controls to strat the emptying process.
We had arranged to moor tonight alongside Oundle Boat Club, just outside the marina. However, they were having a fishing competition today so we were asked not to arrive before 3.30. With just a little time in hand we stayed on the upper lock landing until it was time to move forward.
Club members were most welcoming and readily helped us moor up. We also decided to join their last BBQ of the season (instead of cooking for ourselves!)
7.0 Miles - 4 Locks
I’ve always liked that round window in the modern house. I seem to remember it has a window seat. There used to be FORN moorings at Ashton Carr Lock which were lovely, but I believe the landowner withdrew permission. Those moorings and Oundle stick in my memory because that was where I had to go to the doctor with shingles! The GP was also a boater, with his boat at one of the clubs in Peterborough. Ever since, the NHS has insisted that my home address is Ashton Carr Lock!
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