Cropredy

Last nights mooring was almost the perfect spot on this stretch of canal, we didn’t hear anything of the M40 as it runs the other side of the hill.
Just after 10am. a boat came down Kings Sutton, also known Tarver’s Lock, so we set off to take advantage of it being ready for us. We were not so lucky at Grants as that was full, so I had to empty it before we could use it. Mike commented on the blog yesterday that there had been issues with the lock but we went through with no problem. I do wonder what will happen to the old lock cottage. Its been in this state for several years now.

We stopped in Banbury to visit Morrison to stock up on essentials and also eat lunch before heading on up through Banbury lock and a quite crowded town. I have never noticed this roller on the mouth of the lock, from the wear on it, it was obviously poorly maintained when in use for many years.

Just past Tooley’s boatyard the ex working boat Hardy is moored while awaiting restoration when enough money has been raised.

 Hardy Restoration - Tooley's Boatyard Trust

I think there was one paddle out at Hardwick lock when we came down, but today there are two out.

We did have luck with the locks really today, the only one we turned was Grants and all the rest we met boats who had just left and often another arriving as we left.
In the afternoon the weather was better than the morning so rather than stopping just above Slat Mill lock as planned we carried on into Cropredy.

Today’s Journey

8 miles with 6 locks 4¼ hours