Tunnel Bridge, before reaching the remains of Fenny Compton Tunnel. The roof was removed in 1868 leaving a very narrow channel with only a few passing places
Looking back at the route of the old tunnel
...and the tunnel mouth looking back
First encounter with a 'lift bridge' on this canal. Fortunately, they're mostly left open
This bridge takes the towpath over the 'feeder' from the reservoir used to top up the canal
A charming shepherd's hut with wheels - a common sight around here
The idea here is, you quickly grab your veg and leave the donation as your boat passes
One for our collection of tiny narrowboats
Very little mooring on this stretch, until the rings above Claydon Locks. By then we were soaked, so grateful to find a space and lucky we were early as many boats queuing for the locks, which are closed between 4pm and 10am to conserve water
Next morning, dry now and in the queue
Entering the top lock. Brightly flowered orange Trumpet Vine on the cottage wall
Lock keeper's hut with veg patch and furry chimney
Dredging on the flight - much needed as it's very shallow in places and Catnap
had lurched a few times gliding over mudbanks at the side of the canal
Clattercote Wharf near Claydon with cornfield...
...and vegetable stall for boaters. Guys and dolls give a gothic feel
Another shepherd's hut, striking with the violet and red boat
Restored historic boat Tewkesbury, an unpowered 'butty'
Arriving at Cropredy, with a bit of a squeeze to find a mooring, with heavy rain and high winds forecast the following day we decided to stay put. There's been an annual folk festival here since 1976 headed by Fairport Convention, but this year it's been cancelled due to Covid.
Looking back at Cropredy Lock from the bridge. Catnap
is moored on the right
This is a village full of cottages, some thatched
The church of St Mary the Virgin
Line of boats, very tightly packed nose to tail - or should we say bow to stern
Wednesday 26 August and the weather being fair, we set off for Banbury.
Lister propels this boat everywhere (or words to that effect) - invoking the Lister engine
Fast streamline canoes overtook us in seconds
You can tell we're approaching a seat of learning
Inspiring thought on a derelict lock cottage
Arriving at Banbury our thoughts centre on provisions and how far we have to walk to get them
Possibly not that sort of provision!
The historic Tooley's Boatyard in Banbury dating from 1790, survives surrounded by modern buildings. From here in 1939 Tom Rolt set off in narrowboat Cressy
on a voyage which led to the formation of the Inland Waterways Association and the movement to restore the whole canal network
The canal runs very close to the centre of Banbury, with this lift bridge just by the shopping centre - it attracts lots of sightseers
Artemis
lining up to pass through the bridgeBanbury Arts Centre is closed due to Covid 19
The Old Wine House dates from the 16th century
Banbury's seal and the very eroded motto, which translates as 'The Lord is our sun and shield'
The town hall and to its right, an old merchant's shop with its products written large on the wall: corn, cake, lime, forage, seeds, coal and coke
The canalside development will include a Premier Inn
