Norton Junction to Husbands Bosworth

During the mini heatwave, (UK's hotttest day on record 18/19 JULY 2022), we moored  just after Norton Junction on the Grand Union Canal (Leicester section) with some welcome shade from the overhanging trees.  

The weather having cooled somewhat we headed on past Watford Gap M1 motorway services, arriving at Watford Locks for 8am. These can be busy, but luckily we were first to ascend.  The first two locks are normal and then you ascend a staircase of 5 locks. The rise is just over 52ft taking us to the summit level of this canal.  This gave us some practise for the forthcoming Foxton locks. 

The volunteer lock keepers were very friendly and efficient and we were up in no time at all.   The CRT services at the top are great including a book exchange.  A couple of miles ahead is Crick tunnel, 1528 yards long.  The tunnel allows boats in both directions and it is a tight squeeze as you pass, but if you both take it slowly it works just fine.

We moored just after the tunnel and took the footpath through the fields to Crick village where there is a post office and a Co-op.Very welcome as beer supplies were dangerously low following the hot spell!   Crick, of course is home to the annual narrowboat show.   

Having moored  for the day just after Yelvertoft Marina we had a walk into the village.

Yelvertoft Old parish Pump

 We had a look around the All Saints' Church which holds a 15th century Dycson tomb and effigy which was interesting.

The following morning, we left Yelvertoft, cruised through  Welford Junction followed by 1166yards  Husbands Bosworth tunnel. Limited moorings to access the village but we found a spot about 15 minutes walk from the bridge which in turn leads to the village. 

Couldn't resist calling at the fantastic food 'hut' outside 'The Bell Inn' . Yum Yum, very reasonable - we even had the pub garden to ourselves.

Husbands Bosworth