Lapworth

Although the early morning had been bright and sunny, by the time we set off it was overcast. However, this did clear and the main part of the day was very warm and sunny.

Kingswood Junction

Before long we arrived at Kingswood Junction, onto the Lapworth Link for a few hundred metres and then into the lock which for us marked the start of the Lapworth ascent.

As we worked through this lock we could see another boat arriving at the bottom of the lock on the other part of the link from Stratford direction. At least we were in front!

Also at the junction is the first of the characteristic barrel roof cottages of the southern Stratford. But today we were going northwards. For those who have not been here, the junction comprises three short arms in a triangle - the extra section was added later to make it easier for boats going between the Grand Union and the southern Stratford.

Initially, the locks are separated by pounds that are of reasonable length - just too far to walk up and back to set in the time that our boat takes to come up the preceding lock. Later in the flight the locks are much closer together.

The moored boat here looks as if it has taken the wrong turn and is about to launch itself into thin air!

After a few locks the traffic built up for a while and we worked turns with boats coming down.

By Lock 10 we had a good view back down the middle section where the locks are close and in a straight line.

Bridge 32 not only is a turnover bridge (where the towpath changes sides, but also is on a sharp bend. As a result, a pulley feature was added to the bridge to help horses pull the boats in the right direction rather than across the tail of the lock.

Lapworth Top Lock

The last four locks are a bit more spread out and it was definitely lunch time when we reached the last lock. The observant will notice that this lock is numbered 2. Lock 1 is the now not used guillotine stop lock near the junction at Kings Norton.

Farmhouse Lift Bridge 26

After a longish break with pleasant sunshine we set off once more, only soon to encounter the first of two lift bridges. These have hydraulic mechanisms and the first required around 50 turns. Not especially difficult but quite exercising! We were quite pleased when, at the second, a boater waiting for his home to be bottom blacked at the boatyard between the two bridges offered to open it for us. This one, however, took far fewer turns!

Lift Bridge 28

The warmth of the last few days has seen more and more chicks arriving and quickly learning to fend for themselves. (Mum was not far away)

Leaves are beginning to sprout and there are occasional splashes of colour on the banks - here enlivened by a few feral daffodils.

Many stretches along here are lined with trees on both sides. Later in the year this will create quite a dark atmosphere but, for the moment, its is very pretty and pleasant.

At Bridge 20, Christine went quickly to see if the well-known bakery (which Andrew visited last year) would be open tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday) but alas there was no indication. It was, of course, closed today.

Just beyond the motorway, far enough away for its noise to be much attenuated by the trees, we moored up for the night hoping that the gap in the hedge would allow a satellite signal through. Those who read yesterday's blog will know that we were trying to find somewhere for a church service but alas we failed this time.

5.8 miles -18 locks