But we’ve still got this year to go, so this morning we set off, heading out of Braunston and then south towards Oxford.
Sunny Braunston yesterday, the impressive All Saint’s Church high on the ridge, visible for miles around.
Behind the church, the windmill provided sustenance of a less spiritual nature…
Passing NB Yarwood this morning, Lesley in the window.
Fine cast-iron bridge over the entrance to Braunston Marina.
Until the improvements to the Oxford Canal in the 1830s the navigation came under this bridge, after following a tortuous course south of the village. The Wolfampcote Loop left the present course near Bridge 109, heading south then north to once again rejoin the current line at the marina bridge.
The improvements here were the most southerly of a project to speed up traffic on this early canal, a scheme which saw the North Oxford from Braunston to Hawkesbury shortened from 36 miles to just over 22.
This bypass, over an aqueduct crossing the River Leam, took nearly 2 miles off this section.
With the construction of the Grand Junction Canal early in the 19th century joining the earlier canal, a stop house was built at the junction to extract tolls from boats passing from one navigation to another.
Braunston Stop House
Braunston Turn is where we turned left to head for Oxford. A right turn heads north and west for Rugby and Coventry.
The twin bridges at Braunston Turn
Wide and deep as befits a waterways “motorway”, the navigation heads south, past the entrance to the old Wolfhampcote Loop, to Napton Junction, passing under the A425 twice. The second crossing is the wonderfully named Nimrod Bridge. Though why it’s named after Noah’s grandson is beyond me.
Napton Junction, where the main line continues towards Birmingham, is also known as Wigram’s Turn or just Wigram’s. Another strange title lost in the mists of time.
Napton Junction, turn right for Birmingham, straight on for Oxford
The name lives on, Wigram’s Turn Marina is opposite the junction.
Main line and broad locks up to Birmingham.
Now we’re off the Grand Union and back on the original course of the South Oxford, the navigation becomes narrower and shallower.
Below Napton Hill, almost beside the canal, used to be a large brick and tile works, serviced by the canal. The site is now light industry, the wharfs overgrown and derelict.
Brick works wharf
Just beyond Brickworks Bridge the much photographed Napton Windmill makes it’s first appearance…
Then my camera battery died… This is the new Canon, but to be fair, I’ve not charged it for a fortnight! A quick nip inside to retrieve the old Samsung and we’re back in the happy-snaps business.
Approaching Napton Locks and the moorings on one side and encroaching reed beds on the other make for a narrow passing channel.
No queue at Napton Bottom Lock and it was empty so up we went.Napton Bottom Lock, Oxford Canal Lock 8
Lock 10 has some problems, the damaged entrance has required protection with a temporary steel framework, and a lock-keeper in attendance.
Lock 10
We were thinking of stopping above Lock 11, but a downward boat had left the gates on 12 open, so we went up that and 13 too.
“A bit to the left, Mum”
Heading for our last lock today, Lock 13
Visitors for tea…
Three more locks take us up to the summit level, 11 wiggly miles to cover just five as the crow flies. This bit didn’t get improved! Just as well really, it’s very pleasant as it is. Tomorrow’s trip.
PS. Just found out that “Wigram’s Turn” most likely derived from the name of the first toll collector at the junction, John Wiggerham.
Hi Mike, Christine. I started at Lonslade in 1970, so I probably missed you... Will check out the other blog, Mike.
Locks 6, miles 9
1 comment:
Hmmmmmmm, the Wash next year, interesting, very interesting, but likewise, have to convince SWMBO !!
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