Enjoying the sun

Yesterday we left Blisworth at lunchtime with the sun beginning to break through the clouds.

Into the tunnel, where we met one other boat coming through fortunately in the middle section where there is plenty of room.

Once through we chose not to stop as the sun was now shining and beginning to feel warm and we wanted to work down the locks.

At the top lock there were the usual gongoozlers watching and waiting to help.

On the way down the flight we met Graham and Jill from NB Matilda Rose, walking up the flight on the way to the pub. Good to see you again guys.

The bottom lock with rather attractive cottages alongside.

There are side ponds beside some of these locks, with viewing platforms and information boards to aid spotting wildlife there.

Maybe they should be brought back into use to ease the water shortage problems.

Matilda Rose soaking up the sun.

Enjoying these reflections.

This morning we moved on through Cosgrove, under the rather lovely stone bridge in the village,

on the way to the lock

over the aqueduct

We stopped to take a closer look at the aqueduct.  Recently painted, it was looking very grand. It was designed by Benjamin Bevan, an iron trough made up of sections, supported on brick abutments and a stone pillar, rather like a smaller version of Pontcysyllte. This was the second aqueduct, built in 1811 after the first one collapsed!

However originally the canal crossed the river Ouse via a series of 9 locks, down and then back up but the risks of flooding meant the aqueduct was needed.

A mock lock is set up to show the line of the canal and locks as they once were. You can just make out the lock gates in the middle of the picture.

At Wolverton new building along the canal have improved the area since we last came along here.

With some art in between the blocks of flats,

And the trasport mural along the wall has been restored.

Very soon we were on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, where the canal twists and turns through the new town. There are no locks, but lots of bridges, old brick canal bridges, new wooden footbridges, and busy concrete road bridges. The developers have made good use of the canal with lots of green spaces alongside the water, making it a very pleasant cruise and popular walking and cycling paths. 

We made a quick stop at Great Linford, a very attractive village with medieval history.

And tonight we are moored at Fenny Stratford.

Sunday and Monday

Blisworth to Fenny Stratford

19 miles, 8 locks, 1 tunnel