Wednesday 27th June

Shillingford Bridge to Oxford

Left Shillingford bridge at 8.30. The current seemed similar to yesterday so we were still only averaging 3mph.

Moored in abingdon outside the Old Anchor on St. Helens Wharf, and walked to the Old Brewery Tap for lunch. This is a relatively new pub which used to be the Morlands brewery office.

Battled on against the current. At Abingdon Lock we were told that Osney lock was on red boards.

Moored for the night below Folly Bridge. Walked to Osney lock to check out the situation. There was a current of at least 3mph past the moorings above the lock due to the weir just above the lock, which had 2 of its 3 gates open. The red boards say 'Strong Stream'. The lock keeper said that he was not expecting things to improve for a few days.

Went to the Kings Arms to eat then on to the Turf Tavern and the Eagle and Child.

Tuesday 26th June

Reading to Shillingford Bridge

A sunny start to the day but windy. The current in the Kennet was strong and at Blakes lock the lock keeper had put out the yellow board saying 'Stream Increasing'. He did say that the level on the Thames had peaked but they weren't sure of the effect of yesterdays rain.

Stopped for fuel and water at Better Boating again. Tonys boat Suzanne was there this time, but he wasn't around.

Moored below the toll bridge at Pangbourne and walked over the bridge to the Greyhound in Whitchurch for lunch.

We planned to stop for the night at Benson but the moorings shown in our guide did not exist. So we carried on to the Shillingford Bridge Hotel. There is an £8 mooring fee here for long boats, but if you eat in their restaurant rather than the bar there is no charge. They had Brakspears bitter and the food was good so I had three courses.

Monday 25th June

Reading

Caught a train into to London to exchange my third faulty Ricoh camera for another make. From there I caught a train home where I managed to do some washing, get my hair cut and clear the doormat.

Back to Reading where Ian met me at the station and we went to the Corn Stores for an Italian meal. The on to the Allied Arms and the Retreat.

Sunday 24th June

Midgham to Reading

Left Midgham at 8am.

Moored above Theale swing bridge and walked into Theale to the Bull. As they weren't doing food we then walked back the other side of the canal to the Fox and Hounds. This is also a Wadworths pub, where we had a roast lunch.

In the afternoon we carried on to Reading. The strong current made some of the bends interesting and also County lock was tricky both landing and picking up. There was a very strong back eddy below the lock which pushed the bow right out in front of the weir.

Moored below rhe bridge in the Forbury loop near the old Huntley and Palmer factory.

Went for a light meal in the nearest Wetherspoons which turned out to back on to the canal. Then on to the Hobgoblin, Butler and finally the Three Guineas in the station.

Saturday 23rd June

Kintbury to Midgham

Moored above the swing bridge in Newbury and went to the Lock Stock and Barrel (Fullers) for lunch. Then on to the Hoghead for another pint.

Stopped for water in Newbury and dropped in on Mike who lives on his boat Globetrotter there.

Moored for the night above Midgham lock and walked to the Berkshire Arms. This turned out to be a Chef and Brewer pub with a new Travel Lodge on site. They had 3 beers and the food was good. Andy joined us for a pint after we had eaten.

Friday 22nd June

Crofton to Kintbury

Set off shortly after 7am as we had a 6 hour morning ahead of us. Stopped briefly at Great Bedwyn to pick up Andy who arrived on the 9am train from Reading West. Eventually we met up with another boat, Waterloo, also going to Hungerford.

Moored below the lock in Hungerford opposite the wharf and walked to the Downgate for lunch.

After lunch and shopping in Somerfield we carried on to Kintbury which was only two hours away.

Andy left to catch a train home and I changed the alternator belt on the engine.

Went to the Dundas Arms for the evening and also managed a walk round the village.

Thursday 21st June

Devizes to Wilton

Early start for the 4 hour journey to get to Honey Street for lunch. There were very few hire boats around so there weren't many boats on the move and we did not get to share any locks.

Stopped for lunch at noon in the Barge Inn at Honey Street. The beer was warm but the homemade Fish Pie was good.

Left there by 1pm as we had a 6 hour afternoon ahead of us to get to Crofton and help us catch up a day.

