I am excited to be leaving the Thames, i choose to go via Dukes Cut which was very narrow and very weedy really feels like i have taken a wrong turn and am about to head into a dead end! But after slow progress i arrive at the 1st of the narrow locks, only slightly wider than the boat with just a single gate. lovely man hops off his boat to give us a hand and the lock works fine, all the rumours about it not be passable clearly not true as we pass out of the lock and turn left to head north.
Already it feels different folk are more friendly, the pace is slower loving it. Its still crazy hot in the afternoons and we pause stop for a chat with Dave who has settled himself in Kidlington to make use of the launderette and the shops. We push on hoping to get somewhere peaceful for the night. Am so hot I brave the canal to cool off.
In a few places farmers have rented moorings which have been turned into holiday homes. The tow path has lots of places to moor and I am enjoying the narrow locks, the boat sits easily in as we pass up and then down before reaching Napton Junction with the Grand Union.
The Oxford Canal being narrow the locks are only wide enough for a single boat. Shipton lock is usual as it can fit 3 boat across and Sommerton is the deepest.
Passed the HS2 works as i travel north.
Highlights
- the slow pace
- being able to stop almost everywhere!
- the weather endless blue skys and so hot
- lenny getting so much better
- friendly folk
- so much nature around the canal
Full Trip Report
Dukes Cut to Calcutt top lock – 47 miles in approx 32hrs with 46 locks
Friday 20th June; weather is very hot so we started early again spend the afternoon under a willow before moving onto Upper Heyford where there is a pub with internet so I could do a food order.
Saturday 21st June the longest day and had a lie-in as Clive was coming for lunch and bringing the food order! Set off late afternoon with fresh supplies its still really hot.
Sunday 22nd June up early and got to Grants Lock to find only a short queue. Its only open for 2 hours a day and will be closed totally Monday and Tuesday to replace the balance arm to very grateful to get thru and on my way. The canals are getting very shallow and the boat moves slowly often bumping against debris on the bottom. Spent the evening in Cropedy sweet place.
Monday 23rd June got up to the top today, limited mooring options as the canal side is mostly rough. The heat seems to have passed, it was only 21 today which a shock after 35!
Tuesday 24th June decided to spend a 2nd night on the top so a short cruising day today including a stop at Fenny Marina for diesel. In the Fenny tunnel I saw a grass snake swimming surrounded by ducks in the tunnel. They all looked very confused and its not actually a tunnel as it was turned into a cutting. We had rain last night but the sky cleared during the day and it reached a pleasant 25.
Wednesday 25th June another slow day enjoying the top did not move far today.
Thursday 26th June down the Napton locks today 9 in total. Moored at Folly bridge by late lunchtime so had a walk into Napton on the hill the church is very lovely and the shop was great but the windmill is rather overrated.
Friday 27th June left the Oxford and joined the Grand Union stopping at Calcutt Marina to pickup Wendy for our weekend on the water.