Canal Cruising

Last week we spent on the Oxford Canal. It is surrounded by countryside. The canal dramatically meanders with huge bends and wonderful stone bridges. You are very close to nature and wildlife. We heard larks singing, saw many wild birds collecting nesting materials and eating newly formed leaves from the trees. You can't beat working in a narrowboat kitchen with an ever changing view. There are many locks on the route and the maximum I did in one day was 16.

We passed through Chesterfield and saw it's famous crocked spire.

Bend it shake it

There are many historic buildings that survive along the canals.

The Toll House collected tolls from the Grand Union and Oxford canals

Ridge and furrow.

A medieval form of farming

The beauty of travelling on a canal is that you stop at villages that you would not do if you travelled by car. A windmill at Napton on the Hill.

There is an amazing view from the top of the hill

Napton parish church.

Donations to the poor. Interesting reading

The hedges are starting into come into leaf.

A hawthorn

Violets on the towpath.

Delicate violets

The white thorn is in blossom.

A froth of white

Cropedy is a lovely village made famous by Fairport Convention.

An attractive sign

Canal workers looking for employment.

Any odd job will do

A stone gateway at Wormleighton.

Look at the sun dial

I love the name of this house.

Can you see the toad?

A wide beam boat.

They are restricted as to which bridges they can pass through

Look at the reflection.

An almost perfect circle

  Have a look at the lovely products I have for sale on my Etsy site. 

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