On Thursday we did the Braunston Tunnel, at 2042 yards the longest in our trip so far and a little tricky due to its S-shape. We met two boats coming the other way and negotiated passing each smoothly (i.e. we didn't hit anything!). Immediately after the tunnel is the flight of six double locks leading into the centre of Braunston, which we went down with Peter and Helen on their boat Quitula.
Approaching the tunnel at Braunston
Coming out of the tunnel
A plaque commemorating the 200th anniversary of the opening of the tunnel in 1796
Looking back into the tunnel, two boats following
Colourful old signs by a house near Braunston locks
A beautifully preserved cottage by one of the locks
We've seen several of these shepherd's huts on wheels - this one overlooks the locks
Braunston is a very popular centre for canal boats, with every kind of craft and service
Next day, we explored Braunston and walked back up the locks for a drink at the Admiral Nelson pub. We also visited the marina with its charming rope maker's shop and a variety of boatbuilders and then the Stop House where we were shown some of the Canal and River Trust collection of vintage photographs of boating and canal life.
View from Braunston Marina, showing
the characteristic wrought iron bridge and an old crane
Inside the rope maker's shop asking about a new bow fender for Blue Adeline
Another view of the shop
The pumping station, built in 1805 to pump water back up the lock flight
The Gongoozlers' Rest is a cafe on a narrowboat
At our mooring opposite The Boathouse pub
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