Blisworth

A really bright and sunny day right through to sun down. We set off still undecided about the best way to plan our trip back to Nantwich to collect the cars. By lunch time we had settled on going tomorrow, taking the express bus from Grafton Regis, a little bit below the Stoke Bruerne flight, partly based on the weather being forecast to change to wet for the next few days, especially so tomorrow. But it would all depend on progress!

Norton Junction Toll House

We had moored very close to Norton Junction where the Leicester Arm joins the Grand Union Main Line. The Toll House cottage which has been photographed so many times is currently being extended, no doubt will make a more desirable residence as it was probably a bit too small before.

Buckby Top Lock

Immediately we were at the top of the Buckby flight which we started off down quite unremarkably. At the next lock we joined up with a single hander that was moving more slowly, even with the help of a volunteer lock keeper. By the fourth lock we had some difficulty from the quantity of water coming down the flight - plenty flowing in at the top, aided by the back pumps in operation. These locks were designed without bywashes and excess water normally goes over the top paddles and into the lock chamber. When there is even more, it cascades over the top of the gates.

In this case the level in the pound above was sufficiently higher than the top of the gates that it was impossible to open them. As a result we had to wait whilst we ran off some of the excess through the lock until the level was reduced enough. The same process had to be repeated down to the bottom of the flight.

A long line of trees shields the railway line and includes some silver trees that stand out in the sunshine.

Below the locks a long straight stretch gave a chance to see the cloudless blue sky.

wb Walhalla

Yet another unusual boat - this time a widebeam that came around the corner looking rather menacing! Seems that it was reviewed recently http://nbbriarrose.blogspot.co.uk/

Weedon Bec Village Centre

Wonky Wiindows

By mid day we arrived at Weedon Bec where we moored up so that we could walk into the village for a little food shopping and a newspaper. The village dates back to the Domesday Book and some properties are quite old and reflect the time when this was an important stopping place on the turnpike that later became the A5.

Gatehouse over canal entrance

Royal Ordnance Depot

On the way back to the boat we took a look at the former Royal ordnance Depot - a very extensive set of buildings dating back to the Napoleonic Wars. They ceased to be used for a military purpose several decades ago and the private company that now owns them is still awaiting the right opportunity for development.

 

The depot was served by its own branch of the canal - the central part of the depot is still in water but disconnected from the main line - now being built over for new houses.

At the security office a friendly guard gave us a little leaflet which had been prepared by a local history society for passing visitors.

Back at the boat we had lunch - returning to the soup menu once again, this time using the bones from the lamb joint Russell had prepared for us before we left home.

Sunshine at Nether Heyford

The afternoon continued as bright as the morning although it quickly became chilly as a slight breeze picked up. However, those not steering were able to sit outside in the sunshine for most of the day.

Sunshine and Trees

This pound is over 11 miles and mostly twists and turns as it follows the contours. The busy railway line is a close companion until just after Gayton Junction but fortunately the motorway left us soon after the Buckby locks.

Turnover Bridge, Gayton

At the junction we stopped to use the services before moving on down towards Blisworth. By now we had concluded that we would not make it through the tunnel and Stoke Bruerne locks tonight and that it was probably just as well to go back to our very original plan which is to do the car shuffle on Friday. As a result we finally stopped for the night at Blisworth. Not too much choice of moorings as a lot of boats congregate here - possibly waiting to find their winter mooring spot!

13.4 miles - 7 locks