Bletchley to Cosgrove Lock

Tuesday 5th September

We left early hoping to avoid the rain but it started earlier than we thought. I walked Dex to the first lock at Fenny Stratford.

 There was a private marina just before the lock

The Red Lion pub was situated right by the lock. We had thought of going there for our roast dinner but when I called they said they didn't serve food. Seemed very strange as such a good location.

There was a swing bridge across the lock which I had to move before opening the lock gates.

 There was an old pumphouse here as well. 

After this first lock we had ages before another and so John was hoping to make good progress. Unfortunately there was a small boat in front which clearly was struggling to move at all. They weren't giving any signal that we could overtake and during the course of the journey John saw him weaving all over the place and hitting a couple of moored boats along the way! Clearly one to avoid so we hung back on tickover. Very frustrating. 

Finally after a few miles he pulled over to moor and we were able to speed up.

 I liked this artistic seat.

Also this ironwork horse sculpture.

 We passed the Lionhearts cruising club at Great Linford. 

 More artwork, this time a wall mural under this bridge

This bridge looked like it had seen better days!

This unusual looking boat looked like army surplus. 

We were soon passing Giffard Park. 

 We also passed this Blacksmith's boat that we had seen back in Brentford. 

Past Linford wharf and the Black Horse bridge and pub. 

Later we approached the Great Ouse Aquaduct. 

 Sadly not much of a view from this one. 

After this we went through Old Wolverton. 

 Another metalwork sculpture. Milton Keynes has one of the largest collections of public works of art which are placed all around the city. 

Later we passed the Galleon pub and Galleon Wharf. 

Then over the Iron Trunk Aquaduct. This had lovely views over the river Ouse. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosgrove_aqueduct

John was steering and he was horrified that there was a sheer drop on the left side. His vertigo was well and truly tested but he made it across! 

Soon after we found a mooring place just before Cosgrove lock.

Later I took Dex back across the aquaduct and we had a lovely walk down some steps into Cosgrove country park.