When we set off this morning at 9:20 the skies were cloudy and there was a cold breeze. The canal took us right next to Watford Gap Services, under the West Coast main railway line and the M1 and to the bottom of Watford Locks, the first narrow locks of our journey.
These and the better known Foxton Locks prevent wide boats travelling through Leicester and onwards to the north of England. There are 7 locks in total, 4 of which form a staircase where the top gate of one lock is also the bottom gate of the next lock up. There are 2 normal locks at the bottom of the flight and one at the top.
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| Waiting to enter Watford Staircase |
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| Densie in the staircase |
As boats cannot pass on the staircase, movement is controlled by a lock-keeper with whom one must register before entering the flight. As there were 3 boats descending we were told not to start until the first had completed their passage. We could then pass the other two boats above each of the bottom 2 normal locks.
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| Approaching Crick Tunnel |
The whole flight was completed quickly and 1.5 miles later we reached Crick Tunnel. At 1500 yards it is 3/4 the length of Braunston Tunnel and is completely straight - you can clearly see one end from the other.
mmediately after leaving the tunnel we moored up just before lunchtime at the large village of Crick. After lunch onboard we walked to the local Coop for a few groceries. As the weather continued to be cold and breezy we decided to spend the night here.
Cruising details: 4.1 miles, 7 locks, 2 hours 50 minutes travelling
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