Stoke Bruerne to Blisworth

Tuesday 17th October

So finally we decided to move on through the tunnel to Blisworth. We still haven't bought another car but we needed to move as we had run out of mooring time in Stoke Bruerne. 

At the top lock in Stoke Bruerne there is the remains of another narrow lock which is now unused. It has unusual metal gates. Inside it has a Station boat from the Birmingham canal. 

We stopped at the Boat Inn to fill up with water before moving on to the tunnel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blisworth_Tunnel

Blisworth tunnel is about a mile and three quarters long, we had been told it would take between 30 and 45 mins to pass through. It was just wide enough for 2 narrowboats to pass so we had to keep to the right to allow others to pass by. This was the first tunnel I had navigated where you could pass by other boats although we had experienced it in the Bruce tunnel when that other boat wouldn't wait for us! I was a bit anxious about it. 
It was hard to take any decent photographs inside, we had 2 boats following us and we passed another 2 boats coming the other way. The roof leaked in a few places and in one place it was like a mini waterfall pouring through! Luckily I managed to avoid that part! 
We made it through without any problems and our tunnel light stayed on - phew! 

It was really eerie in the tunnel and surprisingly noisy with the boat engines echoing. This short video gives you a taste. 

I was very glad to get out the other side!

There were no moorings immediately after the tunnel so we carried on into Blisworth village. 

 

 

 The old corn mill dating from 1879 has been converted into apartments which look very smart.

We soon found a good place to moor close to the village centre. 

Blisworth is a charming village and has 2 churches and 2 pubs! It was awarded Northamptonshire village of the year this year. It has a lot of history and some interesting buildings. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blisworth

St John the Baptist Church dating from the 13th Century

 These cottages were originally single storey and only had piped water installed in 1954!

 Old Ale House

 The Royal Oak pub dating from the 15th Century

It's hard to believe today but in 1796 Blisworth was one of the busiest ports in England! It had several wharfs and there was also a hill railway connecting Blisworth to Stoke Bruerne. http://www.blisworth.org.uk/images/TheHillRailway.htm

Exploring Stoke Bruerne

So we decided to stay here a bit longer. One reason is that although our car is working it is making some worrying noises and losing power and so John is concerned it won't last much longer. So he has been car hunting this week as lots of car dealerships around this area. Decided it was best to find a replacement now whilst we have a car to go and view them! So whilst John has been out and about, I have been on some really long walks with Dex, exploring the footpaths. I have the ordinance survey app on my phone so in theory I shouldn't get too lost! We've had fun traipsing around the countryside!
Yesterday we discovered a pond in the middle of a field and Dex had a lovely swim. I got stuck in a ditch (thought I could jump across but clearly my mountain goat days are over!) Scrambled out on my hands and knees (oh so graceful) and had to literally climb through a hedge when we misjudged the path and got trapped in a field! 

Today we went across fields towards the village of Shutlanger. Some fields had sheep in so Dex had to be on the lead but there were enough other open fields for him to roam free in. It was lovely to see the Autumn colours.

 The footpath led us back past the parish church called At Mary the virgin in Stoke Bruerne.

I loved the colours in this garden on our way back to the canal. Looks like it's going to be a good year for holly!