Look East: Day 10

It was raining this morning, so we had a very relaxed start to the day, not even getting up until 9am.  Ferry Meadows is a very nice mooring, and the park even had a useful huge bin, and recycling facilities, things in very short supply on the River Nene.  It was still raining lightly when we set off at 10.15.  I completely failed to see the cut from the lake to the river, and had to do a big u-turn when I realised I’d missed it.  The rain continued until we got to Alwalton Lock, but then up ahead we could see the end of the cloud and blue sky.  We’d been looking out for the steam train, and between there and Water Newton lock it passed us, with the engine going backwards towards Wansford.

At Wansford, the A1 is carried by a concrete bridge from 1929, which marks the old boundaries between the old County of the Soke of Peterborough, and the County of Huntingdon.

Wansford Marina is surrounded by some very smart houses.  One has a bath right in the window.  I suppose the chances of a boater passing as you get in or out are relatively small.

By now the sun was out, but the wind had got up, making getting to some of the lock landings after leaving the lock quite a challenge.  The locks have to be left empty with the guillotine gate raised, so it takes a while after going through.  After Elton Lock there are glimpses of Fotheringhay Church on the horizon.  That was our target for the day; there were two boats moored by the castle, so we went through the bridge and moored up by the church.  We’re expecting someone to come along with their legendary Golden Syrup tin to collect a £5 fee for the night.

Once secure, we walked into the very pretty village to see the church, and then down to the site of the castle.  Only the mound and one block of masonry remain, but it’s a significant site as it was the birthplace of Richard III and the place where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned and beheaded.  There are plaques marking both events.

16 miles, 6 locks.  (94 miles, 68 locks)