Oxford to Abingdon

10 miles and 5 locks

Scooby made us laugh when we took him for his evening walk. There were rabbits everywhere and he decided to stalk them. The sight of him slinking oh so carefully and slowly along, paws placed so gently and head down, being followed by Robin on the other end of his lead was hilarious - 'get down, Dad, they'll never spot us!'. However, it was mayhem in the morning as not only did he spot the rabbits but also the fox....

We set off through the Godstow lock about 10am. Below the lock is Port Meadow, a huge low lying area which when we were last in Oxford was mostly under water. Today it was busy with walkers and cows and the river was filled with rowers and geese; all of which we had to trust to get out of the way. The river is quite wide here but shallow at the edges so it was straight down the middle for Harold.

We went through South Oxford but decided not to stop; maybe on the way back. We met these unusual boaters on the way.

There were even more rowers after Osney lock and we went past all the college boathouses.

There were even swimmers - not something we get on the canals, funnily enough!

We went meandered past this stately pile called Nuneham House.

After four hours or so of peaceful cruising we arrived at Abingdon lock and moored just below it; a short walk from the town.

Harold moored at Abingdon.

Jo headed into town for some provisions but didn't find much except the absolute mayhem of a carnival day; kids and people everywhere and loud music over the sound system. The carnage continued on the river as every size and type of craft came past, from little motorboats to great big party boats. All very noisy but good for boat watching and providing contrast to the peace of the morning hours!