Aint Arf 'Ot Ma

It is May! We have got so used to the cold and damp, the cool and misty, and the warm and windy this year that we have forgotten that May is the month when we "cast a clout"! The weather has been wonderfully hot and dry for teh last few days; in the UK anyway.

On Thursday I went for a bit of a walk. When on the move, we are always looking for short circular walks so that we can exercise the children without tiring ourselves out. A walk to a pub is often not quite far enough to give us the exercise needed but this little walk nearby can be just that is you wanted.

On the South Oxford Canal between Slat Mill Lock No 20 and Little Boughton Lock No 21 are two bridges in the 'middle of nowhere'. Bridge No 157 and Bridge 158. If one moors somewhere between them then a short circular walk is possible along farm tracks, across the railway by unmanned, uncontrolled crossings (PLEASE STOP LOOK AND LISTEN!) up into Little Boughton. Up Chapel Lane will take you to the Plough Inn. After suitable refreshment return down the lane to the bottom and cross by Bridge 158 to return to the boat.


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A distance of about 2 miles. I enjoyed it immensely. At this time of year the rape is high and in bloom and the butterflies are everywhere. There are carpets of buttercups and vetches in flower and the odd orchid amongst the grass in the shade of the hedgerows. Apart from this the songbirds provide a constant musical accompaniment.

On my walk I met one couple walking the tow-path and chatted to the crew of a Napton Hire Boat who were basking in the scorching sun. "It usually rains when we book a boat" he said. "This has been a really nice week"

My replaced half knee survived without any complaint too!

Off the road

We had a very nice lunch in The Plough Inn, Little Boughton the other day. Real Ale, reasonable prices and comfortable village pub surroundings including landlady who was willing to chat and a log fire when the weather is cool.

The landlord is the chef and his immaculate kitchen can be admired throughthe open door from behind the bar.

One can pay by Credit Card but there is none of this new fangled radio wireless nonesense here; you have to go to the bar where they will stretch the wire as far as they can to get you to enter the PIN number. Cash appears to be acceptable though to complete the old fashioned feel.

I noticed a board outside indicating that it was accessible from Boughton Bridge No 158 (South Oxford Canal). It may be worth a visit if you are fed up with Hook Norton Hooky Bitter and the prices at the Red Lion and Brazenoze in Cropredy but it will be a bit of a walk. From the bridge follow the path toward the railway. Cross this and walk through field and the farmyard and onto Chapel Lane up to the pub which is on the main Southam road. It is a country half mile.