Into a Brand New Marina.

Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th June 2019 at North Kilworth.
"Hadar" is a beautiful traditional working boat on her way to the Historic Boats Rally at Braunston. We were surprised to hear from her crew that she is not permitted to moor as part of the rally because she is not an "original", so she must moor outside Braunston. A shame because she really looks the part, as do her crew.

Before we set off, we went for a cuppa with the nice ladies at Totty Teas next to the wharf.

Inside they have tables and chairs, but also a comfortable sofa that feels just like you are visiting their living room. Delightful!

The weather improved as we made our way back to the main canal and continued up towards North Kilworth. We moored up just a few hundred yards from the marina.

We walked up to the marina to introduce ourselves and to reconnoitre for tommorow when we will bring MM in there for a week while we go home.

This very stylish marina only opened this spring and the facilities buildings, though impressive, are still unfinished.

The following morning the view from the stern was a classic picture postcard scene.

We set off early as we wanted to catch the bus into Market Harborough, and it only runs every two hours - so we didn't want to miss it! The entrance to the marina is very impressive with their initials and the date in the bridge front.

The facilities building already has four wet engineering bays and the plan is to construct another building with four land bays, so the engineering facilities are impressive.

As the marina only opened recently, there is plenty of space still. Most of the pontoons are double length, so that they can each hold two narrowboats. R was given his pick of which space to back into.

We were soon moored up and ready to walk to the bus stop, which is right outside the marina gate.

It couldn't be more convenient. R had found an very good way way home on the train with only a single change in Bedford to take us all the way from Market Harborough to Redhill in just two and a half hours.
We are planning to be back on the 28th to continue our travels, so watch this space.
Two Days: 2 miles, 1 lock and 2.6 hours.
Trip: 117 miles, 42 locks and 63.1 hours. -