Still Cruising on the Grand Union - Through Napton Junction

We were refreshed after a nights sleep, after our wet but busy day, we headed straight into the Braunston Tunnel. Braunston Tunnel, besides being two way and 2042 yards long, is notorious for the kink in it which makes it awkward if you meet an oncoming boat at that point. We passed through without meeting another boat, followed by the six Braunston Locks with another boat that followed us through the tunnel, then we moored at Braunston for a visit to Midland Chandlers and lunch.

After lunch it was off again, still on the Grand Union Canal, through the three Calcutt Locks and further on in the late afternoon, we knocked over the eight Stockton Locks too. Not sure if I mentioned it but we had committed to hosting some more visitors, this time at Stratford, so we needed to get a move on.

Rachael taking Serafina into the lock.

Looking back as we move down the lock flight

More locking down

These locks all had the hydraulic ground paddles, lots more winding but a lot easier to lift. Apparently, they were designed to lower themselves once the locking mechanism was released, making it quicker to pass through the locks. Many of them have seen better days so best to wind them down these days.

We finished our day mooring up in front of The Two Boats Inn. I'd done enough walking lock flights today so it wasn't too far to walk for a pint!