Out in the wilds.

We were passed by many boats going both ways before we went for a walk this morning. All the moorings were empty when we stepped off the boat. We had decided to walk round the circular path and then to Cropredy. The rape had been cut but the wheat was just waiting to be harvested. The path was well defined and the ground rock hard so making a very pleasant walk.

Helen climbing every mountain, or small hill as it was.

Cropredy is well know as the site of a Battle of the Civil War. On 29th June 1644 the King had drawn some of the Parliamentary forces away from the siege of his Oxford Capital by moving about 9000 men out. General Waller and the Earl of Essex took the bait and followed also with 9000 men. At Cropredy the Royal forces spread out and the Parliamentary forces sort to cut into them over Cropredy Bridge and a ford further south. The Royalist cavalry defeated these attacks and captured many of the enemies cannons. However they were prevented from crossing the bridge by Waller's pike men and a stalemate ensued. In the end it was a Pyrrhic victory for The Royalist as many of Waller's forces deserted. This later caused Cromwell to realise that he need a 'proper' army rather than local militia and so formed the New Model Army that largely led to the victory for the Parliamentary forces.

Cropredy is also well know as the site of the Fairport Convention Cropredy Festival. This is whey the area id full of boats at the moment and it will get much worse over the next few days as it is weekend after next. Fairport Convention have also paid for the refurbishment of one of the bells at St. Mary's Church.

Church Lane, Cropredy with St Mary's Church at the end. The church was quite plain but with some nice glass. They have reconditioned their peel of six bells and the pendulum for the clock extends down into the ringing room and ticks as it slowly swings. 

By the time we got back to the boat the wind had got up somewhat but we were soon heading up the locks towards the summit pound. It is a shame that buildings like this can't be used for something as that way they would be retained. How about bunk houses for the many walkers and cyclists that use the tow paths. (I know what you are thinking but it must be possible). Any other ideas?

Before the Claydon Locks is Clattercote Wharf where there are several different boats in various states.

The winding hole at the wharf show some lovely old buildings. I wonder what the main cargoes to and from here were?

Our route up today's locks was smoothed by the several boats coming down as we swapped at every lock and so had help on the gates and could leave the top gates open if they weren't already at the top.

On the summit pound the wind was very gusty so we decided to find a spot to tie up as soon as we could. We found a place quickly and moored up. After lunch we just did a few jobs and read as the wind blew. Just near our mooring several boats that were negotiating the bend ahead never made it and headed straight in to the bank. Macy is enjoying the very quiet towpath and I am enjoying the rest.