Grand Union Canal Holiday

4-7 June 2004

The same eight bellringers who last year took a boat from Linslade to Aylesbury, this year started at Blisworth (near Northampton) on the Grand Union Canal, and our long weekend took us north to Crick, on the Leicester line of the Grand Union.

On Saturday afternoon, Mary sees our boat NB Savernake Tunnel into the bottom of the Watford locks

Lucy watches the gates close

The lock-keeper winds down the ground paddle as Merry and Sheila open the gate

The sign shows that we are on the Leicester line of the Grand Union (formerly Grand Junction) Canal

Savernake Tunnel glides across the pound to the second lock

Jane watches progress as Helen, Alan and Sheila prepare to close the gates

After the second lock is this staircase of four locks, with their unusual side pounds

Savernake Tunnel negotiates the right turn from the second lock into the staircase

We moored for the night at Crick, and had a very good meal at the Red Lion. Here we look back through Bridge 11 to Crick Tunnel

Our mooring spot for the night

Lucy and Helen wait to close the gates as Savernake Tunnel waits in the top lock for the staircase to be readied.

Lucy taking a turn at the tiller

Bridge holes were a frequent point for dropping off and picking up the crew when they wanted to have a walk

Crew ashore as we near the end of the Leicester line

The junction bridge, and site of a very badly sited water point, which can only be used by boats going south, unless you block the bridge hole

A bright and cheerful bridge

Descending the Buckby flight of locks

Our boat leaves the penultimate lock of the flight, Alan coming via the road while the others come underneath

Lucy steers Savernake Tunnel into the bottom lock of the Buckby flight

Alan winds up the paddle as the final descent begins

Nearly there!

Bye bye locks

Still, it is a beautiful afternoon, so plenty to be cheerful about

More towpath walkers waiting to be picked up

A hawk is an unusual sight on top of a narrowboat

Banbury Lane Bridge is a delightful setting

Watch out - boat coming!

Safely through, but attention at the stern remains on that other boat, and the those at the bow are dragged through a tree

Our mooring on Sunday night is just north of Blisworth

Another very enjoyable holiday - preliminary plans are already being developed for next year.