Moored one lock above the visitor moorings as they were full. Walked by the side of Wilton Water to Wilton where we went to the Swan Inn. Here the beers were poor but the food was good.

Wednesday 20th June

Semington to Devizes

8am start to get to Sells Green for lunch by noon where we had lunch in the Three Magpies.

Away again at 1pm to get up Caen Hill today and immediately paired with another boat. They were originally going to stop below lock 29, but they must have liked sharing with us and went as far as 44. We got there by 5.30 but we went through three more locks and moored opposite the Black Horse.

Walked into into Devizes where we spotted a Cask Marque plaque on the Black Swan in the market square, so we went there to eat, and it was very good. Then we went went to the three pubs in the GBG, the Bristish Lion, Hare and Hounds, and the Southgate.

Tuesday 19th June

Bath to Semington

Set off at 8am to go up the locks in Bath. We were on our own for the first few locks including the double depth Deep lock. This was tricky on our own as the water comes in at several points and it was difficult to control the boat with one rope.

Paired up with another boat for the last three locks. Then there was the long pound to Bradford.

Moored below the lock in Bradford and walked to the Bunch of Grapes for lunch.

Having to wait yet again for the trip boat to go through Bradford lock, we topped up the water tank and emptied the loo at the wharf.

Stopped for the night at Semington again for another good meal and Badger beers at the Somerset Arms.

Monday 18th June

Bristol to Bath

Left Bristol at 10.45, late enough to avoid being held up at Netham by the high tide. On the way we were overtaken by the Tower Belle, a 1920 steamer which we had seen loading as we left Bristol.

Stopped at Hanham again to go the Lock and Weir pub for lunch. The Tower Belle had just moored there too and was full of students, some of whom headed for the same pub.

Although the first few locks on the Avon were very slow filling, some later ones were not and my usual technique of using the centre line did not work. As the locks are bigger than normal broad locks the water pushes the boat forward, net result two broken plates.

At Weston lock there was a wide Dutch barge ahead of us. I went to help and noticed that when they were in the lock there seemed to be room for us as well. So we shared the lock.

Moored in Bath before the station and walked to the King Williiam to eat. Their dining room is not open on Mondays but the bar snacks were of the same high standard as the meal we had last week. I had Breaded Mackerel followed by Hot Chocolate Pot.

After that we went to the two pubs which are in the GBG and the National Inventory, the Star and the Old Green Tree. There were morris men dancing outside the Old Green Tree.

Sunday 17th June

Bristol

Woken by the naval ship coming down to go out on the tide. Noticed that there were stalls being set up on the bank. Later someone came to tell us that there was Dragon boat racing on today and we had to move.

Rang Uncle John to arrange for them to join us at the pump out pontoon. We then moved up and moored on the harbour wall opposite the pumpout pontoon.

When Uncle John, Auntie Cora and Mum arrived we moved over to the pontoon to pick them up. We took them on a tour of the harbour and up to the station where we moored to go for lunch in the Wetherspoons near there. After that we took them back.

We then moved onto the visitor moorings.

In the evening we went to the Commercial Rooms to eat and then on to some pubs towards the station. One of these was the Kings Head which is in the National Inventory.

Saturday 16th June

Hanham to Bristol

Cast off at 9.15 and went straight in to the open lock. I had checked the tides during the night and I knew it was a big one, so I rang Netham lock. At the second attempt I got through and was told to wait where we were for half an hour.

We had only dropped 6 inches in the lock and by the time I had finished on the phone the level had gone up 3 inches. We waited half an hour, during which the tide started to go out. On the way down river we met a narrowboat coming the other way about a mile from Netham lock.

At Netham I bough a 48 hr licence for a 14m boat, and asked advice about where to moor.

Stopped near the station to wait for Ians tain to arrive and I went to meet him.

Then we carried on to the visitor moorings by Peros bridge and we all went to eat in Zerodegrees. This is a modern gastropub brewing 6 of their own continental style beers unfiltered.

Then we moved down to the quiet moorings between the marina and Underfall yard so that Gavin and John could go to see the SS Great Britain.

