This is the strangest mooring we saw. A narrowboat in a field with no access to the canal water!
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| Can you float my boat? |
We set off from Welton Hythe Marina on the Grand Union Canal and soon arrived at Braunston Tunnel 2042 yards long. Historically the canal workers would leg it through the tunnel, lying on their backs and then moving the boat with their feet.
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| Dark and mysterious |
Norton Junction where the Grand Union and Oxford canals meet.
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| Chose you route |
All the bridges have a number.
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| Number 100 |
The Oxford canal has many twists and turns with 38 locks between Welton and Thrupp. The locks vary in shape and depth. On the Oxford canal they are all single locks that just take one narrowboat.
Somerton Deep Lock very very deep at 12 foot.
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| A long way down and the lock gates were very difficult to move |
Aynho Weir lock is unusual as it is diamond shaped.
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| Not easy to navigate |
There were several wooden drawbridges that were permanently raised.
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| The bridges are raised by a chain |
Houses that originally were built alongside the canal for workers are now privately owned.
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| An interesting shape |
Gardens back onto the canal. I love the sleeping Mexican.
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| Mexi co co co |
A Wild West Rabbit.
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| Shoot out on the Oxford canal |
A Shepherds Hut.
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| Not a sheep in sight |
The traditional village stone is ironstone which has a lovely ochre hue. The original house frame has been preserved.
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| Ancient structure |
A pretty thatched cottage.
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| Thatched roof and porch |
A windmill without sails.
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| Sails away |
We visited Banbury where there were several interesting buildings. Advertising before the invention of TV or the internet.
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| Look at the products advertised |
An interesting use of coloured bricks.
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| Bands of colour |
These willow gymnasts were alongside the canal as it flowed through the city centre.
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| Toss the willow |
I love the name of this street.
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| Do you think they are always having tea parties? |
We visited Rousham Gardens. I particularly liked the detail of the gatehouse chimneys.
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| Inventive patterning |
Rousham House is very grand.
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| Statues adorn the outside of the house |
The gardens were beautiful including a stunning dahlia beds.
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| Vibrant colours |
Longhorn cattle graze in the grounds.
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| They have very long curved horns |
Mushrooms were growing wild in the grass.
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| Edible field mushrooms |
Peacocks patrolled the grounds.
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| Proud and stately |
Why have a boring oil tank.
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| All you need is a little imagination |
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