THE GRAND UNION CANAL
The canal runs northwards from Stoke
Bruerne into a cutting that suddenly reveals the
entrance to Blisworth tunnel. The towpath goes up
over the hill to Blisworth village.
The tunnel is now over 200 years old. The boat lights
will let you see outside and inside the boat as you make
your way through the darkness. This is a unique
opportunity to view the tunnel. You will marvel at how
it was built - almost two miles long and in a dead
straight line. You'll see the brickwork of the old
tunnel, and the more modern concrete sections. You
emerge into the daylight in a cutting that winds round
to Blisworth village.
There is well-stocked shop on the High Street
(accessible from bridge 51 or 50). Leaving Blisworth,
you are cruising through open countryside.
At Gayton junction, the arm of the canal to
Northampton branches off to the right. This makes a
pleasant detour as far as the top of the locks. There is
a small shop at the marina on this stretch.
The
next village is Bugbrooke, a pleasant place to
stop for lunch before turning the boat and heading back
for Stoke Bruerne. The shops and Post Office in the
village are accessible from bridge 36.
Note that use of the locks is
not permitted at Stoke Bruerne nor on the Northampton
Arm.
Our day boat Mudlark
and prices - click to see more
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