At 5pm took Gavin and John to the station to catch their train at 6pm, and finally back to the quiet moorings again.

Ian and I went to eat in the Adam and Eve pub in Hotwells, then on to a few more.

Friday 15th June

Bath to Hanham

Left Darlington Wharf and went down the locks to the river Avon. Part way down we paired up with Ian on Hippocampus. His new boat had been a show boat at the Crick boat show and he had brought it all the way from there single handed.

Went up to the moorings below the Polteney weir and went for lunch in the Volunteer Rifleman.

Then we set off down the River Avon towards Bristol. Although there was a current helping us, the locks, which are bigger, are slow, especially to fill.

Bath certainly does not show it's best side from the river. But once out of Bath the scenery is really beautiful. It rained on and off all day.

Moored for the night on the visitor moorings at Keynsham. Went to eat in the Lock and Weir free house. The menu was quite limited but they had 4 beers and 2 ciders.

Went back to the boat and I set up the satellite dish so that we could watch Doctor Who on BBC3.

Thursday 14th June

Semington to Bath

Forgot to mention that somewhere down the lower end of the Caen Hill flight the bow T stud got broken off by a lock gate. Phoned Bradford Wharf to ask about welding it back on and arranged to call in later.

The stretch from here to Bradford is probably least attractive bit of the K&A.

Arrived Bradford Wharf at about noon. They agreed to do the job there and then, but we had to wait for the trip boat to leave first so we could shuffle boats around. Had lunch in the cafe on the wharf. Eventually got away about 3pm.

The stretch from Bradford to Bath is one of the best bits of the K&A, only spoilt by the large number of moored boats.

Moored above the locks in Bath and walked to the King William for a meal. We were not expecting such expensive food, £22.50 for 2 courses, but it was the best meal of the trip so far. I had Cornish Crab salad followed by slow cooked Lamb for 2. Then we went on to the Old Green Tree which I remembered from previous visit(s) to Bath.

Wednesday 13th June

Devizes to Semington

Up at 7am so that we were ready to go at 8am. Had a word with the lock keeper who said there was no need to wait for another boat to share locks with, so as there was no sign of other boats coming down we started down the main flight of locks at 8.15am.

It was a clear and sunny morning. For a while the towpath is in the shade but after that we were in full sun operating the excessively reduced tail paddle gear. When they are working properly they are too easy and too slow but more often than nor they seem to be as stiff as the paddles would be without the gearing.

Stopped for a cool drink at about 11.15 on the 24hr moorings at the bottom of the main flight. Then carried on to Sells Green where we went to the Three Magpies for lunch.

Shortly after setting off after lunch it started to rain, so we did the next 6 locks and a few swing bridges in the rain.

Stopped for the night at Semington where we went to the Somerset Arms for a meal accompanied by Badger beers. This is where the Wilts and Berks Canal used to go from to get to Abingdon.

Monday 11th June

Great Bedwyn to Pewsey

Set off about 9.15 and immediately paired up with another boat who noticed a change of crew since Thatcham.

John and Gavin left at lock 60 to go and look round the Crofton pumping station. I carried on and they caught up with me a few locks further on .

However there was a problem ahead. A hydraulic paddle was stuck up on lock 56 so we had to wait below lock 57.

The level in the pound below lock 57 was already low, but when another boat started coming up lock 58 we got stuck at an alarming angle. Eventually, as the pound above was full, the two boats waiting in 57 went up, which got us afloat again, and we went into the lock to wait. Had lunch on board whilst waiting in the lock.

A man from BW managed to get the offending paddle down and we all started to make our way through this lock using just the one paddle.

Moored for the night at Pewsey and went to the French Horn to eat. It is a Wadworths pub run by an Australian couple, and they did some good food.

We were inteding to go to the Coopers Arms in the village, but as we left the French Horn it started to rain. So we went straight back to the boat and watched Pirates of the Caribbean II.

Tuesday 12th June

Pewsey to Devizes

Moved along to Pewsey Wharf to fill up with water and have breakfast there.

Stopped for lunch at the Bridge Inn, Horton Bridge. Here they had Wadworth IPA and 6X from wooden firkins behind the bar. Although the IPA was good, the 6X was not.

