Narrowboat on Kennet & Avon Canal
Rosemary Timms reporting
Many thanks to Mike Windle for organising a truly memorable narrowboat trip on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Twelve of us - the maximum number - arrived in Bradford-on-Avon bearing picnics and boarded our boat, Jacy. Crockery, cutlery and glasses were on board and the all important toilet and kettle. The weather remained good throughout the day despite the threat of rain first thing. We were also very nearly treated to unplanned onboard entertainment when one of our number teetered on the edge of becoming a "man overboard".
Tiller lessons were given to those who who hadn't steered waterborne craft before, and we meandered tranquilly along inspecting moored barges, including a bright orange converted ship's lifeboat. There were ducks and swans who ventured close up when we stopped, obviously conditioned to food from humans. We crossed over two aqueducts and through one lock, enjoying lovely panoramic views over rolling hills and glimpses of the railway.
Resisting the attractive pubs, lunch was eaten on board before we stopped at Dundas Aquaduct near Limpley Stoke to enjoy a pleasant stroll to a canal side cafe for coffee and ice cream. Then the return meander to Bradford-on-Avon, via the lock where the boat in front thought there was room to squeeze in behind them - but we were a couple of feet too long, Mike managed to reverse out with only inches on each side, without touching other craft - he modestly said it was luck.
We all agreed it was a lovely day and have proposed to do the same next year, perhaps on a different stretch of canal. Although the canal boats carry a maximum of twelve we could always hire two if sufficient interest. Overall, it was an outstanding day, well worth repeating!
Click on a picture below to see it full-size with more details.