Cosgrove to Wolverton to Grafton Regis

Cosgrove - Wolverton - Grafton Regis : 9 miles, 2 locks, 4 aqueducts
To date : 278 miles, 152 locks

We planned to go to Wolverton today to top up our food supplies at Tesco.  First there is the pretty little lock at Cosgrove.  It's only about 3ft deep but in a very picturesque spot.  It's an interesting cruise between Cosgrove and Wolverton.  There's lots of moored boats to look at, a couple of aqueducts to cross, plenty of lush greenery and as you reach Wolverton there's old industrial buildings.

It's changed a bit since we last did this stretch of canal back in 2007.  Wolverton has a heap of smart new apartments built beside the canal and on the opposite side the facade of a lovely old brick building has been retained to enclose a development of apartments, shops and parking.  One long stretch of brickwork along the way was painted with a black and white mural of a train.  It really is fantastic.

We did a couple of trips for our groceries, had a brief look around the new development and then some lunch.  Over lunch we decided we'd head off again.  I'm not sure it's a mooring spot you'd want to be on your own overnight.  It seemed to be somewhere that boats just stop to do their shopping and move on.  We had to continue on for a mile or so to a winding hole where we turned to head back the way we came.

We need to be back at Heyford Fields Marina at the end of the week or early next week for our engine service and maintenance work to be done.  We'll take our time.

Mick put on his shorts for the first time in the UK.  I think he was waiting for a day warm enough.  We have a bit of a giggle at the locals.  The first peek of sunshine and they rush out in their summer gear.... maybe they're willing the summer to come.  An hour later they're freezing!  Yesterday and today have been quite warm though. 

Once we got back to Cosgrove it was about 3pm and we decided to continue on and join Barry and Carol at their chosen mooring near bridge 57.  It's an idyllic spot with fabulous views and bleating lambs.  Just lovely.

Today's photos will have to speak for themselves.....