Top of Claydon locks to Aerial Moorings (Bridge 130) (South Oxford Canal)

Thursday 23rd July

Back through lift bridge

Lovely morning on South Oxford Canal

We are only going six miles today and no locks, so had a fairly late start.  We chugged on along the canal, back through the lift bridge which was open and soon we were at Fenny Compton tunnel which is now no longer a tunnel, being converted into a cutting in 1868. The first part from this way is very narrow, but luckily we didn’t meet a boat until we were nearly through.  On through there, then we stopped at Fenny Compton marina to get diesel and gas, its really easy to stop here as they keep the front clear so you can get in without having to negotiate moored boats like you have to at a lot of the boat yards where you can get diesel, etc.

Narrow bit of Fenny Compton Tunnel

Almost through Fenny Compton Tunnel

Once topped up, we chugged on, past The Wharf at Fenny Compton and on up the winky wonky part of the canal and there was a boat in front of us on the wrong side, we weren’t sure what they were doing, we think they were trying to moor up but where they were trying the bank was not very good and I think in several places they had trouble getting in, then a boat came the other way and had to pass them on the wrong side, he came past us and we chatted about what they were doing in front and as we were chatting I saw his boat going up on the side at a real angle, I hate that when that happens as it feels aweful as the boat is leaning to one side, it feels like you are going to tip over, but of course you won’t, we chugged on and he got his self off the side and a few minutes later another boat passed us and the same thing happened to us although not quite on such an angle thank goodness.  

We slid off the side and went on our way, round a really sharp bend where the canal bends back on its self and just past the bridge we moored up in a really nice spot where you can see two aerial masts.  We were told about this spot by a boat we met when we were moored at Priors Hardwicke on the way down this canal.  It’s nice and open and very sunny, well it is when the sun is out!

We are probably staying here tomorrow as well if the forecast is right as heavy rain is forecast and we are not boating in that!!

Moored at the Aerial