GUC : Northampton branch
A return to the Grand Union to finish off one small section that remains after completing the full length of London to Birmingham – the Northampton branch.
This is a fairly short 4.5 mile section from Gayton Junction to the junction with the river Nene in Northampton. Mixed weather on the day – mostly sunny but quick spell of drizzle at the end.
Bridge 48 on the main line – I passed here some time ago on a previous walk, but kelp heading along the main line.
Standing on bridge 48, looking northwards into the Northampton branch
Looking westwards along the main line, at Gayton junction
Bridge no 2 – Arm End Bridge
Passing a marina
Maintenance on a boat
Approaching the corner towards bridge no 3
Bridge no 3 – Sandlanding bridge
Winding hole just above Rothersthorpe Top Lock
Lock no 1 – Rothersthorpe Top Lock
Single gate at the top, double at the bottom
Bridge 4 – unnamed
Looking down the flight of locks
Drawbridge 5 – Robinson’s bridge – this one fixed in the open position
Wire sculpturework
Drawbridge 6 – Allcott’s bridge
Bridge 6A – slip road bridge
Looking back underneath bridge 6A to the bottom of the lock flight
Bridge 6B – substantial bridge carrying the M1
Lock 13 – Rothersthorpe bottom lock
Aqueduct
Lock 14 – Wootton lock
Fancy paneling on bridge 9A
Bridge 13 – Blackwood Hodge bridge
The tower of the national abseil centre
Bridge 14 – unnamed
Lock 16 and bridge 15 – railway bridge
Nearing the end – note the rubber and gravel pathway – very easy on the feet!
Bridge 17 – carries the A5123 Towcester road
New apartments by the side of the towpath
End of the walk – winding hole next to lock 17 – Northampton Lock, where the canal joins the River Nene
Commemorative seat. Beer optional.