Banbury 2024

Back on the boat and a round trip to Banbury

Day 1 13.5.24

From Barby Moorings to Napton. We found a great mooring for the night. Very quiet, lovely views and great internet and TV signal.

 

 

Day 2 14.5.24

Lock day. Today we woke to rain and decided to stay put until it stopped! When it did finally stop we ascended the 8 flight Napton locks. These locks are really nice. The scenery is great and the locks are single ones, making it much easier. Also you get to jump across the double gates, saving a walk all the way round.

After the locks we searched for a suitable mooring site. Most were already occupied so we ploughed on. We eventually arrived at mooring paradise. All alone, great views (with lambs – always a bonus) and great internet. In the evening we had an aperitif on the rear deck, followed by pie, beans and chips (courtesy of the air fryer) and a few episodes of Blue Lights.

All in all a great day

Day 3 15.5.24

Today was a “no lock” day. We left our fantastic mooring and cruised slowly South on the Oxford canal, past Fenny Compton (of Mr Bates V the Post Office” fame. We filled up with water at Fenny Compton. This was eventful as our X-Hose exploded on the towpath. Luckily I was the only one who was soaked!

We travelled through huge engineering works for HS2. At one point the rail line will cross the canal (see pic).

Day 4 16.5.24

We cruised all the way to Banbury today, through 12 locks and the rain!!!! Luckily there were quite a few Volunteer Lock Helpers (Vlockies)

As we arrived in Banbury the sun came out. We made a quick trip to B&Q to buy an air horn (our boat one has broken again!!!!).

Day 5 17.5.24

What a difference a day makes. Today was really hot and sunny as we chilled in the centre of Banbury.

Pauline went charity shopping (of course) and we went shopping at Lidl for provisions.

Looking forward to our meal tonight from the Caribbean takeaway. Curried goat. Hope it’s good! It was.

 

 

 

Day 6 18.5.24

After two great days in Banbury we travelled further South on the Oxford canal to the next winding hole. There we turned around and made our way back, through Banbury and beyond, to a great mooring, overlooking fields. It was very quiet.

Now looking forward to an evening Barbeque, courtesy of the Cobb BBQ on the roof.

Day 7 19.5.24

Day 8 20.5.24

Today was a short day with no locks but in glorious sunshine. Plus, the canal was very quiet.

Day 9 21.5.24

It’s day 9 and another lock day. The Napton flight is a breeze and has great views. For once everything seemed to be in our favour as boats coming up meant we could swap over with gates left open.

The only problem with today was THE BOW THRUSTER PACKED UP AGAIN. Probably the shear pin, so it’s another trip to Calcutt Boats for repair!!! Grrrrr!!!

Day 10 22.5.24

Today was a Calcutt Boats day for repair of the Horn and the bow Thruster. Unfortunately it rained heavily all day long so the journey there was awful!

At Calcutt, Ian (not this Ian) fixed the Bow Thruster. It was indeed the shear pin, but the kill switch was also faulty. A new once cost £85 but at least it now works! We also had the oil and filter changed to save another visit. The total cost was £350.

The expression in the boating world is BOAT, Bring On Another Thousand.

Day 11 23.5.24

Today was the last day of the trip. We had moored up for the night last night and cruised the 3 hours back to Barby Moorings.

The weather was cloudy and blustery and a bit cold, but at least it did not rain!