We are back on the Thames again in Oxford, but this time via Sheepwash Channel rather than Dukes Cut. After using the facilities a final time at Thrupp, we headed off for the final 5 narrow locks. Most of the traffic had been coming the other way, so the locks were in our favour, even if the swing bridges weren’t.

One thing that can catch you out are the stop locks. In case of a canal breach planks can be inserted to restrict water loss, but they are very narrow and frequently overgrown. As you do the final bit of tiller waggling the blackberry usually makes a grab.

As you enter Oxford there are a lot of residential moorings, along with the overgrown weeping willows and oncoming boats there is little room to manoeuvre.

After a few hours cruising we turned right thru Isis Lock onto the short Sheepwash Channel. Under some road and rail bridge, with very restricted headroom, and then a left onto the Thames and back to Osney Bridge moorings. Plenty of time for shopping

Tomorrow we will gradually head downstream towards the River Wey. As we are going with the current travelling times will be much shorter, but a laundry is required along with a little more sight seeing so plenty more to blog about.