Back to Father Thames

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 10:38

The Oracle Riverside on the River Kennet in Reading has developed into a “social space” over the years and at weekends can be very busy, especially in fine weather.

Note the vue...

We have sat in cafés and sampled the shops, but never seen any activity at the amphitheatre! The best way to see it is by boat …...

Looking behind us

Once through High Bridge and past the “one way system”, controlled by the traffic lights, the turn onto Forbury Loop (or Abbey Loop or Reading Gaol Loop depending on your preference!) is on the left. Apartments rise high over the navigation – desirable residences I am sure.

Apartments and willows

The River Kennet has been navigable from High Bridge to its confluence with the River Thames since the C13th. Then it was lined with wharves, serving the town and Reading Abbey. It was under the control of the Abbey; now it is administered by the Environment Agency.

High Bridge

St James Wharf - On the left, the location of Bejam where I worked 36 years ago

Dominating it all is the new Blade – they were washing the windows as we passed; not a job for anyone with vertigo!

The Blade

We were not going to linger in Reading and so avoided the loop with its good moorings and carried on past more apartments. Reading was once famous and smelly due to the Huntley and Palmers factory, right by the river. At times the smell was very appetising though! All that remains is the façade of the old factory.

Huntley and Palmers, front and back!

Just before Blakes Lock is the other end of Forbury Loop and the large weir that once supplied the steam pumps. Blakes Lock is an oasis – the bushes and gardens look well tended but there is never a lock keeper here!

In Blakes Lock - this was the only sign we have seen warning about Aldermaston's bridge closure - but it's out of date!

Kennet Mouth is pretty soon after the lock, approached under Brunel's Railway Bridge and footbridges. We had been looking forward to this – the River Thames stretching before us. In the sunshine it looked so good!

River Thames towards Caversham Lock from Kennet Mouth

We had enjoyed our time on the Kennet and Avon Canal; it was not as difficult as we had been led to expect. Yes, there was some overgrowth of bushes and trees, yes some of the lock gates are heavy and the paddles are stiff, yes it can be difficult to moor unless a plank is used but ....

On balance, it is no worse than any other canal is these days of lack or money, lack of maintenance, and non understanding of boaters needs.

Now, we knew which way were we were going to turn onto the River Thames – but can you guess?