Leaving Banbury

Under the M40

Grants Lock

 Starting at 9:30 we cruised the half mile into the centre of Banbury's canal area, raised the pedestrian lift bridge and descended Banbury Lock and left the town passing undr the M40 again.  Next stop was the previously mentioned Grant's lock which we descended without too much difficulty though one of the bottom gate paddles was out of action,to which had caused the temporary stoppage.

Good view of a deer in an adjacent field

King's Sutton Lock

Carrying on through the countryside of the Cherwell valley, we had good views of the spectacular steeple of King's Sutton Church. Sadly there is no easy access from the canal to the village bcause of he intervening River Cherwell.   The canal then descended the the deep (10 ft 8 inches) King's Sutton Lock.

A mile further on we passed beneath the M40 for the last time and stopped half a mile later in a wooded area at 13:00.

Daily Travel details

Distance: 5.7 miles
Locks: 3
Lift Bridges: 1
Duration: 3 1/2 hours