We set off about 9.30am and soon arrived at the first lock which was Leighton Lock. It had an attractive Lock Keeper's cottage but also another building which sadly looked derelict.
Just after we passed the Globe Inn, an attractive old pub. Linslade which is the adjoining town to Leighton Buzzard was the scene of the Great Train Robbery in 1963 which took place at Bridgego bridge between Linslade and Cheddington. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linslade
I loved the sign on these boats which said "Dream Boat Holidays" and then offered Kayak and rowing boat hire!
We passed some canoeists further on.
I was surprised to see the Company name on this boat but apparently this railway company used to own several canals. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London,_Midland_and_Scottish_Railway#Canals
The countryside here was hillier and we even saw some sheep.
Check out this boat with it's own Pagoda!
We saw another sign warning us of delays due to dredging but luckily it was Sunday so no work was taking place.
We arrived at Soulbury 3 locks and at the first lock Dex decided it was time for a game of chase the stick!
His bandaged foot certainly wasn't slowing him down!
The lock cottages were really attractive.
I was pleased to see that this old pumping station was being renovated with Lottery funds.
At the last lock there was a nice looking pub, called The Three Locks (ok not very imaginative!)
I really liked the mermaid bow rope on this boat!
On again until we reached Stoke Hammond lock.
The pumping station there had been converted into a house.
Just as I was about to close the lock gates a boat appeared around the bend, it was the mermaid boat! We waited for them so they could share the lock with us.You could see the full glory of the mermaid from the other side. Apparently the owner had made it himself. I want one!
We passed some nice looking moorings and a Marina.
Soon we arrived at bridge 98 where we wanted to moor. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw there was another Tea boat here! I must have a sixth sense for cakes!
It was a bit tricky to moor but we managed to get in ok.
It was right next to Waterhall Park which was brilliant for Dex. http://www.theparkstrust.com/parks/waterhall-park
We decided as it had got colder it was just the day for a Sunday roast. I found a pub at Bletchley called the Bull and Butcher and they were open all day and we could take Dex. So we had a nice walk there and a lovely roast dinner. http://www.bullandbutcher.com/gallery-7348.html
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