We are now ensconced in a rather cramped mooring on the Oxford Canal. Moorings seem to be a bit scarce on here so far. On the Coventry you could moor up virtually anywhere as the banks were good. So far on the Oxford the banks have not been suitable to moor on. So we find ourselves in the BW 14 day moorings at Ansty, within hailing distance of the M6. We bagged the only free space (before the long term permit holders only ones) and we are on a bend so it’s a bit dicey when other boats pass!
Nuneaton is a singularly uninspiring town! The canal is lined with allotments. It is the allotment capital of England! We weren’t sorry to get through it to be honest. We did stop briefly to go to the shops but it’s not a very attractive place from what we saw.
We discussed going up the Ashby Canal, as we had to go past the start of it at Marston Junction, but as it reknowned for being shallow and the water levels are down quite a bit at the moment we decided to go another time. So we carried on to Hawkesbury Junction and turned on to the Oxford.
On the way to Hawkesbury, according to our Nicholson’s Guide, at Bedworth, is a lovely pub. Called The Navigation (what else?) it advertises itself as being a large pub with comfortable lounge and an award winning garden. Real ale, varied menu etc, etc. On the preceding bridge was a notice advertising the Real Ale, Good Food and Good Coffee, so we were hopeful. The sun was shining and we looked forward to sitting in the award winning garden. I have to say as I popped out the front to moor up I was gobsmacked! I don’t know how long ago the Nicholson’s guide was written (or the notice on the bridge) but I should think that pub had not seen a customer for YEARS! Shame.
Undaunted and always able to overcome periods of disappointment and adversity we soldiered on to Hawkesbury Junction and found ……… The Greyhound (hurrah!) A lovely pub where we sat outside with a pint of Pedigree and a corned beef and tomato cob. Unfortunately, out of the ten or so tables there were, we managed to sit at the very one this local bloke and his dog sit at every day when they come out. It was obvious this chap wanted us to move and George was growling quite loudly at his dog so we moved. You wouldn’t think it would be so difficult to get a quick pint!
After this interlude I had to do a lock. Horrors, I had forgotten there was one today! It was a brute of a thing too, all of a 6 inch rise up from the Coventry on to the Oxford! I kid you not!
We may get to Rugby tomorrow, or not.
Cheers B.
