Onwards to Newbury

Monday, 16 May 2011 12:00

Our 48 hours were up at Woolhampton and we needed to move. We had a number of locks and  three swing bridges to do before we arrived at Newbury. Oxlease swing bridge was the first of the day.

Quickly followed by Old Heale's Lock

The locks are fairly evenly spaced so John was not worked too hard .....

This stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal was restored by a consortium of county and district councils, together with BW, the K and A Trust. Manpower Services (now defunct, but maybe something like it should be revived to create jobs) were involved too, giving opportunities to young unemployed people.

Cranwell's swing bridge heralds a pretty section before the industry of Colthrop closes in.

Cranwell's swing bridge - John takes a rest!

The verdant towpaths are lined with yellow flags - a feature I remember well from our spring times on the K and A in 2007/8.

Yellow flags

The pound between the swing bridge and Midgham Lock has what was once the lock cottage half way along it. It is named "Lock Cottage" but does not welcome enquiries about the lock or swing bridge as it is now in private hands!

Lock Cottage

Midgham Lock was one of the few locks that did not need restoration, but the bridge below it is a new-build (mid 1980s).

Gravel pit workings

The canal is lined by gravel pits, old and current. The old ones looked as if they were being turned into fishing ponds, with occasional channels to the canal ready to connect.

These cottages appear out of nowhere and look rather incongruous amongst the pits and industry.

Canalside cottages at Colthrop Lock

I loved this sign on one of the cottages!

I wonder how many hippies are left today and whether they would be bothered to walk around the row of cottages anyway. "Cool man"

Now the scenery changed as we approached Newbury .....