Cosgrove and Iron Trunk Aqueduct
26th Nov – Moored Cosgrove, Grand Union Canal
Well one part of my plan of yesterday took place today, a stroll to the wonderful Iron Trunk Aquaduct which straddles the Great Ouse River.
Firstly this morning though a stroll around near to where the boat is moored. This fine bridge, Solomon’s Ornamental Bridge caught my eye.
I sat for a moment wondering who this Solomon chap must have been to have such a splendid bridge named after him. The brick work is awesome, made of sandstone, with these lovely ‘pillars’ on each side. Such a beautiful shape. This Solomon guy must have been pretty important I think! 
This delightful little alley actually goes under the canal, which you can see above. There is a road each side, and there is just enough room for a single person to get through. I guess that this was built for the very same reason told to me by Annie about the same type of alley under the Iron Trunk Aqueduct. “Sue, it’s for cows to get from field to field” Annie told me. Well those days are long gone now, and it is a handy route to the nearby Barley Mow pub.
There are moorings for pub visitors on the off side, but unfortunately there was a narrowboat moored there which didn’t look as if it had been moved for weeks. Pity, but the pub looked as though it didn’t really need canal visitors with muddy boots. I had gone there to enquire about Sunday lunch having missed last weeks at Blisworth, but once again found that what probably used to be a nice old pub had been turned into a major eating place. Sunday lunch was £6.99, a tad on the expensive side for us, have to wait and see when Sunday comes along whether I can resist not going! 
John was telling me in an email, that he had a very good Sunday lunch last week near Peartree Marina costing £4.25, now that sounds more like it. I must find out from John exactly where that was too. 
So walking the other way, on down past the lock a very straight piece of canal on a high embankment. I know this wasn’t the original route of the Grand Union at this point, and hope to trace that old route while we are here. I need to find more information as to exactly where it is before hand though.
The embankment continues to the Iron Trunk Aqueduct crossing the lovely Great Ouse. (See if you can spot the duck taking in the beautiful views to the south west!)
As I looked at the river gently running through I was thinking of next year, when possibly we would be cruising some of this river nearer the Wash as we venture to the Middle Levels. I remember when we were at Welford (Branch off the GU Leicester line), I walked across to where the River Avon had its source. It always pleases me to see a river in its infancy before later travelling along it as it swells and moves faster towards the sea.
On the southern bank of the River there is another of these ‘cattle thoroughfares’. This one is dated 1918, and there was just enough room for me to pass without having to duck, so me being a bit short, I would estimate the height was 5ft 2 ins………….. now I have given myself away! There was only just enough room this time to get through without touching the sides, and I could see Annie’s explanation being absolutely right, although Vic suggested a heavily pregnant cow would probably get stuck! 
Managed to get in a tesco order for deliver here tomorrow. I am doing the family Christmas puds this year, and have left it a little late, but I am sure they will taste good, just need a few ingredients from Mr Tesco to mix up a concoction that hopefully they will all enjoy…………. umm hope he remembers to put the brown ale on his van.
Sue
Updated 23rd January 2012