At Devizes Wharf we stopped to empty the loo and have a cup of tea. Then we went down through the first five locks to reduce the number we have to do tomorrow. This takes you to the top of the main flight of 16 locks at Caen Hill, and there are a few 24hr moorings here. We were the only boat moored here that was waiting to go down.

As none of of the 3 Devizes pubs in the GBG does food in the evening we went back up the locks to the Black Horse by the canal to eat. This too is a Wadworth pub and we had some JCB which was drinkable but not right.

After that we walked into town for cash, provisions and to the Hare and Hounds pub for what is supposed to be the reference pint of 6X. It's been in the GBG for 20 years with the same licencee.

Sunday 10th June

Kintbury to Great Bedwyn

Late start but it was only a two hour journey to Hungerford.

Went for lunch in the Downgate, an Arkells pub. I had home made Faggotts folowed by home made Banana Ice Cream, excellent.

Stopped for the night at Great Bedwyn. The visitor moorings were full and we moored with the stern 6 feet from the bank.

Of the two pubs, one was not open and the other was not serving food, so we had to eat on board and go back for a drink later.

Saturday 9th June

Thatcham to Kintbury

Prepared to set off from Thatcham as a boat appeared at the swing bridge, only to find that three boats came through. So I was lumbered with sharing locks with the last boat, a hire boat full of Germans.

Made it to Newbury by noon and moored outside the Narrow Boat pub, which didn't look inspiring. John and Gavin were delivered here by Paul and Andrew. We had lunch in the pub which was better than I was expecting.

Left by 3pm and got to Kintbury by 8pm. The 250m of moorings were full so we moored opposite the very large old rectory.

Went to the Dundas Arms where we had a very good two course meal. Then we went for a wander round the village, which even had a fishmongers!

Friday 8th June

Reading to Thatcham
Andy and John arrived at about 8.30 and we set off for Thatcham. We did not get to share any locks until after 1pm, but then we shared for the rest of the day.

We did not stop for lunch as we were worried about getting through Aldermaston lift bridge before the rush hour cut out operated. Aldermaston was busy as there were some hire boats starting out.

Went beyond Thatcham station, through Monkey Marsh lock and swing bridge, where there is a bridle way into town. Walked back to the Swan near the station for a meal, after which Andy and John caught a train back to Reading. I then went to explore the town and managed to find my way back via the bridleway across the railway tracks. (There was a footbridge too).

Thursday 7th June

Sonning to Reading

Left Sonning to get to Reading for lunch. I saw a narrowboat called Golden Cross which was featured on Waterworld.

Went slightly out of my way to fill up with fuel and water at Better Boating in Caversham. Tony who used to work in my department has his boat moored there and helps out too, but he is away for a week on his boat, probably up the Thames.

Turned off the Thames and onto the Kennet & Avon Canal at Reading, through Blakes lock and moored in the Forbury loop by the Oscar Wilde walk outside the jail.

Went for lunch at the Eldon Arms. Later I had a wander round Reading.

Went to Andys for dinner, then we went out for a few beers at the Retreat.

Wednesday 6th June

Aston to Sonning

Late start as I only wanted to get to Henley for lunch. Moored on the east bank just north of Henley. Walked to the Bird in Hand which is the one I went to last time, 7 years ago. It's the only free house and had 5 beers including Hooky Dark (mild).

Having spotted Waitrose on the way to the pub I went in on the way back.

Moored for the evening at Sonning by Sonning Court where Uri Geller lives. He donates the £5 mooring fee to charity.

Went to the Bull to eat. It's a former Gales pub so they only have Fullers beers, but at least they had 4 different ones.

After that I walked over the bridge to explore Sonning Eye but decided against walking to the pub listed in the GBG on the main road as there was no footpath.

Tuesday 5th June

Maidenhead to Aston

Another sunny day but with a cool easterly wind and the current was just as strong as yesterday.

Stopped at Cookham lock lock to empty the loo and get some "Welcome to moor alongside" stickers.

