The canal was constructed to provide a link from the Midlands to Oxford and then, via the River Thames, to London. The canal received approval in 1769 and was originally in the hands of James Brindley and, after he died in 1772, his assistant, Samuel Simcock oversaw the completion of the first section to Napton. In 1778 the second section reached Banbury and the canal was finally completed in 1790. It proved to be a popular route to London until the Grand Union, a much shorter route, was completed in 1805.
From Napton, the canal winds around the hill and ascends through a series of locks towards Marston Doles and then follows a winding route, running westward and doubling back on itself before approaching Fenny Compton and entering a cutting which was a tunnel. After Claydon locks the Oxford runs to Cropredy, described elsewhere and worth a stop, and continues through the valley of the River Cherwell towards Banbury where you will find a full range of facilities and good shopping.
From Banbury the canal follows the river and is close to the M40, the motorway crosses the canal at Bridge 183 and shortly after the railway runs parallel to the canal for some distance. Open countryside accompanies the journey south following the Cherwell and close to Tackley enters a wooded area and the canal again follows a winding course as it reaches Kidlington, running to the west of the area and on to the centre of Oxford.
The Thames can be joined to the north of the city at Dukes Cut or close to the centre is Isis Lock providing a second access whilst the canal continues south for a few hundred yards to its terminus where there are moorings.
|
