Wormleigh hill to Cropredy

We left our mooring with its views over glorious countryside, we then pass Fenny Compton wharf here we take on water, this is also  nice mooring stop with the Wharf pub,which also sell provisions, milk,bread, and the like. After filling the water tank we set off through a cutting which was originally a tunnel and Just after going under Bridge 138 (which carries the A423 road) you will see a narrow path going half back and up the canal bank - just a little way up you come to an old brick kiln. This was where the bricks were made for the old tunnel - the building is still intact though somewhat covered in vegetation including some huge stinging nettles however you can go inside it.

Next we reach our first lock of the day, Claydon top lock with its village set back away from the canal,we have another eight lock to operate as the canal now drops down to the village of Cropredy, all of these locks are straight forward, and it's not long before we moor for the night at Cropredy a sleepy natured village which every August burst into life with is annual folk festival wich began in 1979 when the sixties band Fairport Conventions held there farewell concert here.

http://www.fairportconvention.com/cropredy.php

Also at Cropredy a civil water battle took place in the year 1644 on the 29th of June here the Roylalist Cavalry managed to capture Cromwells forces artillery and scattering  their army, thus protecting Oxford. Cropredy Name comes from ‘croppe’ meaning hill and ‘ridig’ meaning small stream, it's pretty village with a Post Office,local store and local pubs.

So we settle down in front of  a warm stove , before dinner and a night of telly.