There is a small marina at the end together with the original wharf area. In its heyday, there were five large lime kilns working full tilt converting the chalk, coal wood brought here by narrow boat. The product was probably sold to surrounding farmers and others who made good use of its various chemical properties.
After using the usual facilities we went for a short walk up to the reservoir - there are two end to end and it was for this resource that the original Grand Union canal Company (operating the section from Foxton to Norton) was bought up by the much larger Grand Junction Canal Company so that it could help feed water down to its demanding section to Braunston and Buckby.
Then we walked up to the small village of Welford - passing an amusing wooden sculpture (Postman Pat?) - and bought milk, paper and rolls from the small shop. At one time this was an important stopping point on the busy Turnpike road.
Back at the boat we set off once more, turning southwards at the junction but before long it was time to look for a suitable lunchtime mooring spot. Not so easy along here as the bank edges, although firm with modern piling are frequently, deceptively, very shallow.
The day so far had been overcast and cool but sunshine returned mid afternoon as we made our way gently towards Yelvertoft. We planned to fill up with diesel but Tuesday is their closed day and, in any case, we were pushing close to the five 0'clock deadline for other days in the week.
Rather than try any further - the next place is Crick not too far ahead, we came out of the marina and backed up a few metres to moor for the night so that the first thing tomorrow is re-fuelling.
Before many moments were were besieged by a begging family of swans with several 'teenage' cygnets desperate for an easy addition to their normal diet. No luck here, however, despite the interest of our photographer! They left empty billed . . .
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