Narrowboat Epiphany's history begins near the Grand Union Canal

Saturday, 31 December 2011 16:46

We left Napton Bridge and the South Oxford Canal behind and turned onto the Grand Union Canal Main Line at Napton Junction. We had another long lock flight to do at Stockton and needed the help of some kind volunteer lock wheelers.

Napton Junction, turning onto the Grand Union

We had had long debates as to where to pick up our lock wheelers. Carolyn was dropped at Coventry Road Bridge (109 on the Oxford Canal), but where would we see John L and when ......?

Our first sighting of John L was at Calcutt Top Lock where he oversaw a narrowboat down and up again, as they discovered Calcutt Marina (http://www.calcuttboats.com) was closed until January so no diesel. Whilst waiting we filled up with water!

John and Carolyn opening the bottom gate paddles

Ah! So you have noticed the strange metal tower shapes - they are the hydraulic paddle mechanism, unique to this canal. From memory and the assurances of Carolyn, they are hard work. Just wait until we reach the "Stairway to Heaven" that is the Hatton Flight! You may also notice that we are now in wide lock country - great fun in a strong wind such as we had on Thursday.

Calcutt Marina bridge to the newest part

Calcutt Marina is beside the three locks and then Ventnor Farm Marina (http://www.ventnorfarmmarina.co.uk) makes its appearance on the towpath side below.

Ventnor Farm Marina entrance

Along this stretch there were a number of traditional boats moored, in very good condition. Of course, the best was to come - the "home" of the modern take on these boats and repair and refurbishment of old working boats. But I get ahead of myself.

Hingley and Sons, Dudley and LMS Railway's Rollo

Blue Lias Marina and the home of Kate Boats hire business (http://www.kateboats.co.uk) is just above the Stockton Lock Flight. Some of their hire boats are built to look like traditional boats, with scumble and sign writing mimicking the old style. 

Blue Lias Marina and Kate Boats

John L was waiting for us at Stockton Top Lock. He had parked their car near the Blue Lias pub and had coffee and a sandwich there whist waiting for us. The flight down looked impressive.

Looking down Stockton Lock Flight

Blue Lias is a common name around these parts, but what is it? It is a sort of stone used as building stone and as a source of lime for making lime mortar. Found in Dorset, Somerset, Wales and Yorkshire, it is also prevalent in the East Midlands: Warwickshire. It is found at nearby at Southam; little wonder a marina and a pub have it as a name.

The Blue Lias Inn by Bridge 23

At Lock 12, the Warwickshire Fly Boat Company (http://www.wfbco.co.uk) have their HQ and a number of their lovely modern boats are moored. We were nearly at the bottom of the flight now.

Warwickshire Fly Boat Company HQ

Itchington Bottom Lock (13) is the last Stockton Flight lock, an attractive lock with the lock cottage and a popular walk from Long Itchington. Indeed, we have walked these towpaths quite a lot! Epiphany was built at Colecraft (http://www.colecraft.co.uk) in Long Itchington (now you understand the title!), just a stone's throw from the canal and our chosen mooring. 

Itchington Bottom Lock

Coincidentally my family history also goes back to this village - my Maternal Great Grandparents (Hitchcox) lived in Long Itchington so I feel a real "connection" here! Later on, further up the canal, my family "pops" up again .....

South Oxford Canal, Napton Bridge to Napton Junction,
Grand Union Canal, Napton Junction to Long Itchington
3 hours 35 minutes, 4.79 miles, 13 locks