Hey Ho, the Heyfords.

It had been drizzling for quite a while before we got up, with the odd bit of heavier rain.We convinced ourselves that it would stop so we set off at our normal time.

Somerton Deep Lock was the first of the day and as with all the others for the day we met up with folk. Not that quiet down this way. The lady at this lock was going very gingerly as she had broken her ankle last year at this lock. All okay today though.

Helen on the way out of Somerton Deep Lock in her waterproofs.

We met a boat at Heyford Common Lock and when I asked where they had come from they said Thrupp. As this was about 1045 I said they must have been up with the lark. They confirmed 0600 but said there had been no point in waiting any longer as next to where they had been moored there had been an all night rave. We had some letters to post and fancied a look at Upper Heyford so we moored up and went for a walk. It had stopped doing the rainy thing but it was still damp.

There are some nice thatched cottages and some large houses too. We walked up High Street and then down Mill Lane back to the boat. The Barley Mow was closed!!

The tithe barn was built in or around 1400 for New College Oxford who benefited from an endowment of the village from the Bishop of Winchester. There has been a church her since 1074. It was rebuilt towards the end of the 15th century but all that is left of that church is the tower that can be seen announcing St. Mary's on the hill.

Everybody coming towards us had been warning us of the lift bridge at Lower Heyford so when we got there I did the honours. I didn't find it too bad at all but the chain to pull it down rests in the mud when the bridge is open so you get mucky hands in the wet. Still, I did get a look at this lovely cottage and the old chapel beyond it that is now a private home. Shame about the wheelie bin.

The station at Lower Heyford couldn't be much closer unless it was the station at Consall Forge Station where you actually go under one of the platforms! I'm sure it would account for plenty of moorings here abouts.

After filling with water we moved up and went to the Chandler to have a look and then round the village. It is a funny place, spread out with little roads and plenty of houses.

This beautiful mature tree is in the middle of the old market place with the The Bell pub beyond. It seems to be a bit of a foodie place. There people in but they were eating and the door was shut so we gave this one a miss too.

Oxfordshire Narrow Boats occupy the Lower Heyford Wharf. There wall planner looked like they are going to fully booked through the summer. We have been meeting their day boats all day today though.

We walked back to the temporary mooring and found a big queue at the tap. We set off and again met a boat coming up Dashwoods Lock. We moored below here last year and as we saw the spot vacant we decided to call it a day and lash her up. By the way the rhubarb and ginger jam is lovely and we now need some nice fresh bread to lavish it on. I have orders to get the tele working as it is Celeb. Master Chef tonight.