Norton Junction (Leicester Arm) to Braunston (Main Line - Grand Union Canal )

Leaving the Leicester Line Behind

Approaching Braunston Tunnel

Almost out into the Sunlight

The sun was shining today and it was quite warm as we set off for the water point which was just down from where we were moored.  We filled up with water then onto the Norton Junction where we said goodbye to the Leicester Arm which we have enjoyed very much and onto the Main Line of the Grand Union Canal.  We chugged along there and soon in front of us was the black hole of Braunston Tunnel and in we went.  This tunnel is 2,042 yrds long and is wide enough for two boats to pass.  We chugged on into the darkness and we met three boats during our passage through the tunnel, twenty five minutes later we were coming out into the sunshine and just along the canal from the tunnel is the Braunston Lock Flight consisting of 6 locks, but we are only going to do four today and moor before the fifth if there is a space.

In Braunston Top Lock

Busy Morning on the Flight

When we got to Braunston Top Lock, there was a boat in the lock waiting for us.  These locks are double locks so its best to share if you can to save water and its easier as well.  He was a single hander, but he did one side and I did the other.  The next two locks there was boats coming up so that made life easy as the gates were open and the locks were set for us.  At the last lock, well for us anyway, there was a volunteer lock keeper so he helped.  The boat we had shared the locks with went onto the next lock, but we moored up in a lovely sunny spot between the locks.

Last lock for today

Braunston Village

We had lunch, then went for a walk down the locks and along the towpath to Braunston Marina.  We had a look around the shop there, then walked up to the village for a few supplies.  We then walked through the village and back down through the park to the canal and had a look in the Chandlery at Wharf House Narrowboats.  There is a little shop at the bottom of the lock flight selling groceries, gifts and canal ware. We had a look in there and they sell freshly baked bread so bought a loaf and a couple of other things then headed back to the boat.

We are staying here now until Wednesday.

Moored at Braunston