Newbury to Thatcham

Another glorious day on the canal! Had a great trip to Thatcham. We set off with all of us on board as the Canal and River Trust volunteers kindly did the first lock for us so we could just pass through. The canal goes through the centre of Newbury.

We had to stop for water and fuel at the boat yard. We were quite surprised to see who was aboard this boat!

It took ages to get water. Whilst waiting I got chatting to a couple of guys about the waterpoints as the map doesn't show any until Aldermaston. However they reckoned there is one after the swing bridge at Woolhampton so we will see! The boatyard unbelievably normally charges for water which is outrageous but we got it for free. Not sure why! Maybe because we got fuel.
The canal soon ends up back in the countryside with some lovely scenery.

Some of the locks were quite tricky and of course Health and Safety is out the window! But that's all part of the fun, being responsible for your own safety and making your own decisions about what you can and can't do rather than having someone think and act for you. I think it's called freedom! 😊
I can just imagine what a health and safety officer would make of this lock bridge!

I did cross it but only once and made Dex stay on the other side! We did 6 locks and 2 swing bridges. One of the swing bridges was impossible for me to move on my own. I'm ashamed to say I had to let John help. Hoping to build up my muscles this trip so I can do it all unaided!

This lock below is called Old Monkey Marsh Lock and believe it or not it has been listed as an ancient monument by English Heritage. It is one of only 2 remaining examples of turf sided locks.

One of the great things about being on the canal is you get to see so much wildlife. I was thrilled to get a shot of this cow taking a drink and also we saw lots of turns diving for fish. Not seen a watervole yet, their numbers are really down..but there's still plenty of time.

So now we are safely moored at Thatcham station and John is walking Dex back to get the car.