Autumn Myst: Crick for Lunch–Thursday 24th September

Once again the sun was shining as we left our over night mooring and headed towards the Crick Tunnel. As we turned through bridge 10 and entered the tunnel so another boat entered from the other end, just his headlight showing in the distance. We must have been travelling at the same speed because we met virtually in the middle of the tunnel 750yds in.

Once through we headed for the water point but were just beaten to it by a Canal Time boat with 3 Aussies on board, so decided to go through the bridge and moor up for the day. My sister and Brother in law were coming over to see us and we had arranged to go out for lunch. Before they arrived we called at the village shop for a few essentials and for Tiana to get her daily fix of fuss from the owners. We went to the Moorings beside bridge 12 which was very busy with customers, usually a good sign, and we were not disappointed as we all had excellent meals at a very reasonable price. Would recommend a visit if you are in Crick.

Next door to the restaurant is ABNB boat sales moorings with lots of boats for sale.

We returned to the boat for coffee and a chat after which Jean and Graham left to beat the rush hour traffic. A little later Tiana and I went for our usual exploration walk up the canal passing the entrance to Crick marina where the Annual Crick Boat Show is held, it looked very different from when the show is on.

At the side of the canal near to Bridge 13 local volunteers have planted 3 areas of woodland in 2013/14 know as Crick Jubilee Woods. The 3 distinct areas are Under Crick Hill, Brims Hill, and Warm Brook and although nice areas now will be even better as the trees mature.

We then crossed the canal and walked up Crack’s Hill, a glacial outcrop from which Crick takes its name. It is quite steep from this point and is riddled with rabbit holes which have eroded the hillside. At the top is a Beacon and a Trig point with a plaque pointing out the distant objects. This was donated by the villagers of Crick and Yelvertoft on the reinstatement of the foot bridge No. 14.

Rabbit holes eroding the hillside

From the top of the hill there are some magnificent views over the countryside, with Rugby Cement works clearly visible as are Yelvertoft and Crick Marinas.