So far our return trip from the Fens has simply reversed our trip out. Today however we diverted from our outgoing route at Braunston Junction by continuing on the Grand Union Canal towards Birmingham so that we can attend our booked concert there on 16th September.
From Braunston the canal takes one along the Braunston Puddle Banks, a long embankment created over 200 years ago as an improvement to Brindley's original meandering route. It is a few years since we made this journey and were impressed by the attractive rural scenery enhanced by the sunny weather. On reaching Napton junction where the Oxford Canal goes south to meet the Thames we turned north passing down the 3 Calcutt locks. Despite being of double width like those at Buckby and Braunston they are much easier to operate and accompanied by another narrowboat made the descent in about 30 minutes. Soon after leaving the locks we turned into Ventnor Marina where we will spend the night. A total journey of 6.8 miles and 3 locks in 3hr 20 mins.
Ventnor is owned by the same company who own our home marina and so we get access to the facilities and free moorings. We had a pump-out, filled up with diesel and plugged the boat into the mains electricity supply to fully charge the batteries. The marina has a washing machine and tumble drier so Denise was able to do the final laundry we will need before we get home.
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