Development to Cropredy

We set off at 7.00am and headed for the tramways and there are a lot of houses going up here.

They still have a sign saying that there will be a pub, restaurant, and a canal basin here with all the housing development going on.

At the Tramways we moored up so Al could do some food shopping in Morrisons for a change.

Del did the stern gland while he waited for a call to say Al needed some help with the bags..
We then set off again and our next stop was at the services. Here Al wanted to do some M&S shopping and also pick up some other bits and pieces. Del waited again and this time topped up the water and also did a manual pumpout to make sure our tanks were full and empty.

Al got back just as a boat had come out of the lock in Banbury town centre so we made the most of it.

A boat came along as we came out and we lifted the bridge and exited the town.

There is a lot of work going on there at the moment and the footbridge and the multi-storey carpark has been demolished.

There is a new Premier Inn hotel going in here with a seven screen cinema, more shops and six restaurants.

These include Zizzi's, Nando's, Handmade Burger Company, Chiquitos. There will also be a big Lidl's for food shopping, a nice winter stop we thinks!!!!.

We followed a boat which had set off in front of us and got to the first lock of the day.

The weather was lovely again but we knew it wasn't going to last so we made the most of it. It's a shame they can't develop this cottage on Bourton Lock as it has a lot of potential and has been derelict for about 15 years.

We got through Slat Mill lock without any problems and then it was time to spot a mooring. We knew it would be busy with the Cropredy Festival going on in a weeks time and we could see the stage going up in the distance.

But lucky Del and Al hit the jackpot with one space just for us, and we sneaked into it..

We might just have to stay and enjoy it now.. It had seemed another long day so we relaxed in the evening.. Will have a look around tomorrow to see what's going on..