Broxbourne

We had planned to travel some distance up the River Stort, possible to the limit of navigation, but reviewing our future plans away from the boat we decided that turning around on the Thursday was a good idea. On reflection it was the best decision we could have made, but it did mean that we failed to experience perhaps the most delightful of the sections of the Lee and Stort Navigations. We travelled upstream as far as Little Harlow experiencing some lovely meadows and delightful mills on route.

Hunsdon Mead Nature Reserve

Near Hunsdon Mill

Parndon Mill

At Harlow we passed a great climbing and adventure facility close by the lock. Many school groups were making use of the facilities and enjoying the good weather.

We eventually turned above Burnt Mill by the Moorhen Inn close to Harlow railway station and headed back downriver. 

Fish & Eels in Hoddeson

Our return downriver was enjoyable despite the feeling that we were on our way home because the weather was warm and sunny. At Roydon Lock we found the lock-side house great for provisions - gas, kindling, diesel and an ice cream. We could have even taken on water but we did that at Harlow.

Roydon Lock

We turned back onto the River Lee and headed south to Broxbourne where we had a good mooring right outside The Crown. On a warm summers evening we could resist trying it out, so after a walk into town for shopping we went in for an evening meal. The service was shambolic. They missed our starters completely and ending up giving us free desserts. Even the beer took time to arrive and they were not busy. It didn't, however, spoil a great days boating.