Braunston Summit

Having survived the night staked into the ground, we head today back through the Braunston Locks and Tunnel, aiming to beat Storm Benjamin due tomorrow. This stretch of canal is perhaps rather busier than we're used to (although still not heaving!) and we had to negotiate tight turns and oncoming traffic more than once. The Boathouse at Braunston did a fabulous lunch overlooking the canal, and having stopped to fill the boat with water we headed up the locks. Again we shared with another single-handed boat, so whilst Ben drove, I did most of the locks. Because they are time restricted, we did have help from a Canal and River Trust volunteer and a lock keeper - the CRT staff are superb. Both remarked how quiet it was due to the restrictions, having seen less than 20 boats today; apparently they'd normally have 50-70! So despite restrictions, it seems we're rather lucky it's as quiet as it is...even if we though it was busy! We staked in after the Braunston Tunnel, and headed for a pint at the New Inn about 15 minutes down the tow path.Читать далее