Coy Carp to Denham 20/09/2020

The Coy Carp to Denham and back for birthday lunch 

It was my friend Sue's birthday on the 20th and mine the next day. We often celebrate our birthdays together, but didn't really know what to do this year. The weather had been good and we were back into our walks and so we decided, rather than go litter-picking as had been loosely suggested (for our birthdays? Really?), we would drive to the Coy Carp at Harefield, book lunch and then walk along the canal for as far as we could before needing to head back for food. 

The pub was open, but not open, if you know what I mean. We were told to download the app and book online, so we retreated to the garden and did just that. We had about three hours to walk and return. 

We really hadn't gone far along the canal before we came across a bridge under which the canal over-flowed off towards an unusual rectangular weir and on into green lushness. And then just a little further on, we traversed a rather splendid, very arched bridge (no 177A) spanning what is the Troy Cut. Researching this later, I discovered that this 1,000 yard branch off the canal was built to serve Troy Mill. When milling ceased, the cut was used to ship sand and gravel from nearby pits. It was in one such pit in the 1950s that the British Transport Commission, who then ran the canal network, scuttled many redundant narrow boats. It was discovered that at least 24 boats had been sunk, but further research by others suggests that up to 50 lie rotting in this watery grave. Such a shame. 

However, we didn't know this at the time, so back to the walk. It was turning into a beautiful day and there were lots of people and boats about. All very colourful. And some of the properties along the route are rather eye-catching to say the least. Our next port of call was Black Jack's Mill, another picturesque canalside property that has a history attached. It's a Victorian property built in 1840 between the River Colne and the canal and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Once a flour mill (on same site as this), it was once operated by an eponymous miller who was so-called because of his ill treatment of his donkey. It has been used as a television location for many programmes including Dr Who and, of course, Midsomer Murders and is now a B&B and home to 'Jack's Mill Pantry'. Unfortunately it wasn't open this weekend for whatever reason, but that was O.K. So, more photos and we bimbled on.

The next stretch took us under bridge 179 with graffitied supports and a barrier on top preventing crossing. (Intrigued, I later found out that it was originally built for the convenience of Broadwater Farm, but a change of land ownership caused it to become disused and blocked off - photo in gallery). Beyond the tree line on the right and a narrow road, is Broadwater Lake, a nature reserve used for sailing and fishing. Like most of the lakes in the Colne Valley, they were former sand and gravel pits and through pretty much all of them runs the River Colne. Every so often we could glimpse sail out on the blue water, but closer to hand, the canal ran on and very soon we reached Widewater Lock. The lock keeper's cottage here is quite plain, so we didn't stop other than to take a photo and carried on past the Horse and Barge pub and then, over to the left, the canal opened out into Harefield Marina. We watched a narrow boat manoeuvring in and took a succession of photos as we walked. 

It was shortly after that, with the sun burning down and the day getting pretty hot, that we came across a boat called Dilligaf, one of the most extraordinary boats I have ever seen. It was covered in all manner of weird and wonderful things. The roof was mainly a garden with a variety of ornaments and objects, but then there were so many other things crammed onto it that you should really look at the photos in the gallery to get an idea, though I'll post one here. 

Turns out the boat is owned by a German chap called Dirk and is quite well known. Only today I found out what Dilligaf means. Oh, you want to know? "Do I Look Like I Give a F**K". Go on. You have to smile. 

With one eye on the watch, we didn't go too much further. About half way between the marina and the railway, we did an about-turn and began the walk back. Dirk was by his boat watering his plants and we stopped to say hello. One of the things attached to the side of the boat is a large mirror, so of course we had to have a birthday selfie. The canal was still busy with boats coming towards us and boats going the other way. We ended up following a boat called Sage as it made it's way in our direction. But there was one boat on the far side of the canal that was in a sorry state. Looked to be abandoned and pretty derelict, but made for a couple of interesting photos. By the time we reached Black Jack's Mill, Sage was going through the lock and Sue wanted to take a photo of me by it. The reason being, when she/we are on holiday, she writes a holiday Blog in which I am the "Village Sage", so there is now a record of it. 

We reached the Coy Carp in perfect time and were shown to our table. A large soda and lime was just the thing to cool down and then we decided we'd both have a roast dinner. And it was pretty scrummy, I have to say. Being our birthdays we also had to have dessert. And being Sunday and following on from a roast dinner, I had rhubarb and blackberry crumble with ice cream.  Such a long time since I'd had Sunday roast. 

The problem when you walk any distance and then sit for a while, is that you seize up. Well I do. It's my foot that causes the real problem and it takes a while to get going again, but get going we did and took a little stroll along passed Coppermill Lock. The kayakers had finished for the day, which was a shame as I would have liked to get some photos, but there was still traffic on the canal, including a couple in a canoe. Once again the properties canalside were rather swish. We paused to take some pics of the Hillingdon Narrowboat Association repair shop where several boats were moored up, including one I'd seen a little while ago named "The Slowness of Cows". What a great name. Then we sat on a bench and did nothing for some minutes. There was a certain air to the afternoon. It was full of interest, but relaxing and I tried to put it into words. A bit difficult. Looking back at the Coy Carp on the other side of the bridge, it felt very rural or rustic. Almost like being in another time, another era. 

Finally we went back to the car and drove home, Sue stopping for a cup of tea before she finally went. What a lovely day it had been. One that stays with you. 

Happy Birthday to us!