Like those who’ve commented on my last post, I wasn’t aware that there was likely to be any particular public order problem going through Reading, and indeed there wasn’t. On the other hand, setting off from Sonning at seven meant that we got through the centre before any other boats were moving, and that we arrived at the visitor moorings at Sheffield just on twelve, in nice time for lunch, and when there was plenty of room. They’ve filled up now, not that there's a lot of space to start with, of course.
First impressions of the K&A: I can see why people get put off by the eastern end, but the locks weren’t as heavy as we’d been led to expect.
On the other hand, the standard of maintenance leaves a lot to be desired, both in terms of vegetation obstructing the channel and general wear and tear. It’s not an unattractive waterway, though, and we’re told it will get a lot better.
I certainly wouldn't want to navigate it when there's a lot of fresh in the Kennet, mind.
We plan to amble our way along to Bath over the course of the next couple of weeks, and then amble back. Alan and Dot off Priston have been a hugely valuable source of help and advice. As I said last time, they moor at Honey Street, and live near Bath, so it’s from the horses mouth stuff. They confirmed our suspicion that the run from Bath to Bristol wasn’t worth the effort, and the cost of mooring in the Floating Harbour; I think we’ll probably stop above Bath Deep Lock, this trip.
6 comments:
If I'd gone all that way down the K&A, there's no way I'd miss out on Bristol, even if only for completeness! Not to mention that Bristol is a great city, and the floating harbour is really quite special.
We did the K&A just before Easter from Hilperton to Bath and had rain, sleet, wind and a bit of sunshine, even a Body, all in 4 days, Bath was terrific and you will never be short of a copy of the big issue. Great boat by the way, we saw you at Crick, still waiting for a price from Braidbar. regards Ian and Janet Smith
I wouldn't discount the Bristol Harbour trip. I grant you that there are very few mooring spots between Bath and the harbour but you get to chug through the Avon Gorge and emerging into the Floating Harbour is quite impressive. Even if you only stay one night you have the novelty of meandering past the 'Great Britain' and the 'Matthew' [if its home] and enjoy the wide-open spaces. The Avon does come up quickly if it rains hard but the harbour authorities have in the past waived their fee for us when we were unable to go upstream.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the Caen Hill flight is closed until further notice due to damage to gates at the lower lock, caused I am told by a private boater. The boatyard who told me are anticipating a problem for a couple of weeks. Hope they are wrong as we are on the Bath side. Looks as though we shall definitely be taking the trip into Bristol. Keep an eye on "stoppages"
I'll just add a vote in favour of Bristol - the Avon from Bath to Bristol is cool, shady and attractive and the floating harbour is terrific. I can't argue with the cost but I think that a day or two to explore the city is well worth it.
Sorry to hear about Caen Hill though - that's a blow during peak cruising time (and peak weather at the moment!).
Sue, Indigo Dream
Lovely to meet you both, finally! A friend of mine is currently waiting to go up Caen Hill on nb Futerist. Do pass on a friendly wave from me if you see him!
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