We left Wigrams Turn Marina on Monday 17 August and noting the weather forecast of heavy rain and thunderstorms we moored a short distance away to sit it out. The following day we headed towards Napton Locks.
Napton Windmill, now a dwelling. There has been a windmill on this site since the 16th century
We went through the first four locks of the Napton flight and moored just before Lock 5 with forecasts of more heavy rain and thunderstorms for Wednesday which proved accurate. We decided to stay put till Thursday morning.
Thursday morning and up the remaining five locks
Narrow locks for narrow boats! We never leave our fenders out when doing locks in case the boat gets stuck. This may sound far-fetched but we saw a cruiser do just that a few days ago. It took them quite a while to free themselves.
The CRT rebranded in 2018 and Jan for one is not happy about the new signage which she thinks is "overly showy". We have noticed a lack of efficient maintenance at some CRT service stations on this trip which begs the question whether CRT is prioritising the fundamentals. There are nine locks on the Napton flight but lock numbering suggests otherwise. Evidence of past changes?
Yes - water buffalo in fields beside the locks!
Beautiful countryside and fine weather
Passing Marston Doles at Napton Top Lock. A hamlet which provided stables for towing horses...
...now stabling classic cars!
Another fine old canalside building. Most of the people we meet on the canals are perfectly friendly and thoughtful, but at this lock we came across the exception - a man who under the pretext of 'helping' attempted to control how fast Catnap rose in the lock not only putting her at risk, but annoying us mightily. Denis put him straight; he retreated
Now we've seen everything - a boat in a pond in a field
WW11 pillbox was a gun emplacement, part of a defensive line between Oxford and Birmingham known as the Stop Line
The Church of St. Mary, Priors Hardwick
We moored for the night at Priors Hardwick and stayed there the next day due to high winds. The weather this trip has been the most varied we have experienced with days of warm sunshine interspersed with heavy rain, thunderstorms and high winds.
Better weather today, Saturday. Teepee and what looks like a hot tub - glamping it up
Before reaching Fenny Compton and its services, a sight of HS2 preparations where it will cross the canal
After a night outside the Wharf Inn at Fenny Compton - sounds more fun than it was - the next major stop will be Cropredy, site of the famous annual folk festival (alas not this summer due to Covid). Nine locks first, this time going down, as we leave the 'summit'.
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