Leaving the newly-weds to their own devices, we headed back up the Grand Union, stopping again at Weedon. This time up the far end near the station, where there is a useable pub for dinner, and more importantly in the circumstances, a Tesco Extra. Both proved useful.

Then it was back up the Buckby flight – or nearly. We’d spotted some pleasant mooring spots between the top lock and the next on the way down, so aimed for there. They were right by the towpath shop that sells those brightly painted watering cans (called Buckby Cans). The shop had just closed for the night, so we wandered up to The New Inn at the top lock for sustenance (where the cans originated many years ago).

On the way up we passed some nice houses and gardens; autumn colours were definitely starting to show through.

Rather puzzled by the New Bridge – it looked pretty old to us – perhaps it was named after the pub.

We were equally puzzled by this house, which had railway signals and large statues of animals overlooking the cut. Oh well, it takes all sorts.

With a Buckby Can already in the saloon, we eschewed any more, and setting off on the Wednesday morning we stayed on the Grand Union Canal at Norton Junction, and made our way through Braunston Tunnel, then down the Braunston Locks to tie up right in the middle by early afternoon in pleasant sunshine. Just time for a peregrine hunt, and maybe a beer…