Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Visiting Warwick and surrounds - part 3



 

     Can a days outing get any better?  Morning tea beside the Oxford Canal at Banbury then lunch at a medieval castle, how cool!  Well yes it can for it is time to press on to Foxton to have a look at the stair-case locks.

     To give you an idea of what a route planner from Michelin looks like click on the link http://www.viamichelin.com/web/Routes  and type in (from) Warwick United Kingdon and (to) Foxton United Kingdom.  This is the direction to take and my advice is to print out the sheets and have them in order of direction to take.  They, as you will see, are very comprehensive and easy to follow.  The signs on the roads and roundabouts are also easy.

     Having arrived at Foxton follow the signage to the parking area at the top of the locks. There is a short walk alongside the Canal to the top of the staircase which is complimented by the beautiful view afforded from the path.

     This is the largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system with two staircases of five locks.  Staircase locks are used to allow boats to climb a steep incline and it takes about an hour for a boat to navigate the entire staircase.

     Take time to watch the operation of the locks as the boats make their way up or down.   During the busy season it can be quite some time before a boat is clear of the locks and on its way to its next destination.

     At the bottom of the lock system is a pub, cafe and shop.  It is a long drive back to Oxford so I may suggest you visit the cafe for afternoon tea.  Spend time exploring before heading back.

     To return to Oxford take the B6047 down tthen turn right into the A4304.   Follow the A4304 to the M1 turning left toward London.

     Turn off the M1 at Junction 15a taking the A43 down to the M40.  The M40 is exited at Junction 9 which will take you to A34.  Take this toward Oxford and exit onto the A44 which will take you straight into Oxford where you can drop into the Eagle and Child and have a refreshing ale and a delicious dinner.





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