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Despite the desperately hot days leading up to this year's adventure and the reported low water conditions on the canals, the intrepid crew of five announced to the world that they would be attempting the transition of the giant Grand Union Canal to Milton Keynes and back, together with the infamous Northampton Arm. The crew were aware that the Braunston Tunnel 2,042 yds and the Blisworth Tunnel 3,076 yds would each have to be traversed TWICE!!!! The narrowboating world was astounded by this announcement, but realised that if anyone could do this trip it would be the famous narrowboating crew. Little did they know as they set off how many disasters would be encountered, but instinctively knew that they would be able to overcome these. However, they were acutely conscious that they must be back at the Napton Marina by 9am on Friday 4th July.
Friday 27th June
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Alan was pleased to find that the boatyard had allocated the crew narrowboat 'Lizzie' for their daring expedition. This boat was familiar to the crew who last used it back in 2022 for their Napton Adventure up the Leicester Arm. They were pleased to note that considerable refurbishment had taken place for the comfort of the crew. Their belongings were transferred as quickly as possible, so that they could depart in time to reach Braunston for the evening. |
DISASTER No 1 occurred before they had even left the boatyard, when they were informed that the Grand Union Canal was blocked at Braunston by a Historic Boat Rally
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The crew decided to moor short of Braunston and walk to 'The Boathouse' for their evening entertainment. Although adequate for their needs, they agreed that the Marstons owned establishment fell short of their exacting requirements, but put a brave face on it. |
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Saturday 28th June
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Carefully Narrowboat 'Lizzie' was steered through the junction with the Coventry Canal, fearfully of what they might find ahead |
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As the narrowboat came out of the tight bend, their worst fears were realised!!!!! THE CANAL WAS BLOCKED The resourceful crew commandeered a working boat with a mechanical bucket and quickly cleared a path through the boats in record time, much to the appreciation of the crowds of wellwishers. |
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The crew were pleased with their performance as they left behind the carnage of the Festival and headed towards Braunston Locks, before reaching the feared Braunston Tunnel. |
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After the six locks the Braunston Tunnel came into view and at 2,042 yds long presented no difficulty for the crew. Shortly afterwards at Buckby Wharfe, the boat passed 'The New Inn' where the crew knew that they would be spending their penultimate night. |
| Good progress enabled the narrowboat to arrive in Weedon Bec at an early hour and members of the crew were witnessed hurrying to the 'Heart of England'. Although the pub looked better run than 'The Boathouse', the crew chose 'The Brinjol' Indian restaurant for their well deserved dinner. |
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The crew selected their brides as they headed back to the boat for cheese and wine |
Sunday 29th June
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The crew listened in disbelief as the friendly lockkeeper told them that the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union was almost empty and impassible. An immediate meeting took place at the back of the boat where the options for the continuance of their adventure were discussed. A decision was soon reached. |
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Their decision was to stop at lunchtime in Bugbrooke and to walk across the fields to find a Londis shop and The Bakers Arms |
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Conditions improved as a result of their lunchtime stop and their onward journey to Blisworth proved idyllic |
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DISASTER No 3 OCCURRED when arriving at the Royal Oak in Blisworth Although the pub laid on a garden party with live music for the crew, there was NO FOOD!! Heroically, the kitchen managed to prepare some Paninis for the Hungry crew |
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Monday 30th June
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Bob was Horror struck when he realised that the Blisworth tunnel lay
just a few minutes ahead of them . At 3,076 yds it was
one and half times as long as any previous tunnel. |
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DISASTER No 4 OCCURRED The crew were worried when Jon suffered badly during the Blisworth Tunnel, but they knew he was made of Strong Stuff and would be able to cope |
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As the narrowboat approached Milton Keynes, the crew became perturbed about the wild flowers. This specimen was so strong that locals used it to tie their mooring ropes. The crew were in awe!
Being responsible narrowboaters the crew shared their locks with other canal users |
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On arrival at Cosgrove and passing a winding hole the crew spotted an ideal mooring spot and cut across the canal to claim it outside the Navigation Inn |
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Before committing to the mooring place the crew tested the ales and found them to their satisfaction in the hot sunshine
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Dinner was taken on the Terrace
and Breakfast |
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With a late departure planned sweets were taken in the sunshine
Tom & Ed insisted on further checks on the ales |
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Tuesday 1st July
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With a leisurely start, knowing that their destination was only going to be Stoke Bruerne, the crew assembled for a statuary group photo. |
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As the crew turned the 70ft boat in the idyllic conditions, they noticed a Heron, with it's breakfast in its mouth, standing to welcome the narrowboat. No disasters occurred |
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On arrival at Stoke Bruerne Tom and Jon set out to test the local establishments. The 'Navigation' failed to impress, but 'The Boat Inn' proved most satisfactory.
The 'Spice of Bruerne' was chosen as their preferred eating place |
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Wednesday 2nd July
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The crew were confident that the boat was running well and a relaxed atmosphere spread throughout the boat. |
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As the narrowboat passed through the last of the Buckby Locks, Tom felt it necessary to remind the crew of the finer points of locking. The crew were indifferent to his advice |
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| DISASTER No 5 OCCURRED when a low hanging branch completely removed Jon's hat. A skillful reversing procedure was needed to remedy the situation |
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Arrival at Buckby Wharfe was timely and dinner was taken at 'The New Inn' overlooking the last lock before Braunston Tunnel
The crew were seen hurrying back to the boat to finish most of the cheese and biscuits |
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Thursday 3rd July
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Tom, Jon and Bob were unable to cope with the stress of the Braunston Tunnel for a second time and elected to walk the old Horse Path in an attempt to locate the two ventilation shafts. The others entered the long tunnel on their own!! |
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Despite getting lost and after much discussion, Tom, Jon and Bob were eventually successful in their mission, but reported that the route was far from clear |
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DISASTER No 6 OCCURRED when an insecurely moored boat was found drifting in the canal. Skillfully the wayward boat was ;nudged' back to the shore to the gratitude of the owners who were drinking ale at the Admiral Nelson nearby. |
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After the trauma of the day and in a moment of weakness, the captain allowed the crew a swift pint at the Admiral Nelson. This turned out to be a BIG MISTAKE. |
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The crew were pleased to see that Braunston was clear of narrowboats after the weekend festival, as they made the perilous turn into the Oxford Canal. |
| Alan was amazed to see 'Napton
on the Hill' come into view, indicating a succesful conclusion to
their mission. The last turning maneuver was accomplished
faultlessly by Jon followed by mooring at a location ideal for their
last dinner at 'The Folly', where they instantly headed. DISASTER No 7 OCCURRED when discovering that no tables were free at the pub and they returned to the boat to prepare the remaining left over food |
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Friday 4th July
