Another cold and sunny morning – long may they last.
We had had no internet or phone at Bablock Hythe so I was itching to
get away – I really needed a fix!
Richard pulled over just before Pinkhill Lock as he wanted to look at
Farmoor Reservoir – I think he was rather disappointed though did say that the
water level was low. The reservoir is
known for fly-fishing for rainbow and brown trout, dinghy sailing and
windsurfing. Oxford Sailing Club and the Oxford and District School Sailing
Association are based there.
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| Pinkhill Lock |
Apparently at Pinkhill Lock in 1935, Amy Johnson, the legendary pilot,
flew a biplane from here, signing autographs for fans. She charged half a crown
(two shillings and sixpence in old money) a time!
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| Swinford Toll Bridge |
We went under Swinford Toll Bridge which was built in 1769 during the
days of stage coaches, highwaymen and turnpikes and is described as the finest
of the many bridges over the Thames with its Georgian architecture.
The road over Swinford Bridge takes you into Eynsham which is said to
be one of the oldest villages in Britain. It is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon
Chronicle in 571AD when Cuthwolf fought the Britons at Bedcanford and captured
four villages, Limbury, Aylesbury, Benson, and Eynsham.
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| Aerial photo of Eynsham Lock |
Eynsham lock was used by merchants taking salt from Droitwich and stone
from Taynton.
We pulled over for lunch at the same mooring place above King’s Lock
that we used on our way upstream and didn’t move again! We were going to go to Godstow but it is very
close to the A34 and as it is nice and quiet here we decided to stay put.
I spent the afternoon planning a trip to East Sussex in our caravan for
the end of October. I still haven’t
finished the trip to the US – we are such jet setters!!
5.95 miles
2 locks
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