We had decided that we would go and see Odiham Castle or as is locally known-King John's Castle near Greywell. After topping up the water tank we were nearly ready to leave when the trip boat John Pinkerton 2 ( he was the original contractor who built the canal) reversed to its collection point just in front of us-it had a pirates trip to the castle. Unfortunately it had just started to rain, they left and we had coffee to give them a head start. Just as we arrived at the castle the heavens really opened up for a good 20 minutes, JP2 was winding and then collected its soaked pirates for the return trip. We then winded,moored up and walked round the castle in the rain. The mooring is again under trees and the forecast for the afternoon was rain and strong winds-although after lunch the rain had stopped. I did a quick walk to the tunnel only about 500 yards further on but no boats allowed. It was well worth the effort and so was the castle. We left at 14.15 and went back to Colt Hill for the evening with some more rain when we arrived!
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| The mooring at the castle only space for two boats-the winding hole is just behind us |
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| The entrance to King John's Castle- he stopped here on his way to Runnymede in June 1215 |
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| One of the new information panels-all the outside dressed stone had been removed a long time ago leaving the flint inside part only |
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| Looking back on our mooring from the limit of navigation |
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| Looking towards Greywell Tunnel- the line across the canal is the no entry sign! |
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| On walking towards the tunnel the water is so clear you can see the bottom.Nearly all the water supply for the canal comes from springs along this section to the tunnel. |
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| A family of swans at the remains of lock 30 |
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| You can watch the swan eating the weed below the surface |
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| The entrance to Greywell Tunnel- 1230 yards- but blocked by a roof fall and now a home for bats |
