Copyright © All rights reserved. Created by Stuffed Skunk, a department of PBD.  Privacy policy A great free day out Castle Bytham Saturday/Sunday 24th, 25th Midsummer Fair

OK, nothing to do with the midsummer fair but folks keep asking me about whether we got away on our narrow boat, last spring. The answer is yes, we did and got as far as henley before retracing out steps up the thames and the oxford canal. Here are some pictures of our trip…….

Terry, at the helm, looking worried. The bridges on the Oxford are quite narrow.

Cropredy is a truly wonderful English village. Two pubs, the Red Lion and the Brazenose Arms, both worth a visit.

Banbury, all smart and yuppie! Steve Betts butchers shop is always worth a visit and, if you can afford it, also the Reindeer Inn

At this time of the year everything is in bloom, including the rape. The new smell of spring!

At Oxford, Osney Island (it really is an island!) the ducks are quite confident. The pub, the Punter, is about ten yards to the right!

Believe it or not these houses command quite a premium. You’re looking at London Soho prices!

This doesn’t look much but it’s the longest brick arch in the world. Built by Brunell, of course. British engineering at it’s best!

The little bear (Ursa Minor) went everywhere with us.

A mist and atmospheric early morning at Henley.

It’s not called Somerton Deep for nothing. The clue is in the name. And the ‘doors’ weigh a ton, or rather two metric tons (2000kg)

This is a typical lock; Heyford Common, a good example of early canal engineering.

I couldn’t decide whether this was a houseboat or a rather large barbeque! (Seen above the Trout, at Godstowe)

Quite the best time of the year to cruise the Thames.