The Grand Adventure - Day 3

Going through a major tunnel like Braunston tunnel  for the first time was quite odd to say the least. I was first very surprised at just how narrow the tunnel was, only just enough room for narrowboats to pass with just inches to spare! It was also completely dark, no light whatsoever apart from the headlight on the bow of our boat (which is not much better than a candle). The first 5 minutes are the worst as you have light from behind which messes a bit with your senses but once you are in to complete darkness it's a little easier.....

Exiting the very long Braunston tunnel

Easier until you see a headlight of a boat coming towards you! You really would not believe how tight it is inside the tunnel and I now understand why some boaters call it a contact sport! We made it through safely enough after around 45 minutes and I must admit I was very happy to see daylight again. However, there was now another 7 locks called Braunston locks to contend with before heading on to the Oxford Canal.

The girls worked well as a team getting us up the locks and we were in Braunston before we knew it. Time passes quite quickly when you are working the locks. Bruanston is a major junction on the canal and very busy at the weekends. There were lots of boats moored either side of the canal which made navigating quite difficult, especially when a boat is coming the other way but we made it through and on to the Oxford Canal.

Navigating through Braunston aboard Hannah the Narrowboat

It was not long before I realised the Oxford Canal is quite a bit shallower than the Grand Union. Every now and then, when I wandered from the center line, I could just feel the hull hitting silt. It was a bit disconcerting to begin with but we were still moving so I stopped worrying and stayed as central as possible, only moving over when meeting oncoming boats.

It was quite a nice lock free cruise for the next few miles and we could see the countryside changing a little, a bit more open in places. When we got to Hillmorton we came across our first single locks. Basically most locks allow 2 boats side by side but these only allowed 1. To be honest they are much easier as you only have single lock gates and you fit in perfectly. They come in pairs so there is actually 2 locks side by side. I think the purpose is that in single locks you do not need as much water as you would if 1 boat went through a standard double lock on its own, so a big saving on water.

Lee takes control of Hannah the Narrowboat

We got through easily, and to be fair I really liked these locks. We were heading for Newbold on Avon to moor up for the night as we had seen on our canal guide that there was a pub! We found a mooring spot and heading down the towpath to a very good chip shop! I will remember to stop here again as what more does a boater need than a safe mooring, a chip shop and a pub!

Poor old Lee was suffering this evening with her hayfever. Luckily for me I seemed to be pretty OK this year but completely felt for Lee as she does get it quite bad - not great if you want to cruise the countryside!

Moored up at Newbold Upon Avon