Slapton & Stoke Hammond

On Thursday after overnight rain, we woke to find that levels on the Tring Summit were even lower. NB Zenith, moored up behind us, wanted to travel down the flight with us. They arranged for us to meet them at Marsworth Top Lock after they tried going down the arm. However, they were warned by a BW man that it was too shallow so they waited in the lock. The BW man then told us to meet NB Zenith at the lock by 9:30. We were unaware that he had also been in touch with another boat coming over the summit that was due to get there at 9:15. It arrived late just before 9:30. As a result we cast off just as it arrived causing great confusion as to which boat was supposed to be in the lock with NB Zenith. It all got sorted out in the end but it took us some time to understand how the confusion occurred.


The former Ship Inn at Marsworth


A line-up of gulls

We then spent the rest of the day travelling down locks with NB Zenith. Pat and Patrick made great company and both boats moored up mid-afternoon just above Slapton Lock. Patrick came on board for a cup of tea and a natter.

On Friday morning, again after overnight rain, we woke to heavy mist. It was dramatic and provided plenty of photo opportunities. Again we travelled with NB Zenith, this time to Leighton Buzzard; both crews needed to visit Tesco.


Morning mists at Slapton


NB Zenith in the mist


NB Albert entering Slapton Lock in the mist (courtesy NB Zenith)




Cobwebs on Slapton lock gates


Leaving Slapton Lock (courtesy NB Zenith)

After shopping and lunch we left Leighton and said goodbye to Pat & Patrick. In glorious weather we travelled down the Three Locks at Soulbury. The water levels at the Three Locks were out of kilter and lots of water ended up flowing over the gates. We suspect a paddle had been left up by the crews that went up the flight just before we arrived.

We moored up just short of Stoke Hammond lock. The warm sunshine, and the views over the Ouzel valley, made our overnight mooring particularly delightful. Great autumn boating!