We left our mooring at 09:55.
Hawkebury Junction links Britain's two oldest canals, the Coventry and the Oxford. Both run close and parallel for a short distance, meaning we had to make a 360 degree turn in the pool in front of the Greyhound to join the Oxford Canal. It's a very tight turn in a 68-foot boat, and it started to rain.
Coventry Canal's tow path is carried over the water on the 50ft cast-iron Junction Bridge.
There is a seven-inch difference in water levels between the two canals, so we had to go through a lock to go on the Oxford Canal. A CRT volunteer was on hand to give advice, but Dan had to operate the windlass. Another cast-iron bridge carried the Oxford tow path.
Leaving Hawkesbury Junction behind we had the canal to ourselves.
Showers were frequent.
Just before Newbold is the 250-yard Newbold Tunnel, the first I'd seen with a tow path. It was built in 1829 replacing an earlier tunnel as part of a project to shorten the route of the original Oxford canal which took 44 miles to cover two points that were 16 miles apart. The original canal followed natural contours and thus twisted. Its straightening reduced the length by 11 miles and cut five hours off journeys.
We moored at 15:40 at Newbold-on-Avon and went for a walk to discover the local Co-op.
We had a dinner reservation at the Barley Mow. This is a canal-side pub, but it was positioned for the old canal so now it is at an angle to the current one. As usual we had to pass through an honour guard of smokers at the pub door.
Hawkesbury to Newbold - 11 miles - 1 lock - 1 tunnel - 4h35
plus 1h50 moored for lunch.
To go to Day 14 click here
To go to Day 1 click here
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