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THE NAPTON ADVENTURE

17th - 24th September 2022

The intrepid narrowboating crew gathered at the Black Prince boatyard at Napton (near Rugby) on Saturday 17th September to collect their 70ft narrowboat for a one week adventure.   The route had been calculated to take in some of the most dangerous and difficult sections on the Grand Union Canal, namely the Leicester Arm.    This was known to include not only the Braunston Tunnel (2042 Yds), but also the infamous Watford and Foxton staircase locks, to say nothing of the Saddingham Tunnel.   Jon, (New Boy) planned to join the boat on Sunday evening, after the tunnel to minimise his stress levels and protect his mental health.

Saturday 17th September

• The excited crew were allocated the 'Narrowboat Lizzie' which was fitted out to an exceptional standard for their gruelling mission.    After a quick briefing by Gary the boatyard owner, about the dangers of the trip, the crew were allowed to set off almost immediately.
   

  'Narrowboat Lizzie' can be seen on the outside ready for a quick departure.   Idyllic conditions were witness from the very start, but they knew danger lay ahead.

  On arrival at Braunston, their planned stopping point for the first night, the crew moored opposite the 'Boathouse' restaurant, but chose to walk to Lock 3, where they enjoyed good food and ale in the Admiral Nelson.
   

Sunday 18th September

• Despite the trauma of the Braunston tunnel laying ahead of them, the crew rose late and after toast & coffee, set of up the 6 Braunston locks towards the tunnel.

The crew prepared themselves for the Braunston Tunnel, which was traversed in near record time.

• After the tight turn into the Leicester Arm, the narrowboat easily negotiated the Watford locks and the Crick Tunnel (1528Yds) before pulling into moorings near Bridge 12, where the crew headed off to 'The Greyhound' to meet up with their new crew member Jon.
   

Monday 19th September

• The crew were up early to head off on the next long section of their adventure, but arrived just too late to descend the Foxton Locks that evening.

The crew had a relaxing, but long day as they cruised the lockless section of the canal towards Foxton, even though there was a period of light drizzle

		The crew marvelled at the remains of the Foxton Inclined Plane lift and wondered whether they could rebuild it in time for the their transition the following morning, but decided to leave it to others

 

Tuesday 20th September

• Another early rise allowed the narrowboat to be the first down the Foxton Staircase locks in the morning and onto a section with 12 locks before their destination.
   

  The crew relaxed during the long sections between locks, taking advantage of a lock cut to prepare some lunch.

Conditions were good as Bob gently guided the narrowboat through another lock in the sunshine

• Arriving at Kilby Bridge, the crew were disappointed to find that the 'The Navigation Inn' were not selling food, but the publican kindly allowed them to order a take-away chinese to eat in the bar.
   

Wednesday 21st September

• The crew again rose early to turn the boat and head back towards Foxton, although this time cunningly taking the Market Harborough Arm so that they could stock up on provisions at the local Co-op.  They were also able to locate a Wetherspoons pub, called the Sugar Soap, where they enjoyed ale at £1-99 and excellent food.
   

  The return section of locks were accomplished with ease by the skilled crew

  Bob looked concerned as the narrowboat entered the Saddington Tunnel (881Yds), but no disasters occurred.

 

Thursday 22nd September

• The narrowboat quickly transvered the Market Harborough Arm in the morning, as they cast off just after 7am to head for an early ascent of the Foxton Locks
   

  Jon carefully brought the naarowboat into the first lock of the Foxton flight, whilst the others ready themselves for working the complicated locks.

Arrival at Crick allowed the crew to prepare a wholesome meal on board, before heading to the Red Lion for a pint or two.   Afterwards the exhausted crew relaxed in the boat, making full use of the mood lighting, before retiring for an early night.

Friday 23rd September

• The crew awoke early knowing that they had to achieve not only the Watford staircase locks, but also the Braunston Tunnel.
   

  Bob showed little emotion at the thought of taking the narrowboat down the Watford staircase locks.

  Arrival at the bottom of the locks in Braunston indicated to the crew that they were successful in their mission.   What could possibly go wrong now, they asked. They rewarded themselves with a late breakfast/lunch, before heading back to Napton

  Mooring just before the Napton Locks, after successfully turning the boat, they hurried to 'The Folly' to meet up with Tom's family and friends, who were so relieved to see that their mission had been a success.

Saturday 24th September

• Without the benefit of breakfast, the crew made their way back the boatyard, where they offloaded their belongings, handed back the narrowboat and departed back to their loved ones.   All agreed that it was a worthwhile mission and left contemplating future adventures.

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