Long Buckby

We spent a pleasant weekend moored close to Nether Heyford, but today it was time to move on. The mooring we had is now recorded in our book as a good spot, it is nice and rural, with some good walks and fairly close to a pub. The towpath is wide and grassy, so plenty of room for the four legged crew to play. The fishing however is rubbish. Three days spent, and not a single bite. Clearly all the boat traffic had an effect. On the Saturday we walked to the Old Dairy Farm in Upper Stowe. It was until that point, the hottest day of the year so far, and the clue was in the name, Upper. It was uphill all the way. The centre has a collection of small farm buildings surrounding a courtyard. There is a selection of arts and crafts shops to visit and also a restaurant for refreshments.

       

                                                        Old Dairy Farm, Upper Stowe.

Due to it being so hot and a bit of a hike, the furry crew member had been left to relax in the relative coolness of the boat. I therefore knew it was not him tickling my neck, and it certainly wasn't the two legged crew, which is when I found this crawling on me.

                                     

On Sunday as stated we went to the Narrowboat P.H. for our roast dinner. Just as well we booked as it was packed. The rest of the day was then spent lounging around, not catching fish.

Today we set off at about 9 am. Our first stop was at rugby boats for a pump out, then a further short hop to the water point to replenish the tank. It was here that we met blogging royalty, nb. No Problem accompanied by nb. Seyellas Journey. Both these write far more extensive blogs than ours, and can be found in our blog list. We have met Seyellas Journey before but this was a first for No Problem. Their blog was one of the first we read whilst doing our initial research into a life afloat. 

       

                                                        Nb. No problem and Nb. Seyellas Journey.

On completion of the tank filling it was on towards the Buckby flight of locks. Seven in all, but we only planned to go up six today. At the foot of the locks we found ourselves alone for the ascent but as it was lunchtime we thought we'd stop. Just as we finished lunch another boat passed us towards the locks and this was our locking partner. Not only did we now have another boat in the lock, but this singlehanded lady boater had friends, who she had phoned, and they turned up to help so the crew was assisted in their duties today. Once at our mooring spot it was into the shop for a well earned ice lolly, then off to the pub for a cold drink. It's forecast to rain tomorrow so we will stay put a day or so. We now have only one more wide lock to do before returning to home waters.

Totals 5 Miles 6 Locks

Running total 94 Miles 60 Locks 4 Tunnels

Nether Heyford

After breakfast we set off from Stoke Bruerne. The day was already warming up as we approached the locks. Fortunately the crew only had two to do today. We got logged by the CRT, I suspect Stoke Bruerne, as a tourist hotspot is frequently checked, to ensure time limit compliance. Approaching the top lock a huge willow tree hangs over the canal. It won't be long before it obscures the view completely.

       

Once through the locks it was a short hop to the entrance of Blisworth Tunnel. As previously stated, it is arrow straight and we could see the light of the portal at the further end. There were no oncoming boats. This situation lasted until we were about 200 yards from the exit, when three boats entered in close succession. Unfortunately for us, boats one and two could not steer straight, and both hit us hard. We heard the clattering of glass or chinaware, and the second boat lost a windlass from its roof. No damage to us, just a few more scuff marks to our blacking. Once out of the tunnel, we had about five miles of cruising through the countryside in glorious sunshine to enjoy. We found our chosen mooring spot empty on arrival, so we quickly secured the boat then went for a walk towards Stowehill and The Narrowboat P.H. The weather was perfect for lunch in the garden overlooking the canal.

       

Our plan is to remain here a few days and to review the Sunday roast provided by The Narrowboat P.H. Once back at the boat the afternoon spent lazing about on the towpath in the sun. 

Totals 8 Miles 2 Locks 1 Tunnel

Running total 89 Miles 54 Locks 4 Tunnels

Nether Heyford

We pulled away from our mooring at 0930 hrs and headed towards the lock. As we moved off another boat rounded the corner, we now had a locking partner. Unfortunately for the crew, this boat was single handed so not much help with the lock gate operation. Having descended one lock the previous day, there were six more to go in the Buckby flight. I have been reliably informed by the crew, that these locks are heavy work. We met a few boats coming up, and just as we arrived at the bottom lock the volunteer lock keepers turned up, so we missed out there. We pushed on, whilst our locking partner stopped at Whilton Marina to visit the chandlers. For the next mile we were sandwiched between the M1 and the West Coast Mainline, until just before the village of Weedon Bec, the motorway veered off away from the canal. We stopped by bridge 24 to allow the crew to visit the shops for supplies. There is a Tesco Express and, all important hole in the wall machine here. Now we continued on a bit further, stopping briefly for water near Stowehill Wharf, before arriving at our mooring spot just prior to bridge 28. We are now an equal distance between the villages of Weedon and Nether Heyford, but more importantly, far enough away from the motorway and railway. We will stay here a couple of days as it seems a nice rural spot but close to amenities.

       

       

                                   Mooring by bridge 28 between Weedon and Nether Heyford.

Totals 5 Miles 6 Locks 

Running total 32 Miles 32 Lock 3 Tunnels