Bradford on Avon

Monday-Wednesday, 15th/17th September, 2014

Monday:

We are greeted by a grey blanket that covers the skies as we head off to Bradford on Avon.  Pete checks my engine to make sure all is well before we head off - AND it is.  Only 3 miles of a cruise today.  We all say 'goodbye' to the grey heron that has kept us company for the last few days.  I am keen to get going.

Susan comments that the headge-rows are starting to look sad..... autumn is on its way.  There are now many boats loitering along the towpath who do not seem to have moved in a while.  No evidence of human or canine life on board.  Very odd.

Although the cut is quieter today, we still see lots of holiday boaters.

After filling up with water at Bradford Avon Wharf, I reverse into a convenient mooring space.  The moorings here are 48-hours.  At the Wharf there is the Lock Cottage which houses the CR&T next to it and a tea room.  Very quant.

Bradford on Avon - Upper Wharf

Lock and sign - Bradford on Avon

Our overnight mooring - Bradford on Avon

The family head off to the town and go via the Tithe Barn.  The barn was built in the 14th Century by the Abbess of Shaftesbury.  It has massive doors and is like a cathedral inside.  There are cute shops and antiques in a gallery.  Worth a visit.

Tithe Barn - built 14th Century

Tithe Barn interior

Susan says there is a good Budgens in town.  Susan was a bit disappointed with the town as it was not very big.  Although Susan and Pete like it and think it is like a miniature Bath.

Susan walks 1.5 miles along the towpath to see Avoncliffe Aqueduct.  Loads of boats here on permanent moorings.  Susan says that boaters are not allowed to run engines AT ALL in the visitor moorings - there are signs everywhere.

Grey Heron by boat

Avoncliffe Aqueduct

River Avon and Weir

Later on, Susan and Pete visit the Lock Inn which serves breakfasts, light lunches and evening meals.  It is right on the canal and has a canal boat on the side where clients can drink or eat.  Lovely place, Susan says.

Bradford on Avon - Below lock

Total 3 miles (moored opposite The Barge Inn - 48 hour moorings)

Tuesday:

We leave and head back to Semington and moor up for the night.  It keeps trying to rain.

Total 5-1/4 miles and 1 swing-bridge

Wednesday:

We all enjoy a cruise in the sunshine and the warm.  Susan cruises through the first 2 locks and swing-bridge whilst Mazey and Pete prepare them.  We partner up after the first lock with a couple on holiday - both nervous....  Pete notices that I keep dragging my bottom on the silt - water levels are low!!  Pete hopes that we get a downpour of rain in the next week otherwise doing this trip again before wintering in the marina could be a problem.

As we arrive at the bottom of Seend Lock we spot a Kingfisher and decide to moor up.  Pete spends the afternoon rubbing down his walking sticks and Susan sits soaking up the sun.

Tomorrow we head back into the marina at Caen Hill for a week before setting out again.  Sadly, in the marina the internet signal is poor so you might not hear from me for a while but as soon as I can I will get back to chatting again.  Take care everyone and night night.

Total 3 swing-bridges, 2 locks and 1-3/4 miles