Saturday 11^th May; Leaving Thatcham at 08.40 we made for our first lock of the day and this one was different as it was a grass banked lock. The lower part being the standard width of a double lock and above this is a steel frame with open side’s sloping up to the top. The first part fills quite quickly, however as it opens out the filling slows down a lot, taking some time before it is ready to leave.

From here we had a further four locks and two swing bridges before we arrived at our mooring in Newbury, just a short run of around 3.5miles. Passing some reed beds which lined the canal side, and wooded raveins offering outstanding beauty. In places you are on the Kennet River with its fast flowing water, although the amount of river is now dwindling and turning more and more into canal.

With only the 3.5miles of travelling today we soon were on the outskirts of Newbury and searching out a good mooring for us to spend a couple of days exploring the shops in the town.

 Pointing at our chosen mooring

 K&A Trust building and cafe

The weather this weekend is still changeable with a cold wind and showers.

 

Monday 13^th; another overcast day with a cold wind, but we have had some glorious sunshine and a couple of showers. We left our mooring on the park and headed up the narrow river on its way through the town and its arched bridge pushing against a heavy flow of water right up to the lock gates.

 Looking back through the lock gates

Note the speed of the river

 

From here we made our way out of the town with the main A34 trunk road bridge ahead of us, and for me this is a bit of a milestone having driven the road many times and seen Higg’s Lock from the bridge, wondering just where the canal went. Now I know, it’s the K&A and a strange treat for me (weird or what).

 

Now heading out into the countryside and making for Kintbury which offers all facilities and a good mooring for the night before heading into Hungerford. Eight locks and just the one swing bridge, and the locks seem to come thick and fast in our short 5mile journey.

 I know you are there Sally