Thursday 26th July 2012 Ramble 9: Marsworth to Leighton Buzzard

Thursday  26^th July 2012

Ramble 9:  Marsworth to Leighton Buzzard, an 8 mile walk. The weather was glorious; such a difference from the last walk and we were joined by Peter and Sue.

We re-joined the canal at Startop’s End, Marsworth by bridge No. 132. After a short distance we walked across the lock gates of a rare pair of staircase locks at the beginning of the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The canal arm is only 7 feet wide but the six miles to Aylesbury are still navigable.  We carried on walking alongside the main canal towards Pitstone and Ivinghoe; a rural and peaceful stretch where we saw many house martins flying around a more remote house besides another lock.  We passed under the busy west coast mainline railway, near which was another busy marina. Here is the base for Grebe Canal Cruise boats, two of which we saw plying their trade further along the canal. The ladies from one of the boats were stretching their legs and apparently paid compliments to the male members of our party!

 A small swing bridge, just a little further on, is operated by hand (not electrically like Winkwell, near Hemel Hempstead) and seemed perfectly balanced.

Several bridges along this stretch are double ones. There were plans to install additional locks at these points to speed up the passage of boats, but they were never fulfilled.

After a brief stop for sandwiches (and lovely cake) we continued mainly beside a hedge (providing welcome shade) and lush growth of reeds, meadowsweet and Willowherb flowers by the water.

 Sue spotted a heron perched high in a tree surveying the area and no doubt seeing us well beforehand.

Sue also spotted the White Lion, created in 1933 in the chalk of the Chiltern Hills to advertise Whipsnade Zoo. The lion is about 5 miles from the canal and we had a lovely clear view of it.

Church Lock was a delightful spot where we lingered a little before going on to expansive Grove Lock PH for much needed refreshments.

From here it wasn’t far to the Leighton Buzzard / Linslade conurbation and the end of this walk. This weekend there is a canal festival here and some participating boats were already moored at their allotted spot and selling their wares.  

Overall, ramble No 9 was delightful; a lovely day, a picturesque stretch of canal and good company. A slight mar to the day was that I twisted my ankle so I have to rest today. We saw what we think is a dead crayfish (without pincers) floating in the water but have been unable to find out whether it is native or one of the invading species.