Cropredy Marina

Today's Canal : Oxford Canal

We stayed in the centre of Banbury for another night. We have always found it a good place to stay even though it can get rather busy and ring-shared moorings are a given. Nevertheless, when we looked this morning there were at least three boat spaces free overnight and, of course, loads lower down below the lock.

Castle Quay shopping centre closes quite early and, we understand, the two adjacent car parks are also locked early. They certainly were closed when we came back after our meal on Friday night. As a result, the area is surprisingly quiet, all the more because it is a busy and vibrant space in the day time. Let's hope that the development proposals do not lose that.

 The footbridge by our mooring is well decorated with summer flowers.

After failing on the last couple of Sundays on the boat, for various reasons, this time we did manage to get to church today. We went to the main parish church, the Georgian St Mary's church in the town centre. It is a huge barn of a place. Originally it had a gallery on all four sides and could seat 3000. In a later re-ordering, the east end was made more ornate in the fashion of the times and the gallery is now on the more obvious three sides. Not sure how often it is needed but today's congregation of around 60 rattled around in the huge ground floor space.

The pews are perhaps the most uncomfortable we have ever encountered - and we have had plenty to choose from - it would be impossible to sit and relax for a concert, for example. The sound system is inadequate and we found it difficult to hear either the sermon or other announcements. Luckily, we could at least follow the liturgy in the printed booklets. For these, and one or two other observations, it is perhaps as well that we have not be recruited as 'mystery worshippers' whose reports can sometimes be rather revealing.

After a further wander around the shops that were open - without buying anything - we made ready to leave. The morning had been a bit overcast but the afternoon gradually improved and the clouds became fluffy and revealed plenty of blue skies. It was pleasantly warm with a strong breeze at times. Just around the corner we were greeted by the usual smells of cakes and coffee from the canalside food factories.

Hardwick Lock

We did not have far to go as we are leaving the boat at the new Cropredy marina whilst we return home. Since making the arrangement there have been some reports of a spate of thefts from boats moored on the towpath in this vicinity so we were rather relieved to have the added security.

Little Bourton Lock Cottage

The lock cottage at Little Bourton Lock has long been in a sorry state. Although we could hear sounds of work being done on it, it looks as if progress is slow and will not be habitable again any time soon.

Slat Mill Lock

After negotiating a couple of locks we stopped for lunch, followed by the short run via Slat Mill Lock (note the change in the sky) to Cropredy Wharf where we used the sanitary station and rubbish bins, just in case they were a distance from our marina mooring.

Entering Cropredy Marina

This marina, under the same ownership as Crick Marina, has quickly established a very strong reputation. It concentrates on being a good place for moorers without fancy restaurants, club houses or whatever. It is laid out over a good area so that boats have plenty of room to turn into their pontoons.

After making contact with the manager in the office - and duly settling our account - we were shown our pontoon. They like to have the temporary visitors moor close to the entry so that they can keep a watchful eye.

Even the ducks formed part of the welcoming committee!

Overall, our friendly reception showed why they have built their reputation - running a marina is a 'people' business, something that one or two others might care to understand! (LTRU)

It was mid afternoon by the time we were settled leaving us plenty of time to pack and prepare for our return trip tomorrow.

4.9 miles - 4 locks