The route on the North Oxford canal is straighter than her ‘sister’ South Oxford Canal due to works carried out in the mid 1800’s to quicken the route to London. The journey to Hawkesbury takes you through rolling countryside with its ridge and furrow fields skirting Rugby. The The Waterside Pub on the outskirts of Hillmorton, a family orientated pub with a garden and a play area for children is about 3 hours away. Mooring here you can walk to a few other pubs and the Co-op shop. If you enjoy in a curry continue to the next bridge ‘72’ then walk under the railway bridge where you will find the Exotica Bengal Spice next to a newsagent. Continuing your journey, you will reach the unusual pairs of three locks nestled in a small community appropriately called ‘The Locks’ with its 13th century church. A short distance on, just before the small tunnel at Newbold, is The Barley Mow pub. Over the road you will find a Co-op and a fish and chip shop. Once through Newbold Tunnel you are in open countryside again where you can either cruise past All Oaks Wood or stop for a stroll. The walk from bridge ‘34’ into Brinklow village will reward you with a choice of 3 pubs or a lunch at Pumpkins Deli. Travelling further along the canal, at bridge ‘14’ there is the Rose and Castle pub from there you soon arrive at Hawkesbury Junction with its shallow lock and famous pub The Greyhound.