Medieval Day

We spent most of the day at Warwick castle. Not a cheap day out as it's in private hands and run for profit but there's a lot going on, with regular shows by reenactors with jousting, archery, dungeon tours and more.

Alas, it poured with rain for a couple of hours in the afternoon and Dominic and I could not visible the ramparts but ended up taking shelter in the Princess Tower. I had to admire the welcoming princess as she stayed in character "Welcome your Majesties!" as more and more dripping wet definitely not 3-8 year olds crammed into the almost-Disney princess themed tower. Bought dinner at Sainsbury's on the way back to the boat; put all our clothes in the washing machine to spin dry.


Moored at Saltisford.

Distance 0 Miles, 0 locks.

Excellent Moorings

We're at the Saltisford Canal Centre. There are excellent moorings here; free for 24 hours (5 ppd after that) with all facilities available and only 10 minutes walk from Warwick city centre.

The original plan was to visit Warwick castle this afternoon but the kind people here advised us to devote a whole day to the castle (it's expensive and we'd also like to get our money's worth). So we decided to stay until Friday and make use of the electrical hook-up facilities.


Moored in Saltisford Arm.

Total distance is 5 miles, 7¼ furlongs and 2 locks

Day 3

We went down Bascote locks today. This flight contains a staircase lock, where there are two chambers with no intervening pound. You empty the top lock directly into the bottom lock, making sure you've emptied the bottom lock first.

Moored near Radford Bottom lock.

Total distance 7 miles, 4¼ furlongs of broad canals; 19 broad locks.

Day 2

Moored Near Ventnor Farm Marina.

Following some expensive engine repairs in the last two weeks the Travelpower generator appears to be performing well.

Total distance 10 miles, ¾ furlongs of broad canals; 9 broad locks.

Back on the Cut

First day - Gayton to Norton Junction. Moored near Lords Lane Bridge No 8.

The dog fell into Buckby lock number 9. Unfortunately he wasn't wearing his lifejacket. We'd just started filling the lock and the boat was swinging around. He was swirling around like a spider in the bath as the lock filled and was saved in the nick of time by the children from being crushed against the lock wall by the boat.

Since then he's been rather cautious about crossing lock gates.

No satellite signal here. Hedge too tall.

 12 miles, 3¼ furlongs and 7 lock