We had a few days free last week and the weather looked promising so a quick trip to the boat to do a bit of tlc to the hull. I thought it looked alright last year but obviously our trip to the Basingstoke Canal and River Wey in 2015 had taken its toll. Its always much nicer to do the work out on the cut so a nice cruise into Braunston was definitely on the cards.
Even though you travel the same piece of canal' each time you do it there is always something new to do or see- the trip was no exception.
Our first stop was just before bridge 100 near Wolfhampcote where I was able to rub down and prime the worst of the chips and scratches. After this was completed I decided a walk in the sunshine was in order. As you go into Braunston from Napton you pass the remains of the old Great Central Railway bridge (easily seen with Pink Floyd painted on it) between bridges 98 and 97. Nature has taken over the cutting leading up to the bridge from the site and an old bridge has been demolished and filled in for access.
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| The old GCR looking south-the remains of the Pink Floyd bridge is behind me. |
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| From the above spot you do get a different view of the Braunston church spire and the old windmill |
We had to turn the boat so a trip into the winding hole outside the marina was required plus a trip into the butchers in the village for two pies, pork pie and some of his lovely sausages.
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| Coming out of Braunston a lot of tree felling has been carried out which really does open up the junction area |
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| The old butty at Wolfhampcote has now sunk and is probably beyond salvage |
