Arrived at Ventnor Marina on 14th April, but were unable to get underway until the 25th April due to attending a funeral in Stafford.
But at last, heading towards Norfolk from Ventnor Marina (Nr. Calcutt)/Napton Junction.
This first part of our season from Ventnor to Norfolk, is a trip of 120 miles and 76 locks, made up of 5 miles, of narrow canals; 51 miles, of broad canals; 61 miles………..

After the Rothersthorpe lock flight and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal we spent 2 nights in Northampton Marina, a secure mooring allowing us to regroup and relax in the City before starting on the River Nene. The Nene is a great river, no dramatic……….

Peterborough town moorings are great, but, I don’t think it would be good or secure to stay overnight, which is a shame as…………

From March we navigated the tidal link between Salters Lode and Denver Sluice.
A short blast against the tide of about 15 minutes before being able to moor above the sluice, as pictured here with the sluice behind us. Great mooring, just happens to be next to the Jennings Pub.
From Denver we are able to cruise……..

From Denver we are able to cruise the whole of the Great Ouse to Bedford, But after only 1 mile The River Wissey is first up, branching off left, 10.5 miles to Oxborough Wharf, good cruising in open countryside.
11 miles further along……..

This is a trip of 50 miles, and 16 locks. The locks getting closer together now as we reach the upper reaches of the navigable River Great Ouse.

Now at the end of July.
This return trip is 188 miles, and

Arrived back at Debdale Marina on 23rd September and

A great time in Banbury with the Kirks, but time is pressing and