Braunston Turn.
The iconic junction in the Midlands.
Heading south from Rugby, we have arrived at the famous Braunston Turn. An iconic junction, made more famous by the annual working boat rally.During the rally, boats turn around here. Coming from the canal to the left of the bridges, they go forwards under the first, then reverse back through the second. Testing helmsmanship to the extreme, with the vast crowds watching.
As a junction, is it both interesting and unusual. Behind the camera, the canal heads towards Rugby and Coventry as the narrow Oxford Canal. Although, the first section is not entirely narrow, as wide beam boats can navigate at least some of the way to Hillmorton.
To the left of Braunston Turn, it is the Grand Union Canal. This then goes up a flight of locks, through a tunnel, to another junction with the Leicester Arm before heading down to London.
Going under the bridges takes you onto both the Grand Union AND the Oxford Canals! The two share the line to Napton Junction, where the Oxford heads off south to Oxford (and thence to London via the Thames), whilst the Grand Union makes its way to Birmingham.
In fact, originally the Oxford Canal took a rather more meandering route. Little evidence of this remains today, although a small part remains as the wet dock in Braunston Marina, and by looking closely as you cruise past, it is possible to see a couple of sections either side of the new route which are still in water.
This shot of Braunston Turn has been given some HDR treatment. This has enhanced the moodiness of the sky and clouds.
Photograph Details:
- Taken: 28 November 2017
- Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
- Lens: Canon EF 16-35mm 1:4 L IS USM
- Focal Length 16mm
- F/5.6
- 1/80 Sec
- ISO 100