Oxford Canal - Hillmorton to Stretton Stop (time lapse)

This is a 9.2 miles trip up the Oxford Canal (Northern Section) from Crick Road Bridge No 73 to the Stretton Stop. It took us a little over four hours so this video is at about 20 time's normal speed.

As we left Hillmorton, the morning after our short but unpleasant encounter with The Old Royal Oak -- aka -- The Hungry Horse the night before, it started to rain.

Within minutes it was raining some more. Then it rained some more, then it stair rodded down, then it monsooned. So bad was it that the camera, albeit snugly cocooned in its waterproof rain suit, had to be moved inside.

It kept this up until we were through Hillmorton Top Locks 6 & 7 and the camera could regain its rightful place. Thus through an act of God (or as the lawyers say -- force manure) we have no footage of the first locks.

Ironically, as soon as we stopped below the bottom locks to fill the water tank the rain stopped too and the sun came out.

Around 1820 it was decided that Brindley's original contour hugging route was too long and too slow so the canal was straightened considerably. Many of the old loops cut off in this shortening can be seen framed by cast iron bridges carrying the towing path over them and bearing the legend "Horseley Iron Works 1828"

We zip through the Newbold Tunnel in about 8 seconds.

Just beyond the tunnel the good lady wife panned the camera around at one of the old arms under its cast iron bridge. At this speed the effect is quite alarming!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• hillmorton
• stretton
• stop
• oxford
• canal
• lock
• narrowboat
• rugby
• newbold
• tunnel
• warwickshire

[derry162]

We really enjoyed this stretch, but before we got there we had to navigate Braunston - boat tied to tree! However, in all fairness, it was on waterpoint. Stupid place - stuck out so much, that we slightly scraped moored boats, no way could our 60ft negotiate that! Great vids, hope you will up date soon, or join us for a cruise - we moor at High House near Weedon and Heyford.

[PIGandPINEAPPLE]

Tell me about it! We had a 67 ft boat and with nb Schiehallion tied to the tree, sticking out a mile AND reducing the cut to a single boats width the turn was hard work. We almost scrapped moored boats but concerned owners pushed us off. I really wish we'd twatted nb Schiehallion though. No one with half a brain would moor there. Still, overall we enjoyed the Oxford a lot.

[thisismyname007]

So... What if you meet another narrowboat in that tunnel?

[PIGandPINEAPPLE]

That particular tunnel (The Newbold) is wide enough for two narrowboats to pass. The Barnton & Saltersford tunnels that we featured in a recent video are definitely one way and you need to check they are clear before you enter them. Longer one way tunnels may have traffic signals or be manned to manage the traffic. The Harecastle Tunnel is an example of the latter.

[trunky64]

oh happy days i used to sleep rough under the bridge by the locks in hillmorton ,now times are better im thinkin of developing the water ways buildings an chargin you snobs a fortune ,to moor hee hee get orf my land !!! pay back time

[kennyincanada]

Great, we really enjoy your videos as they bring back so many memories of our time spent boating in the Midlands.