Sunshine at Southcote moorings on the K&A

Monday, 20 June 2011 11:55

Burghfield Mill can just be seen from the river and was once a water mill, now it is apartments.

River Kennet around Burghfield

Burghfield Lock is now rebuilt, but the remains of the turf sides can be seen below it. I remember it as an "awkward" lock with the lock landing above at an angle to the top gates.

Burghfield Lock from below

Passing The Cunning Man, supposedly named after a local wizard, the "Cunning Man of Tadley" who lived in Georgian times, we came to Burghfield Bridge.

The Cunning Man and moorings

The bridge was a narrow wooden affair in the C13th, later widened to take horses and carts. After a dispute about who was to pay for repair, the cost was split between two prominent de Burghfield cousins. It was first built of stone in Tudor times, a minor battle was fought at the bridge in 1643 and by September of that year the bridge was no more.

The current bridge has three arches and is built of red brick and grey stone blocks

Immediately beyond is Burghfield Boat Club and the extensive Southcote moorings, managed by Kennet Cruises. The club is on an island and the moorings are both on the river and in a lay-by the other side of the island.

Southcote on-line moorings

We had dodged the rain showers and arrived at our Burghfield mooring in brilliant sunshine.

Kennet Navigation, Theale to Burghfield
1 hour 58 minutes, 2.69 miles, 3 locks