Hawkesbury Junction to Hillmorton Locks

We left Hawkesbury this morning and continued down the Oxford, we stopped at Stretton Wharf for water, in Rugby for a Tesco shop, we did discover a shorter route to Tesco by walking under the bridge there is a footpath straight to Tescos!  The coloured lights were on today in Newbold Tunnel.  The ¼ mile long tunnel is over 180 years old and was built during the shortening of the Oxford Canal in the 1820s (bet the lights are not original!)  We have moored at the bottom of Hillmorton Locks, where we will probably stay for a few days as John is on a course on Saturday in Rugby.

15.25 miles today

Coventry and back

We left Hawkesbury Junction on Monday morning and with trepidation set off down to Coventry, we had heard various reports about the state of the canal, all saying that the basin is fine, its just getting there.  The canal is not as bad as we expected, we took it slowly, got a bit of rubbish around the prop, but nothing that a quick reverse didn't remove, we have done worse.  Coventry itself is well worth a visit, we had a good wander around, visiting the motor museum, Art gallery and cathedral as well as Spon Street and seeing Lady Godiva's statue. The basin itself is isolated from the centre by a dual carriageway, but a bridge provides a link right into the centre. We have made the return journey back to Hawkesbury Junction today.

Sculptures along the canal

Cash's Hundred House (Old Weavers Cottages)

Around Coventry 

Spon Street

Coventry Canal Basin

 

James Brindley

Return trip 11 miles & 1 stop lock

Return to Hawkesbury Junction

We set off from Market Bosworth this morning, sunny skies, rain showers were forecast but we had a lovely trip back down the Ashby canal.  We stopped for water and did the services at Sutton Wharf, we also filled up with diesel at Stoke Golding as we were showing 1/4 tank.  We got 125 litres in so not quiet as low as we thought.  Our plan was to moor at Limekiln again, but the moorings were full, as were the moorings at Bridge 6 & 5, not looking so good.  As the Ashby is shallow there are designated moorings and not many others in between, we decided to continue down to Hawkesbury Junction.  As we approached, it was wall to wall moored boats, it was also starting to rain (the first of the day) so wasn't looking good, however we just managed to squeeze in, as the heavens opened.  We have had a really good downpour, it has rained for about 3 hours solid, we gave up on walking to the pub for Sunday Roast and have eaten on the boat!

Late evening last night

 

Return down the Ashby Canal

Marston Junction

Charity Dock

17 miles today