The Ashby Canal 2024

We decided to travel the Ashby as it has no locks and is a really picturesque canal.

We had intended to travel this canal back in the spring but there had been a major land slip on the route which had blocked the canal for months, hence our revised trip to Banbury.

Monday 8th July

We carried out the usual “pump out” of the toilet tank. Our usual practice at the beginning of every trip. The weather was warm and fine, in contrast to recent rain, cold weather and wind! (it did rain a bit later in the day though!)

We headed to Hillmorton and the three locks going down. It was quite busy (these locks are the busiest in the country) but there were two volunteers on hand to help.

Tuesday 9th July

Day 2 and we woke up to heavy rain. Symptomatic of a poor summer so far!

Nevertheless we set off and gradually the rain eased off. Along the Oxford Canal as far as Hawkesbury Junction. It’s a strange junction. There is a single lock, dropping 6 inches. Apparently back in the day it was designed to stop a rival canal company stealing water.

On the way to the junction we passed the site of a major land slip which completely blocked the canal for almost 5 months. The Canal and River Trust have worked tirelessly to return the canal to its original state.

Immediately after the Hawkesbury junction lock there is a 180 degree turn via going under a bridge. This is all under the gaze of people sitting outside the pub.

We tried to fill up with water but the pressure was so low we gave up. More adventure followed, with a tree down across the canal. We just about managed to scrape by.

We moored on a remote part of the canal but with great internet access!

Wednesday 10th July

Today was a short day. We turned into the Ashby Canal, which was an event as the turn is very sharp and the entrance narrow. Nevertheless we made it.

The next task was to find a good mooring with good TV signal in order to watch the England V Netherlands match in the Euro semi-final.

Thursday 11th July

Well we won the game last night and are now in the final v Spain.

Today the weather was poor. It rained most of the day so it turned into a short day. We moored up at Stoke Golding for the night.

Friday 12th July

Today was another short journey to Sutton Wharf, where there ais a great cafe and ice cream boat (Floaty Oaky). It is also right in the middle of the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field from 1485. We will visit the Heritage Centre tomorrow,

Saturday 13th July

We did not move the boat at all today. The intention was to visit the Battle of Bosworth Field Visitor Centre. The canal actually goes right through the battlefield site. The battle took place in 1485 and saw King Richard 111 killed in action and deposed by Henry Tudor.

Sunday 14th July

It’s Euros final day today. England v Spain at 8pm!!! Next time, we’re going to Spain to watch! You can find out more here when’s the best time to visit.

We managed a 5 hour stint today to the end of the canal. It was fairly warm and sunny but still not “normal” July weather!

Monday 15th July

Well we lost last night (Spain 2 England 1), the second time in a row for England in the Euros – last time it was to Italy.

Today we weaved our way back to Sutton Wharf and the cafe to experience their wonderful fish and chips (plus an ice cream for Pauline).

The weather was a bit miserable – drizzly rain most of the time.

Tuesday 16th July

Last night it rained cats and dogs and this continued into the morning. We waited until the rain stopped and set off for the end of the Ashby Canal, where it joins the Coventry Canal.

We made two attempts at mooring. The first was really good but the internet was poor and there was no TV signal. Shock horror! We moved to a place where the internet was good. Phew!!!

Wednesday 17th July

It was suppose to be hot and sunny today. It didn’t materialise. Rather cold in the morning and quite cloudy.

We travelled a reasonably short day, leaving one more day to Barby Moorings and home.

On the way we had to navigate the Hawkesbury Junction, a 180 degree turn followed by a lock with a rise of 6 inches! Something to do with preventing a rival canal company stealing water!

Thursday 18th July

This was the last day of our trip and finally the sun came out and we had a scorching day. It was a bit more crowded though, plus it seemed to be dragonfly mating season!!

We ascended the 3 locks at Hillmorton (busiest locks in the country) along with 4 other boats, and none coming down. There were a few volunteers though to help.

After a visit to Aldi it was down to a barbeque in the evening sun.