Berkhamsted.

We set off just before 1000 after a good nights sleep, despite the rain, and stopped a little further on at the water point just before the lock. We were hoping that somebody would come along to share the locks with and who should be it that arrived but fellow blogger 'Inca'.

Starting down the locks to Berkhamsted from the 391 ft Tring summit pound.

There seemed to be plenty of water and some nice buildings by the locks that came regularly. Thge girls elected to do the locks today so we men chatted about this and that but never mentioned toilets once!

a lovely row of cottages next to Dudswell Lock.

Not many boats came in the opposite direction but the locks were quickly ticked off and before we knew it we were arriving at Berkhamstead moorings. We were being followed down the locks by a boat and they were in the top Gas Lock as we were waiting to enter No.2. There are several curtains of weeping willow fronds and on the whole making a lovely scene. The occasional trim would be good though.

Plenty of water coming down from Gas Lock No.1

We arrived about 1230 so after a bit to eat we were off to explore the long High Street. There are a few Charity shops but no Aldi of Lidel. There are M&S Food and Waitrose to make up for it. Helen had a bit of a poke through the boutiques and picked up a barging in a bits and bobs shop for  Christmas presents. There are some good buildings but the first we went to was the castle that was built by William the Conquerors half brother Robert of Mortain. Thomas Becket had the castle at one time too.

The original Motte is the mound in the photo. Later the flint and rock curtain walls and ditches were added. The bailey makes a good park for kids. You can walk right round the outer ditch. It was a Royal Palace for Edward the Black Prince.

In the ground is this lovely cottage that was built in the 1820's. The brick and tiles has mellowed beautifully and I love the veranda.

The totem pole in Berkhamsted is much photographed and was originally erected in Alsford's timber yard. They were timber importers and the pole was carved by a Canadian Indian from Vancouver Island and presented to the yard in 1970. The yard now has houses on it bu the totem pole remains.

The walk up Castle Street has very picturesque houses on one side and on the other is the Berkhamsted School. Graham Greene's Dad was teacher and Head at the school and the writer him self lived and learned there. The streets and buildings around the town feature in many of his works and there is a trail for you to follow.

Next to the school in St Peter's Church. The oldest bits are from 1200. There are some interesting tombs in the church and I liked the Royal Coat of Arms that was for Elizabeth I after her death.

Next to the church is the Court House that is an Elizabethan Hall where the business of the Manor was undertaken.

We got back to the boat in time to fetch Macy to take to the Vets that was just two minutes over the Bulbourne River Bridge. They were very friendly at St. Johns Vets and she soon had her annual booster jabs to keep her safe for another year.