Northampton

Today's journey took us to our final mooring point on the Nene, Northampton.

On the Northampton Washlands

After casting off from Weston Favell at 9:50 our immediate problem was to reverse out of the mooring side-channel and make the sharp right turn onto the main river against the flow of the water and a strong breeze. Keeping control in a strong wind is one of the more difficult tasks when narrowboating so I was concerned we would be blown against the river bank. However all went well as I reversed at a high throttle into the centre of the river, set the tiller at right angles to the boat, put the engine into a high-rev forward gear and Densie turned nicely into the wind keeping her bow clear of the bank.  A deep breath of relief and off we went.

Abington Barrage Gate

We left the Washlands and the river through the Abington Barrage Gate where in times of flood a barrier is raised from the channel floor to prevent upstream flooding.  This took us onto a narrow wooded waterway through two locks and then back onto the main river.  Then it was a fast and easy cruise into Northampton, up our final lock and into the town marina where we will spend the night.

2.64 miles, 3 locks, 2 hours cruising