Yiewsley to Batchworth (near Rickmansworth)

Wednesday 23rd August

We set off just before 9am.

Soon we were passing the Slough arm of the Grand Union canal. We had already decided not to venture down this canal as it only leads to Slough and the M25 and to be honest it didn't look that interesting. Also it didn't have a good write up in the Waterways guide. It's only a 5 mile stretch and according to the guide goes past dull housing and Industrial estates. We had already walked part of it with Dex. So we decided to carry on along the main part of the Grand Union.

We passed the Packet Boat Marina and the Waters Edge pub where we had eaten last Friday.

We also passed another Heron!

Some of the boats we passed had verandas out the back complete with patio furniture and plants. 

We soon arrived at Cowley lock. We had decided to share the steering and the locks today. John took first turn doing the lock. 

 The Paddington Packet boat used to run daily from Paddington to Cowley, it was one of the few passenger boats plying regularly along the Grand Junction Canal. It was pulled by 4 horses and had precedence over all other boats so it covered the 15 mile lock free run in remarkable time at the turn of the 19th Century. Packet boat history

 John was lucky enough to get some help with the gate! 

Just past the lock was a water point so we stopped to fill up. I had enough time to make coffee and prepare wraps for lunch whilst we were waiting. Afterwards I decided to walk Dex along the towpath to the next lock which was about 2 miles away. 

 I always wondered what happened to Rosie and Jim after their TV career, now I know! 😃

We passed the boatyard at Uxbridge and another canalside pub.

Some of the boats have really interesting and amusing names. Most boaters seem to have a good sense of humour which we believe is essential when you never quite know what's going to happen next!

Others just make you smile! 

This enormous boat was appropriately named the Ark! I'm sure you could fit 2 of everything in there!

The river Colne flows off the canal but is not navigable. 

I'm not sure what this little bird was but clearly it liked boating!

Some of the boats were in desperate need of a makeover. 

Some boats were beautifully kept and had amazing rooftop gardens. 

Uxbridge lock was next. There was a man fishing near the lock tie up point (which isn't allowed but we saw a canal and river trust man happily chatting away to him and he clearly hadn't said anything!) Anyway we managed to tie up ok. 

 Dex is always keeping an eye on the boat to make sure whoever is on board is ok!

 A walking group of Japanese tourists kindly helped us with the gates and waved as we passed by. Funny to think we could end up on their holiday blog!

 Shortly after we passed this boat which was quite something! Check out the legs!

It's a short run past some waterside housing and under the A40 to Denham lock. 

Denham lock is the deepest on the Grand Union Canal at 11 feet 1 inch. 

 The lock gates looked like they hadn't been serviced in years! 

 We had more willing helpers at this lock which was great! This man kindly helped me raise the paddle as it was so difficult to turn. His grandchildren were happy to help open the gate. 

We passed through Denham Country park 

 We saw quite a few banners and signs protesting against the planned HS2 service. No matter what your viewpoint is on this you can see how it will impact the local residents and countryside.

 Soon we were passing by Harefield Marina. It was huge, a great expanse of boats.

 This boat had a really unusual design! 

The next lock was called Widewater lock and is at South Harefield. 

There was already a boat in the lock coming down so we had to wait. It's always easier when there are other boaters around to help so we don't mind. 

 I had to do a double take here as it looked like this woman had a collection of stuffed toys including a large chicken on a BBQ!

I'm still not sure quite what was happening!!!

Soon after I had to double check again as was that really a crocodile on the bank? 

 Oh yes and an arm... that's ok then. 

 On towards Black Jack Lock. 

 Black Jack Lock house is now a B & B. Black Jack's lock takes it's name from a flour mill of the same name. Black Jack Lock history

  The countryside opened out after this lock and there were some nice houses and gardens to see.

 This part of the canal is actually a canalised river ( the river Colne) and so there are several weirs to look out for.

We managed to find a great mooring spot for the night at Batchworth which was near some lakes and also opposite Tesco.