Cruising the Kennet and Avon Canal, a step back in time?

Sunday, 08 May 2011 17:36

We are looking forward to the next few weeks. It will be a bit of a nostalgia trip as we berthed Epiphany at Devizes Marina from her launch until March 2008. We began living on her in the marina in April 2007 and then moved to Pewsey, "on the cut" in March 2008, before setting off continually cruising at the end of August 2008.

Epiphany at Devizes Marina, you cna see why we decided that marina living was not for us!

So what have we to look forward to? .....

In the immediate future we will arrive at Towney Bridge and Lock (97). I wonder if there will be so much water this time?

Towney Bridge and Lock from below

The K and A has many swing bridges - some electrified, some manual and some that used to be very hard to open. We met this boat with the great dane at Padworth Swing Bridge, near Aldermaston.

"This is my boat - trespass if you dare"

The swing bridge at Aldermaston is in very close proximity to the lock and preferably needs opening before exiting or entering the lock.

Aldermaston Swing Bridge and Lock

We will be looking out for familiar narrowboats, traditional boats and trip boats and hope to renew friendships with those we knew well.

Trad pair Gosport and Bascote

We will be encountering another scalloped lock, another turf lock and hoping not to have a "nasty" moment when we reach Woolhampton and cross the River Kennet. You will have to wait and see .....