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Welcome to....
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DAYBOAT
HIRE |
South: Kirtlington & the Rock of Gibraltar
Gently glide through rolling countryside as you follow the pretty Cherwell Valley; the canal winding its way through copses and pastures.
The first lock - Dashwoods- is characterised by a Cotswold stone bridge - only a mile further is the sylvan Northbrook lock - close to a tiny farming hamlet and historic drovers bridge over the adjacent River Cherwell; for those with sharp eyes Kingfishers are common on this stretch! Another mile brings you to the old Kirtlington Quarry - now a country park - fascinating and well worth visiting for its open space, history and fossils. Many of our hirers never go further than here because this makes an ideal day with plenty of time for a picnic or barbecue at lunchtime....or a stroll to Kirtlington village and the Oxford Arms, well known for its good food.
The next lock - Pigeons - leads to the 'Rock of Gibraltar' pub. You will need to cruise a further half mile and one lock to turn the boat: do allow yourself time for this - we recommend you turn first and then moor at the pub! (Note that you may not get much time in the pub if the canal is busy!)
North: the Heyfords, Somerton and Aynho
Discover pretty Cotswold villages, superb water meadows, and experience one of the deepest locks in the area!
You'll circumnavigate Lower Heyford before reaching the first lift bridge. (Most are left open for you to pass unhindered but this one you will need to operate). Shortly after you'll see the magnificent tithe barn and manorial farm at Upper Heyford. The old airbase has been shut for many years now, so your progress is peaceful as you work through the first of the three locks - 'Allens', close to sleepy Upper Heyford rising up the hill from the lock. Rolling pastures accompany your route through Heyford Common Lock and Somerton Deep Locks - a superb area to tie up and laze the day away in. Turn at Somerton Wharf before the lock, or above the lock, if you wish for a relaxing day or picnic in the countryside, but if a pub is your calling then carry on the next 2 miles to Aynho and the Great Western Arms which sits between the canal and the old railway station. (Note that you may not get much time in the pub if the canal is busy!) Turn here for your return journey...
Total return trip (either direction) 7hrs
