The Buckby locks in sunshine

4 miles and 7 locks

After a bit of a lie in and a proper breakfast we got to the bottom of the Buckby lock flight about twelve o clock. We had about an hour to wait (which we filled with tea and buying fancy  bright LED bulbs for the kitchen) before we could get in the first lock. We were last in the queue for the locks so were on our own in these large double locks.

Waiting to go into the first lock. Note the new herb garden and basket of tomato plants!

The first six locks were hard work, the sunshine was lovely but energy-sapping. The canal runs between the M1 and the West Coast railway line but actually it was the sound of the birds we heard the most. They are all busy in the hedgerows and catching the millions of hatching insects we can see on the water.

We stopped for an ice cream at the canal shop before the final lock in the flight and emerged at the top and Norton junction about 4pm. This little house is right on the junction and absolutely  gorgeous.

We turned towards Braunston and went along the mile or so which has really pretty views but, frustratingly, nowhere where the bank is deep enough to moor. Scooby, having been confined inside the boat while we were going through the locks, resumed his position sniffing over the side.

We moored at the beginning of the approach to Braunston tunnel. We will stop in the village tomorrow for the chandlery but also at the boatyard. The engine is making a nasty whining noise that Robin suspects may be the gearbox. It's got an expensive timbre to it anyway.... !