Moored for lunch at the Bounty which is listed in the GBG under Cookham but is actually nearer Bourne End. It's on the opposite side of the river from Bourne End with no road access. I witnessed a beer delivery by boat. I was the only boat based customer.

Carried on and managed to moor on the jetty at Aston sticking out into the river. Later walked up to the Flower Pot for an evening meal of roast pheasant and Brakspear ales.

Monday 4th June

Staines to Maidenhead

Late start from Staines. Had the first lock all to myself, then 2 other narrowbaots at the next and finally a big trip boat as well at the last lock.

Moored on the south side at Windsor where you are supposed to pay £4. Went to the Carpenters Arms for lunch. They had a choice of 5 beers, all from small breweries, and good food. It's behind the venue for Charles and Camillas marriage.

In the afternoon the current seemed even stronger, at times I was not even making 3mph so the current must have been 1.5mph.

I baulked at paying £8 for the moorings below the railway bridge in Maidenhead and went on to the free moorings by the road north of the road bridge. Most of the rings here were broken.

Went to the Portland Arms, then on to the Greyhound (Lloyds No.1) to eat. On the way back spotted the display on the guaging station showing that the river is flowing at 40 cu.m/s.

Sunday 3rd June

Weybridge to Staines

Andy arrived at 10.30 and as Town lock was set against us we waited for a boat to come the other way before starting. At Thames lock we had to use the gate on the outer pound as the level on the Thames was back to normal.

Bought a one month licence at Shepperton lock.

Moored near Laleham and walked to the Feathers where we had a good roast beef lunch.

After lunch we went the short distance to Staines where we moored on the east side. Went for a drink in the Swan on the west side and decided to move to their moorings. No sooner had we started tying up than a waitress appeared demanding a £10 mooring fee refundable against purchases in the pub.

Andy then left to cycle back to his car in Weymouth. Later on Andy from work arrived and we went for a few more beers in the Swan and I had my second Eggs Benedict of the hoiday.

Saturday 2nd June

Guildford to Weybridge

A warm and sunny day, so shorts and t-shirt from the start. It was nice to see this stretch of the river in good weather as it had been miserable going the other way.

Stopped at the New Inn again for lunch. It's a rare treat to find a GBG pub actually on the navigation, shame about the poor phone signal.

In the afternoon carried on to Weybridge and moored for the night above Town lock.

At the previous lock kids had been swimming in the lock, and they had also put a rope from the bridge. I was careful to avoid getting this round the prop, but it caught the anchor which nearly broke a front window pane.

Walked to the Old Crown, where I had some good fresh fish. Then to the Jolly Farmer for a pint of Hop Back Odyssey bitter.

Friday 1st June

Godalming to Guildford

I was rudely awoken not long after 6am by builders on a site which had been very quiet yesterday.

Winded by the boat house as I did not want to risk winding by the town bridge again without crew. Set off slowly for Guildford. There were no hire boats out in the morning as it was turn round day at the boatyards.

At the second lock, which was set against me, I decided to risk going into the lock through one gate. But the waterways officer, who appeared on foot, caught me at it and offered to open the other one.

Moored on the non towpath side above the Guildford Rowing Club and went to the Keystone for lunch.

Then I explored the town, finding the castle, visiting M&S and finally traipsing all the way to the cathedral. I purchased a CD featuring the organ and caught a bus back into town.

In the evening I went to see a Flanders and Swan show at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. I had an interview here 29 years ago.

Thursday 31st May

Shalford to Godalming

A grey start to the day so I waited till it had brightened up. Arrived at the first lock to find a queue of 3 boats with another one behind me, so 5 in total.

Moored below the sanitary station in Godalming and walked to the Red Lion to find it shut and no clips on the pumps. So for lunch I went to the nearby Star which I'd seen advertising in the local Camra newletter.

It was quite poignant seeing a Phylliss Tuckwell Hospice in town.

Purchased a pedal bin in Robert Dyas. Later on topped up supplies in Waitrose.

In the evening I went to the Cricketers in Farncombe but their kitchen is being redone. So I had to resort to eating in the Jack Phillips, the Wetherspoons named after the radio operator on Titanic. The town seems to be quite proud of him and even have a specially built memorial cloister by the river.