Top things to do/see -Whilton Marina to Oxford.

[Wockwabbit]

Hello,

 

This is our third canal holiday so we're still relative novices. Normally we head down towards Milton Keynes ( avoids the locks on the Whilton doorstep!) but this time we've decided to be brave and head to Oxford and back.

 

We would love some tips on the best things to see on the way. ( we've got bikes and are happy to cycle a couple of miles away from the canal). Also grateful for things to be wary of or avoid!

 

(Also any knowledge on good places to resupply would be handy!)

 

Thanks.

[bramley]

Hi, nice first post.

 

i am very intrested in the replys as we are going the same way next week give or take, only for 2/3 days past whilton though.

 

have a nice trip

 

Ross

[Athy]

Mr. Wabbit, welcome. Many things to see, but above all do try to moor a night at Cropredy - as long as you get there after their Festival next weekend! It is the quintessence of middle England.

[kevinw]

We've moored around that area for 12 years, so a few things we like:

 

Buckby Locks - allegedly home of the Buckby can, the thing that working boat families kept their drinking water in

Braunston tunnel - has a very distinct S bend in it. Two full-size boats will always pass on the apex of the bend, which is usually quite amusing.

Braunston - Major junction, lots of canal activity. Ensure you have the camera to hand as there is lots to see.

Napton Locks - again picturesque with the windmill on one side. Folly pub is interesting - full of old farm relics. Not been in it for years, but at one time, all they sold by way of food was pies.

Top Pound. Long, very twisty with at least one "hairpin". Watch the T V transmitted mast at Wormleighton - it will change around all points of the compass as you cross this pound.

Fenny Compton "tunnel" - narrow length where the tunnel has been opened out with passing places hidden amonst the reeds.

Claydon Locks - again, a pretty scene. The bygones collection in Claydon is worth a visit, if it is still there.

Croperdy - typical Cotswold type village. Watch your timing as it is very busy around the festival and not a chance of getting a mooring at that time.

Banbury - usually lots of mooring, good place for victuals. Mixture of modern and traditional shops.

Aynho - first bit of excitement as you cross over the River Cherwell and go through the diagonal lock. Just after is Nell's Lock - very low bridge on one side.

Upper and Lower Heyford - now peacefull (other than being close to the railway), but once the base for the USAF.

 

Generally, it is a very nice route - it can be busy and the top pound is a bit shallow in places, especially on the bends. The locks are light to work and mostly not deep, except for Somerton, whichis one of the deepest on the system at about 12 feet. The canal follows the River Cherwell for muc of its length and with the section down to Banbury being surveyed by Brindley, you can be sure of a complete avoidance of straight lines. The lift bridges are easy to operate and there's more clearance than you think there's going to be. South of Banbury, it's all single gates and some of these can be quite heavy. The railway line follows close for much of the route and this can be noisy. We used to moor at Fenny Compton - the lightweight passenger trains were nosiy, but the heavy coal trains could be felt through the water. Also, over certain stretches, the M40 is close and so that can also be heard.

 

If you do get to Oxford, it might be worth going onto the river via the Dukes Cut and then heading downstream, turn back onto the canal at Osney. It'll cost you a day's river licence, but is a contrast to the canal.

 

But for scenery, I don't think it can be beaten.

 

Kevin

[Bones]

The tea shop in Thrupp, Oxford is worth a visit...!

[Athy]

But for scenery, I don't think it can be beaten.

 

Kevin

I heartily agree Kevin, not in this country anyway - the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy gives it a close run. What an excellent, concise, woffle-free gazeteer of the route.

[Wockwabbit]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

 

Hopefully the weather will be as kind to us as you've been.

 

Regards

 

Wockwabbit

[Daftmare]

The tea shop in Thrupp, Oxford is worth a visit...!

 

 

Are you on commission Bones?

 

J.

 

 

(PS - the teashop at Thrupp IS worth a visit!)

Edited August 17, 2009 by Daftmare

[Wockwabbit]

I've looked up Annie's tea room and we will definitely be stopping ( probably both ways!)

 

We're on the water from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 3rd in our green delight 'Willow', so keep an eye out for us ( espeicailly if it looks like we're struggling!#

 

Thanks for your help

 

Gail & Rob