At Braunston

Andy met us at Braunston having spent the day in the area.  We are very grateful to our drivers who have had further to take us for this northern section.  

They like these metal bridges in Braunston.  There were these 2 on the way into Braunston....

...... and this one on the way up to the car.

Having seen lots of posts during many of our walks telling us how many miles it was to Braunston it was  good/unnecessary to see this one saying Braunston 0 Miles. 

Another walk completed.

Nearly at Braunston

Contrary to what you might expect the lady behind was not about to start fishing (she was carrying a fishing net) instead she lay on the ground and started picking some plants!

Work in Progress

We didn't see any workmen and quite frankly with this hazard on the towpath we would have felt happier if they were working on it round the clock.  At least there were no traffic lights.

Wednesday's Washing Day

Hope it doesn't rain.

Kamikaze Sheep

Oh it's all right they are just thirsty.

Lower Shuckburgh Church

We liked the look of this rural church.

Beacon Hill

This is where a member of the Shuckburgh family was told off by King Charles I for hunting while the king was fighting for his crown.

Or maybe this is Beacon Hill.  The trouble is that they don't label hills!

Napton Junction

This is where the Oxford Canal leaves the Grand Union canal on its way to the Thames.

This sign helpfully told us that Braunston was to the left and Oxford to the right but it didn't tell us how far and we are finding estimating distances from the book very difficult.

This is a concrete 1930's bridge at the entrance to the Grand Union Canal.

Another Rural Scene

Such a peaceful scene - what more can you say.

Ventnor Farm Marina

We are getting accustomed to seeing beautiful marinas along the canal.

Something Missing

This is where the Weedon and Leamington railway used to cross the canal.  Many previous railway lines have been made into cycle routes but you wouldn't want to be cycling along this one or you might find yourself in the canal!

The Straight Bit

Are we in Flackwell Heath?

A Flight of Locks

This is the Stockton flight of locks.  Our book talks about Lock 12 so there are at least that many but we were too busy chatting to count them.  Expect you count them if you are on a boat going through them!

Which Canal?

Just in case you are in any doubt as to which canal we are walking along!

Ready to Start

The trouble is that we are further from home now when we start so it took us about 1 hour 20 minutes to get here!