Tuesday 27 September 2016

To Oxford! 5. Aynho to Lower Heyford

Thursday 15th September
Leaving Aynho, the morning is misty. We make a precautionary removal of aerial and chimney as some of the bridges have been low and we fear they may become lower and narrower.
We negotiate Somerton Deep Lock - which, at 12 foot, it is).

Then on past more very pleasant online- moorings-with-gardens and several sightings of kingfishers.
It is cooler than yesterday by far and I wear my jumper for the first time this week. It has been the hottest September day since 1911, affecting mainly the east side of the country (34 degrees in Gravesend) and today is predicted to be the last really warm day before a brief spell of heavy rain introduces cooler weather for the weekend.
We moor up at lunchtime, choosing a space a few minutes from the wharf as this takes us further from the railway line and the noise of passing trains. John catches the train home while I explore Lower Heyford, along the towpath ...

and up to Upper Heyford where there is an interesting church and a very fine old tithe barn.

In the evening, after many genial towpath conversations with walkers and passers-by, to The Bell for a reasonable, inexpensive meal. They are under-staffed and very busy with boaters and locals, working hard to offer a friendly atmosphere for an evening drink or a full scale meal.
6 miles, 3 locks

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