Damp day to Braunston

I thought we were only going to get rain first thing, but it seems we’ve had light drizzly stuff most of the day. It’s cleared up now though, a bit of sun just peeping out from behind the clouds.

There was a steady stream of boats moving past this morning in both directions as we set off.

A bit murky over Flecknoe way.

Unusual NB Alice, with the tender Alice Too pushed along rather than towed.
Beyond is the skinny Bridge 100, proving that you don’t need a parapet…

The last mile or so to Braunston Turn always has gives some interest, with a variety of boats old and newer in various states ranging from pristine to decrepit.

Wooden butty on the bottom with a wide-beam Dutch barge behind.

First glimpse of All Saints, Braunston, a landmark for miles around.
The stump of the old windmill is also visible. It’s actually behind the church from the road.

The much-photographed twin towpath bridges at Braunston Turn

Straight on takes you onto the North Oxford Canal, a right turn goes through the boaty bit of Braunston.

Into Braunston

We used the al-fresco services near the main road bridge after cruising past several mooring spaces, then got a bit worried with how busy it was near Butchers Bridge. Just one space available beyond the bridge, and it was ours.

Moored near Butchers Bridge.

We had lunch while waiting for the rain to stop, then I went up into the village to collect the mail, and top up with provisions from the Co-op and the butchers.


This is what I’ll be sporting up in the north-east next Sunday…

The “GNRMILLION” refers to the fact that one of the runners crossing the finish line this year will be the millionth to do so in this event since it started in 1981. The Great North Run is the first mass-participation running event to reach this landmark figure.

Locks 0, miles 3½