Lower Heyford

At last the promised sunshine had arrived and the air felt very much warmer. However, a strong wind blew for most of the day making navigation extremely tricky at times, especially when moving slowly or starting off from the edge of the bank. Nevertheless we were able to dispense with some layers of clothing and did not shut the rear cabin doors as neurotically as for the past couple of weeks.

Nell Bridge Lock

 A short run brought us to Nell Bridge Lock and then shortly afterwards to the diamond shaped Aynho Weir Lock. We have not been this way for a couple of years so it can be repeated that this shape enables more water to be sent down the canal from the river than the normal water level drop would allow. Water, for canal owners, was always a precious commodity and they used every artifice they could find to keep up their supply.

River Cherwell Weir

The River Cherwell crosses the canal just above the lock which means that the lock landing is some distance away from the top gate.

Aynho Weir Lock

The wind was blowing so hard that when Christine brought Mike a full mug of coffee it blew spray right out of the mug!

Passing under Chisnell Lift Bridge

Chisnell Lift Bridge was one of those that does need to be operated. Christine dropped Mike off on the towpath and then had great difficulty to persuading the boat to move back into the channel, the wind was so strong. After passing successfully through the bridge a boat moored just afterwards added to the complexity of setting off again.

Somerton Deep Lock

Somerton Deep Lock is one of the deeper locks on the system, certainly in the narrow lock sections. The lock cottage looks attractive but it is very isolated with not even a track to give access nor any mains water, sewer or electricity. There were signs of it being lived in still but they do have a small dinghy below the lock to help carry goods from the nearest road bridge.

Somerton Deep Lock Cottage

We moored for lunch above Allen's Lock and then set about some spring cleaning. Mike also re-varnished the dining table. After a couple of hours we felt that we ought to secure a mooring space for the night - we planned to visit The Bell in Lower Heyford and did not want too long a walk along the muddy towpath.

Upper Heyford Tithe Barn

The old Tithe Barn at Upper Heyford looked especially attractive in the rare sunshine but almost opposite runs the River Cherwell which seemed to be still rather high and running fast.

River Cherwell

We moored below the last lock before Lower Heyford so we only have a short distance to move in the morning.

There was no mobile signal where we moored so this blog had to wait until we returned home!

6.2 miles - 5 locks