Theale to Reading

Finished our great trip on the Kennet and Avon, got through the strong currents, back to Reading to start our journey to London.

High Bridge (1787). Tight squeeze through Reading

 

Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory, who used to employ 6,000 people, now converted to flats

Woolhampton – Theale

Spent a nice weekend in Woolhampton along with Pip and Rog’s friends Richard and Chrissy, who came over to show off their new boat Steliskir. Had a nice afternoon on the towpath drinking and chatting and a lovely evening meal in the Row Barge. Set off Sunday morning with the daunting start of the lock and electric bridge and a strong cross current, but all went well. Managed to find good moorings on the river just before Theale with the opposite view across a lake.

Leaving Woolhampton lock with the electric swing bridge set ahead

 

Leaving Aldermaston lock approaching another electric lift bridge

Passing through Aldermaston lift bridge

Cheers, Happy Father’s Day

Our patio for the evening, time for another bbq

Cassie cooling off

Newbury – Thatcham – Woolhampton

We could remember the strong currents on the way through the centre of Newbury, and as we are now cruising with the flow we thought it would be worse on the way back, but we had nothing to worry about and managed the lock/bridges without any problems. Stopping for diesel at the Pit Stop, Greenham Island we left Newbury behind us and moored overnight at Thatcham. The weather was scorching so of course we had to have another bbq. Only a short cruise today to moor at Woolhampton, where we will probably re-visit the Row Barge.

Monkey Marsh, turf sided lock. The vegetation has certainly grown in comparison to the first photo we took.

Hungerford – Kintbury – Newbury

Before leaving Hungerford we had a roam around the numerous antique shops and found a must have buy, a stoneware flaggon showing our surname.

Had a short cruise on to Kintbury, where we saw the horse drawn trip boat again. Next day we moved on to Newbury and of course made a re-visit to Griffin butchers.

 

West Mills Wharf, Newbury

Crofton – Great Bedwyn – Hungerford

Spent two nights moored at Great Bedwyn, which was another lovely village which we didn’t get to see on our outward journey. But felt a little cut off as there was no phone/internet signal. Then had a good day cruising to Hungerford, after 10 difficult locks, in much need of some tlc (money spending on them), we moored above Hungerford lock near the church, where we plan to stay until Tuesday to give us time to replenish supplies.

Bulls welcome us to Hungerford Marsh Lock

Wooton Rivers To Crofton

Travelled to the summit and through Bruce tunnel, all locks are now downhill back to Reading. Moored early at Crofton and visited the pumping station, which houses two Cornish beam engines, the oldest dating from 1812. The two engines can lift two tons of water to the summit at every stroke, until 1959 when they were replaced with first a diesel pump and then an electric one.  Unfortunately we missed it in steam, but it was still well worth a visit. From there we did a circular walk, part of an old Roman Road and around Wilton Reservoir passing Wilton Windmill.

 

Crofton Pumping Station

A view from the pumping station, just catching the passing train.

Wilton village duck pond

Devises to Wooton Rivers

From leaving Devises our original plan was to moor at All Cannings, but both there and Honey Street were completely full. At the end of a wet day we found moorings at Pewsey. Which were no better, in fact worse than the first time we moored there. We had to make use of the plank, as the stern was 3ft from the bank and the bow was sticking out 6ft from the bank.

We were back in luck today and found moorings where we had planned at Wooton Rivers. Which is a lovely picturesque thatched village with a 13th century church which is home to the George V Coronation Clock, made out of scrap metal and the words “Glory be to God” instead of numbers. Also a very nice 16th century pub made of weatherboarding and thatch.

Wooton Rivers lock

Lock gates in poor condition

Glory be to God instead of numbers

St. Andrew’s 13th century church, Wooton Rivers

 

The Royal Oak, 16th century inn