A. From the lay-by, carry craft along the left-hand side of the B4100, through a gate to the canal and launch just above the lock.

B. The canal passes under the first of many lift bridges, typical of the south part of the Oxford Canal. After a mile is the first M40 Bridge, but most of the scenery is rural, steep banks and trees on the left, flat grass fields and the River Cherwell on the right.

C. The first portage is at Kings Sutton Lock, a narrow twisty path close to the lock cottage. This is seriously remote, the only access other than the towpath being a narrow stony track a mile long. Kings Sutton railway station and the elegant church spire can be seen on the right, but there is no easy way to reach them.

D. A bit under a mile further on is Twyford Wharf, which has road access and limited parking.

E. Then comes Grants Lock (portage right), the M40 again and the southern approaches to Banbury. Look out for Roe Deer in the fields on the left; they are quite common round here.

F. Where the land flattens out on the left is Bankside Park, a good picnic spot, especially under the two huge weeping willow trees. Cool and peaceful on a hot sunny day.

G. Tramway Bridge, number 168, is handy for Morrison’s supermarket. Then follows half a mile of industry; Swan Foundry on the left, light industrial units on the right, walls topped with razor wire and broken glass, and in amongst it, a nice terrace of modern houses, the Sea Scouts and a kids’ nursery.

H. After bridge 166 is Banbury Lock. Land left to portage or right to stop at the Mill Arts Centre, which serves food and drinks. Banbury Lock is 5.5 miles from Nell Bridge and 4.5 miles from Cropredy.

I. On the left, above the lock, buried in a shopping centre, is a fascinating piece of canal history. Tooley’s Boatyard, a dry dock in a giant glass case. On the right is Spiceball Country Park, on the left the source of the best smell in Banbury: Fine Lady Bakeries.

J. Pass under and alongside two busy main roads, and then the canal bends to the right into the countryside.

K. On the right before the railway bridge and Hardwick Lock is Grimsbury Plantation, a nature reserve. Watch for kingfishers from here onwards.

L. Just above the lock you pass under the M40 for the last time and the canal becomes more peaceful. On this stretch you may encounter members of Banbury and District Canoe Club out training. There are two more locks to portage, the club is on the left immediately after Bridge 153.