Day 12 started at bridge 2 of the Grand Union Canal, just a few feet from our glamp. This is a broad canal, unlike the others we have walked along which were narrow canals. These broad canals were the motorways of their age. It meant that when I got to Braunston Tunnel, a mile further on, two boats, one in each direction could go through the tunnel at the same time.
But not people. Walkers have to take a route over the tunnel. I met another walker and we chatted on the path to Daventry. It was clear my path had been diverted by some housing developments but I eventually found my way back to the tunnel exit and onto Long Buckby Wharf.
Bob had by now walked further on and I caught him up at Gayton, bridge 47, where there is a small car park. There was an unexpected sighting of a terrapin in the canal.
We stopped at the Old Dairy Farm for cake on the way back, and I later walked to the boat shop at bridge 2 for some shopping.
We met our host and chatted over the gate. It’s been a lovely place to stay. I don’t usually make recommendations but this one is super.
The broad way is not recommended to followers of The Way, but in this instance it is the broad canal that leads to our eventual destination.
The Rule says ‘be encouraged’ and I am.
From my remembered bible: it’s the narrow way that leads to life.
Lead me.
From Friend of Scholastica and a Member of the Lay Community of St Benedict.
Janet Lees, Braunston to Gayton, 05.05.2022.