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Date: 8th July 2024
Canal: Grand Union
Direction: West
Locks: 10
Swing bridges: 0
One of the many locks on the Grand Union Canal
The cruise:
Today’s cruise was very pleasant, the forecast was for rain, but we only had one short shower. Although we rarely saw the sun the day was warm (perhaps a little too warm for navigating all of these locks) and there was very little breeze.
We left our mooring at Long Itchington and after 10 minutes found a waterpoint, so we took the opportunity to fill up our tank. Straight after the waterpoint was the first of 10 locks and the rest of the day was comprised of navigating one lock after another, with only short stretches between them.
The large number of locks meant that we cruised for about 4 hours but only travelled a short distance. However, we were really lucky because we were helped through the staircase by a walker who was keen to assist and at most of the other locks we met boaters coming towards us. This meant that we had help though almost every one.
We hoped to find a mooring at Radford Semele because we had stopped there previously and found it a very pleasant place to spend a few nights. Luckly there was plenty of room and we were glad to end today’s travels.
A bridge on the Grand Union Canal
Radford Semele:
A small rural village in Warwickshire, Radford Semele is a short distance from Royal Leamington Spa. It was named after a family who came from Saint-Pierre-de-Semilly (in Normandy).
The remains of a Roman villa were found under nearby farmland in the 1970’s.
The White Lion pub dates from the 16th century and was badly damaged in 2006 when its thatched roof caught fire, but it is now restored and offers a large selection of food.
St Nicholas’ Church is Grade II listed. It was almost completely destroyed by fire in 2008 but the shell of the building and the tower remained. It has now been restored and has a modern open plan feeling inside. Last time we visited Radford Semele John was pleased to be able to join the bell ringers for their Monday evening practice.
Our mooring in Radford Semele
Mooring at Radford Semele:
This is a pretty mooring with open fields and farm buildings on the offside of the canal. There is a good view of Radford Semele church from here.
A long stretch of Armco makes it easy to use chains to tie up.
The towpath is flat, wide and well kept.
The area itself is quiet, but the good condition of the towpath means that it is frequently used by joggers and cyclist (part of National Cycle Route 41) so there are lots of people passing the boat.
Very few trees near the towpath make this mooring excellent for solar.
The internet and TV signal is limited.
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We are John, Lorraine, and Boasley the Boat Dog.
Follow our adventures as we learn to live the life of contiuous cruisers on the British waterways.
