Life On The Canal
Canal Side Building At Stoke Hammond
A very old building and adjoining property marking alongside a lock at Stoke Hammond on the Grand Union Canal.
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Lock Keeper Working A Gate And Paddles
A lock keeper prepares to allow the ingress of water into the lock enabling the boat to rise to a level to continue with its journey South on the Grand Union Canal. This lock is outside The Three Locks pub in Stoke Hammond and is a popular spot for "Gongoozler's"
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Grand Union Canal: Bulbourne
A number of boats moored at this popular location next to the Grand Junction pub in Bulbourne with the highly regarded blacksmith and iron works just opposite.
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Boat Life And Travels
Several boat owners all just getting on with their lives passing each other in close proximity on this popular stretch of canal in Marsworth
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Aylesbury Arm Junction
A recently renovated part of the Grand Union canal at the junction with the Aylesbury Arm. There are a number of modern newly built properties at this location as well as it being a popular mooring location for boats close to the Marsworth reservoirs, pubs and cafe which is an ideal location for people interested in birdwatching and wild life. there are a number of pubs within walking distance from this location all of which serve good food and great beer.
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Fishing On The Grand Union Canal
A man spending the afternoon fishing on a quite stretch of the Grand Union canal. I always though canal boats interrupted their fishing but I have since been told many fishermen welcome the passing boats as it churns up the canal prompting the fish to feed in the debris floating in the water.
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A Walk On The Grand Union Canal
An Estrela Mountain Dog taking an interest in a sign next to Marsworth Lock.
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Lock Keepers Cottage
An old lock keepers cottage on the Grand Union canal. These properties are mostly now privately owned and no longer serve as dedicated lock keepers properties who would have once operated and maintained the locks for passing boaters.
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Lock Paddle Mechanism
This mechanism is used by boaters with a windlass to raise and lower lock paddles to control water flow into and out of the locks enabling boats to climb or lower themselves to the the necessary level to continue on with their journey.
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Moored Boats
An autumn walk along the canal with a scattering of fallen autumn leaves and a row of moored boats at this popular location for walkers and boaters alike.
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Moored Row Of Boats
With the autumn leaves scattered along the towpath, a number of canal boats are moored along this stretch popular with walkers and boaters.
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Thatched Cottage On The Grand Union Canal
An old picturesque cottage situated next to the Grand Union Canal near Marsworth.
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Dog And Bridge
Taking a moment to watch some ducks on the opposite side of the canal next to this old brick bridge over the Grand Union.
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Canal Bridge
A typical canal bridge scattered throughout the entire network. These beautifully built brick bridges require a significant amount of maintenance as they are frequently damaged by boaters colliding with the ornate arches. As time moves on new bridges are being erected using modern techniques and materials and lack the character and ornate nature of their predecessors.
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Fishing On The Grand Union Canal
Tranquility and a peaceful life passing the time fishing on the canal
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Dutch Barge
A sturdy looking well maintained wide beam dutch barge style of boat situated on the Grand Union canal near Marsworth.
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Canal Boat
Walking along the canals, you come across a variety of boats in varying conditions. From brand new to very old and dilapidated boats as well as historic restored boats and DIY projects some of which amaze me that they are still floating. This particular boat which obviously provides someone with a home is showing signs of years of neglect with rust and poor paintwork but still manages to serve it's purpose of carrying a person around the canal network. whilst keeping its owner dry and safe from the elements.
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White Lion Pub
The White Lion Pub has fell into disrepair after many years of lying empty and neglected. The pub is located in Marsworth next to the Grand Union canal but has never really been successful due to the more popular Anglers Retreat located about 50 yards away which does great food at reasonable prices.
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Moored Boat
This well equipped boat is made for the modern life on the canal. From the outside it can be seen this is a boat intended for off grid living with ample solar power, a wind generator and satellite television making it ideal for long term cruising or live aboard.
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Fair Lady
Whilst still providing someone with a means of transport and accommodation around the canal network, this boat has seen better days but may one day be restored to its former glory by a dedicated owner.
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Moored Boat And Dog
A boat moored up next to the towpath on the Grand Union canal near Bulbourne with my dog walking past.
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Iron Work Business
Located at Bulbourne near Tring on the Grand Union Canal is this very respected and skilled iron work blacksmith and artist who produces some amazing work. Photographed here with a number of Canal and River Trust working boats moored outside, Hammer and Tongs is the ideal place to get bespoke metal work for your home or garden.
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Canal Engineering
This geared wheel is located at Marsworth reservoir is used to control water flow between the Grand Union Canal and the reservoir
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Canal Boat
A large and sturdy canal boat heading South on the Grand Union Canal. These wide beam vessels are restricted due to width to certain areas of the canal network and are unable to travel on many areas around Birmingham which were designed for narrow boats. Many canals have have single gate locks suitable for boats up to 6 feet and 11 inches wide.
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Lock Gates
A pair of lock gates on the Grand Union Canal. A simple but ingenious design that has facilitated transport via the modern canal network since the 18th Century. The Canal and River Trust maintain the canal network which requires constant repairs and upgrades to keep the system open and running smoothly for everyone to enjoy.
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Through The Lock
A couple negotiating their way through a lock near Marsworth on the Grand Union Canal. Travelling through a double lock in a narrowboat requires careful operation of the lock gates to prevent powerful ingress of water resulting in loss of control and damage to the boat. Poor operation of locks can ultimately result in sinking of boats and fatalities. Most boaters have a very relaxed and sensible approach to lock operation but there are sometimes occasions when people rush and make mistakes or don't really understand what they're doing putting both themselves and their vessel in danger. This couple were typical of the vast majority of boaters and took their time making steady progress through the elevation of locks heading South along the Grand Union Canal towards Bulbourne.
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Boat Workshops
Between Bulbourne and Marsworth on the Grand Union Canal at the junction with the Wendover Arm lies this small boat workshop. Bates Boat Yard & Dry Dock is a highly regarded workshop and offers a full range of services.
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