Sunday 19 April 2015

Barnton to Devils Garden

Flipping freezing when we left Barnton this morning, hats and gloves were in addition to coats. 

A short cruise to Saltisford Lock where Ian the keeper locks us through, we are out in the countryside proper now, cruising through a quiet green valley. The only humans around are in a touring caravan park on the south bank and at Acton swing bridge where there is a waterside (two for one meals) pub and unusually for the Weaver a few waterside residences.  

Just before Dutton lock there is a derelict boat that has been slowly breaking up since 1993, (no money left in the kitty to remove it). The lock keeper informs us there is a 70 strong canoe race taking place in the next reach, canoes I don't mind, at least they are looking where they are going unlike rowers. We moor before the racing crews arrive at Devils Garden, a nice isolated spot.

We have set the satellite dish up and will watch the F1 this afternoon while a leg of lamb roasts in the Epping stoves oven.


Semaphore signals controlled access to locks in the past.

Saltisford lock could probably lift/lower 15 FL's in one go.

Caravan park.


22 year old wreck.
Exiting Dutton lock, Dutton viaduct carrying the West Coast Main Line in the background.



Devils Garden mooring.

Devils garden.

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