Oxford Canal Walk - Fenny Compton

 Fenny Compton Wharf  is a major waterways place on the Oxford Canal (southern section, main-line). We are 8 miles north of Banbury and 7 miles south of Southam.Only about a third (at the most)  of the walk today will be on the canal. A fairly shortish walk of about 7.5 miles which will be in a clockwise direction and take us down to Farnborough. Then back to Fenny Compton and back up to the Wharf. 

Fenny Compton Marina

Fenny Marina has been a treasured boating haven since the 1970s.The village hall gas gained fame from being where the Post Office scandal battle began. It is here where between 30 and 40 ex sub-postmasters and mistresses met for the first time one Sunday in 2009 - a gathering that led to the creation of the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance (JFSA) campaign group.  

Wormleighton Reservoir

It is another very hot day. I'm struggling to remember when we last saw any rain. We pass 'Wormleighton Reservoir' which does look very tempting for a cool off. A canal reservoir, dating from the Imperial period, and used to maintain the water level of the Oxford Canal. It was marked on the Ordnance Survey map of 1886, and is located 2km south of Wormleighton. Farnborough is a small but very pretty village on the edge of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is right on the border of Warwickshire. It has it's own village hall too of course. As well as a few interesting signs and landmarks. 

 

Bridge 135

Owl carving in Farnborough

We have also picked up the D'Arcy Dalton Way.named after the late Col. W. P. D'Arcy Dalton who worked for over half a century to preserve rights of way in Oxfordshire.It links four major paths that cross Oxfordshire: Oxford Canal Walk, Oxfordshire Way, Thames Path and Ridgeway, following roughly the western boundary of Oxfordshire in unspoilt countryside. 

Looking back towards Farnborough

So much for Englands green and pleasant land. It is a parched landscape we see before us. The warming planet (global warming) is a real problem and not something that can be readily solved. Things are only going to get worse unfortunately. A little oasis under an Oak tree does provide some relief for the local sheep population. Amazingly much of the wheat has already been harvested and it is only mid July. I can't imagine the yield will be great though? We do come across one poor Sheep struggling against the fence in the heat. Breathing very heavy and clearly in discomfort.

St Peter & St Clare Church Fenny Compton

As we head cross country back to Fenny Compton we pass the local Church. Built in the 13th century and is Grade II listed. There is a lovely surrounding Butterfly meadow which is very active.  

Ducklings

A couple of photos from the canal path to finish off. Walking on the canal is always interesting, always something to see. Plenty of wildlife, just like the Mother Duck protecting her large brood of Ducklings. Canal folk and communities seem to have life sorted at their pacen and seem pretty chilled out. 

A very enjoyable walk despite the heat. I t a Beer stop will be required on the journey home!.