Eastern end of the K&A

[Dharl]

Nights are drawing in, soon be Christmas, etc etc so booked first trip away next year!

 

This time planning on hiring from Aldermaston on the K&A and the general view of the crew is to head west towards Devizes ( prop as far as Pewsey before have to return tbh). Looking through trusty Pearson's I see that for most of our proposed route we will have the Paddington-Bristol main line close by and also the A4 for stretches. Was woundering from folks who have traveled this route how loud and disturbing the rail traffic is?

 

Happen to live next to the main line into Waterloo so train noise is not upsetting...but like to escape it on our holidays with the peace and quiet on the cut!

 

 

Would a trip of 'left hand down a bit' and head down towards the Thames be a different idea?

 

 

[Nightwatch]

Do as planned, you will hardly notice.

 

Well worth stopping at towns and villages along the way. A good stretch of canal.

 

Martyn

[Dharl]

thanks Martyn!

 

my self and Admiral / First Mate (Mrs Dharl) took a stroll along the tow path last weekend by Aldermaston Wharf which wetted our appetites, the Electronic Swing bridge looks interesting.

[Nightwatch]

We were on the K&A for about four years up to six years ago. Moored at Newbury.

 

Enjoyed the K&A a great deal.

 

Martyn

[matty40s]

Have done it twice in the last few months, wonderful stretch of canal/river.

 

The other way.....Two weeks ago one of the top

gate paddle gate mechanisms was removed for refurbishment at Fobney lock so this now takes 1/2 hour to fill and you may need to ring crt for assistance to open gates

[The Bagdad Boatman (waits)]

The trip through Reading is fraught and not recommended if the river is high. you will not hear a lot of noise one or two spots only.

[Arducius]

The train line follows the canal from Reading to Bedwyn but it's not the main line to Bristol. That one is a little further north and you won't hear it. The line is fairly quiet to Bedwyn and the trains don't run late into the night.

 

As for the A4, there are a few stretches that are close enough to the road to hear it, but mostly the canal is quiet.

 

There are few electronically controlled swing bridges, the one at Aldermaston is the only one to go up though. Watch out for the one just after Newbury lock. You wind the barriers down with a windlass and then operate the bridge electronically. Had me a little confused the first time I went through.

 

Bedwyn and Hungerford are both nice. Be sure to visit the Cross Keys pub in Bedwyn if you stop there. We arrived after they had stopped serving food and were encouraged to order a takeaway (to be delivered to the pub) and they provided hot plates and cutlery for us.

 

The cafe at Aldermaston (with the water point in the garden, just before the wharf as you walk along the tow path from the road) does basic but good value food if you stop for lunch before heading off.

 

Also the Rowbarge pub at Woolhampton (just by the swing bridge) does good food and has a good range of ales. If you stop here, then moor before the bridge. Then set the lock before going through the bridge. There can be a strong current here and it comes in at right angles to the canal, which can make life a little difficult.

 

Keep an eye out for pike too. You'll see them nestled against the bank, normally on the offside but sometimes on the tow path side.

 

Hope that helps!

[Dharl]

thanks for all the advise above

 

 

 

 

The cafe at Aldermaston (with the water point in the garden, just before the wharf as you walk along the tow path from the road) does basic but good value food if you stop for lunch before heading off.

 

 

yes we had a cup of tea and slice of Chocolate Fudge cake at the Café on Saturday (in the rain). Well recommend that place, great value and yummy too!

[Bunny]

The only mooring you may find a bit loud is Kintbury, but saying that we never notice the trains. Good moorings at Woolhampton above the lock (would make it your first night, if you leave after 3.30) , Thatcham ( near the railway line a little loud ) Newbury our favourite is West Mills above the lock. Kintbury , Hungerford ( on the wharf) great butcher in the town. Froxfield on the bankside, Great Bedwyn ( if there is room) Crofton, Great for a visit to the pumping station . Wotton Rivers, Royal Oak used to be good for food, probably still is, not much here in the way of a t.v signal . Pewsey, nice town brisk walk. Honey Street and All Cannings , super rural moorings , if you can squeeze in ( a few long stayers) . Devises great market on market day think it is a Thursday. Have fun the K and A isn't a light weight canal, shallow in places , can't moor 'just anywhere', but well worth the trip. At the end of our season i.e now we always have jolly to Devises and back. We are at Kintbury now and will be back to Aldermaston on Tuesday , to lie low until March 31st. Enjoy ...... Bunny.

[Laurie Booth]

Have done it twice in the last few months, wonderful stretch of canal/river.

 

The other way.....Two weeks ago one of the top

gate paddle gate mechanisms was removed for refurbishment at Fobney lock so this now takes 1/2 hour to fill and you may need to ring crt for assistance to open gates

No problem at Fobney, just give a few cigs to the local lads there and they will help.