Kingswood

Before setting off, Jess and Mike went for a short walk and looked at the turnover bridge.


Turnover Bridge 55

We were still in the long pound so we had an hour's run before starting the 17 locks up to Kingswood junction where we would be leaving the Stratford Canal for the Grand Union. It was a lovely sunny day but still not a real 'scorcher' which was just as well with so many locks to do!

Aqueduct Opened in 1813

Wooton Wawen Aqueduct

Take Five passing over Wootton Wawen Aqueduct

As we approached Wooton Wawen Aqueduct we could see a boat stopped right in the middle. We had to wait some minutes and when they eventually came through they apologised but they were having a pump-out!

Bridge 50

The upper section of locks are more spread out than those we passed through yesterday which meant rather more hopping on and off. There was a steady flow of boats although we seemed to encounter more full locks than empty ones!

Lock 37 Cottage

Many of the old lock cottages still remain although many have been extended - sometimes the extension is rather larger than the original. The design of the cottages is quite distinctive.

Yarningale Aqueduct

Yarningale Aqueduct and Lock 34

Immediately above lock 34 is the third of the cast iron aqueducts on this canal - the shortest but we were at least able to take a look at it from below.



Lock 33

Just above Lock 31 we pulled in for lunch - a pleasant stop but before very long the call of the remaining locks meant we just had to set off yet again. At least these locks are not quite as difficult as the lower ones, although Christine found one or two bottom gates impossible to move, and Mike only succeeded with some difficulty.

Lock 28 Cottage

The M40 motorway was almost distressingly noisy and as it passed over between a couple of locks, we were close to it for some time.

M40 Road Bridge

In information board reminded us that this canal was once owned by the Great Western Railway, who were more concerned about using it for a water supply than carrying canal boats. The outcome is that a number of their distinctive diamond notices can still be seen alongside the canal.

Great Western Railway Sign Lock 35

After completing the locks we stopped at the services to fill the water tank and process waste. Mike also took the opportunity to wash down the roof - part of it seemed to have been sprayed with some fine sticky something - but it did all wash off without damage. Jess also helped by cleaning all of the stern area.

Jess Cleaning

Kingswood Junction Signpost

After turning down the short link to Kingswood we joined the much wider Grand Union Canal. After about three miles we moored at a spot we have found useful before (see 2009 Blog for example).

7.8 miles - 17 locks