Return journey to Reading

Only going to have a few pictures on the return journey, most were covered on the way. Although we are trying to stop at a few different places. The first being Bathampton where we visited the George Inn, a very old pub predating the canal. As the weather was still glorious we couldn’t resist mooring at Dundas again for a bbq. The bank holiday weekend was upon us, we thought it might be busy so we holed up at Bradford on Avon. Unfortunately the weather changed, typical rain for a bank holiday. Leaving later today for Hilperton, where we are booked in for an engine service Tuesday morning at the Boat Yard.

The George Inn, Bathampton

Bath

After an exhausting day in the scorching heat, time for a cold drink and rest before we went out for our evening meal. Where we found a very nice authentic Italian restaurant called Vitos finishing the day off watching the second half of the England game in the pub garden on the way back to the boat.

Pulteney Bridge at night

Time to leave

Bath

We spent the morning visiting the Thermae Bath Spa, it is a combination of the old and the new, bathing in naturally warm, mineral rich waters. The open air rooftop pool gives spectacular views over the city of Bath and the surrounding hills. There was also the thermal Minerva Bath, with grand columns and flowing curves and the steam rooms all adding to a very enjoyable visit.

Thermal Spa

In the afternoon we visited the Roman Baths. The remains of one of the finest spas of the ancient world and ruins of the temple of Minerva. Where people bathed nearly 2000 years ago.

 

Claire and Jason

  Then strolling around Bath we took pictures of the Abbey, The Circus and the Royal Crescent.

Bath Abbey

The Circus

The Royal Crescent

Hanham Lock to Bath

Left the mooring at Hanham Lock in beautiful sunshine to get to Bath to meet Claire and Jason, who were visiting for a few days. The moorings at Pulteney Bridge couldn’t have been better and was well worth spending £16 for two nights as they were so central for visiting Bath and all the tourist haunts.

Preparing to leave moorings, looks like another scorcher of a day

Heading towards Bath

Moorings at Pulteney Bridge, Bath

 

Serenity and Windsong moored at Pulteney Bridge. What a fantastic view.

Bristol to Hanham Lock

Seemed a shame to have to leave Bristol, but we are now on our return journey of the K & A.

  Netham Lock, leaving Bristol – waved goodbye to the very helpful lock-keeper

Hanham lock – No.1 – only another 106 back to Reading

 

Moorings, but which pub to choose, The Old Lock & Weir or The Chequers? May have to try both

Thatchers ‘slush’ cider, going down nicely – empty glasses, time for a refill.

Bristol

Scenery changed again on the run into Bristol, it was heavily wooded on both sides as we continued through the valley. Smells of chocolate as we passed the Cadbury’s factory at Keynsham.   Hanham lock completes the 107 locks on the K & A. From here it is now tidal to Netham lock and we have to phone ahead and book in with the lock keeper for entry into Bristol harbour. We have to stop at Netham lock to get a licence and entry into the harbour at £40 for two nights. Which was well worth the visit and anyone visiting Bristol, the SS Great Britain is highly recommended.

 

  Entering Bristol

Having going under a very low bridge, we are now in the floating harbour

The Matthew

Serenity & Windsong moored at Porto Quay

Can you spot our boats in the middle distance

Clifton suspension bridge, tide out

Nice moorings at Porto Quay, opposite SS Great Britain

Total lock count: 214

Dundas to Bitton

Left Dundas passing Claverton pumping station, hopefully will have photos on our return journey. Took on water at Bathampton, the George Inn certainly looked well worth a visit on our way back. Moored above Sydney Gardens in Bath, had a walk along the towpath, but planned leaving the tourist sites until our return. Departing Bath we have to go through the deepest broad lock on the system, nearly  20ft deep. After leaving Bath bottom lock we join the river Avon towards Bristol.

Heading towards Bath

 

Sydney Gardens Tunnel

Cleveland House Tunnel

Bath Locks

Bath Top Lock Cottage

A long way down in Bath Deep Lock

Leaving Bath Deep Lock

Now on the River Avon

Former Brass Works, Saltford Lock

One of the many weirs now we are back on the river. This one at Swineford Lock

Nice moorings found at Bitton, time for bbq and drinks. Note the height of the flood poles.

Bradford Lock to Dundas Aqueduct

Cruised from Bradford on Avon through beautiful countryside, one side high woods with masses of wild garlic and the other the Limpley Stoke Valley with the River Avon and the railway running alongside. Passed over the Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueducts and had a walk down to Brassknocker Basin at the junction of the Somerset Coal Canal.

Approaching Avoncliff aqueduct

Windsong entering Avoncliff aqueduct

Dundas Aqueduct, built 1805

1920 classic

 

View from Dundas Aqueduct