Back to the Canals

The weather turned cold as we left Irthlingborough, cold enough for Bess to retreat back inside.  We are used to the river's twists and turns but the approach to Irthlingborough old bridge is unusual because the deep channel runs parallel to the low arches before turning sharply to go under the navigation arch. 

Travelling parallel to the bridge before turning under the higher navigation arch

We stopped at Wellingborough where I walked up into the town and found an excellent museum housed in part of a former swimming pool.  The pool was filled in when a shoe factory took over the building but small areas have been excavated and you can see down to the original tiles.   The museum is run by volunteers who have packed their limited space with an interesting array of exhibits and displays.  

The next day we were busy with locks but in one we had a surprise; we were sharing it with a large grass snake.   It swam to the corner of the guillotine gate looking for a way over and as it worked it's way up Kev gave it a hand with the boat hook.  Once on the other side it rapidly swam away and Kev was very relieved to see it go. 

The snake looking for a way over the gate

Billings Marina was our destination that day but we had some trouble finding the entrance which wasn't signed at all.  After turning round we located the narrow channel which wound round and led into the hidden marina.  The floating pontoons didn't look as if they'd been designed for narrowboats, they were way to short and once moored up we were partially blocking the access channel.  

A long boat on a short jetty at Billings Marina

Billings Marina is part of Billings Aquadrome, a 230 acre caravan and camping site.  On Friday evening Shaun, Laura, Nic & Gaz and their families, came down with their caravans to join us.  The rain held off for us to enjoy barbecues in the evenings and we had a lovely weekend.  

On Sunday afternoon we went our separate ways and we sailed passed the enormous site on our way to Northampton where we stopped for our last night on the River Nene.  

One of the American style caravans viewed from the river as we passed the site

On Monday morning we sailed upstream, passed the Carlsberg Brewery and then turned into Northampton Lock and onto the canal.   We didn't travel much further, just to the Cotton End moorings at the other side of the lock.  We've thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Fens and will certainly return for another visit.  

The Carlsberg brewery but the occasional aroma of hops doesn't smell very appetising

Our journey from Irthlingborough to Northampton