Thursday, 1 May 2014

Cuckoo's Knob & Ram Alley

Happy Captain.

So after our record trip up the Caen Hill Flight we were at last on the move. After spending Sunday recovering and then gathering some provisions we enjoyed about 15 miles of canal without a lock, but the weather was not our best friend.

View from the helm.

After ascending to the summit of the K&A, 452 feet above sea level, onto a stretch of water only 2 miles long, we entered Bruce Tunnel. As this is our first cruise with our Pram Cover over the stern deck we were concerned that we might not make it through the tunnel. It is plenty high enough in the centre but if another boat were to approach us from the opposite end it would force us over to the tunnel wall and very near the curved brickwork. As it happened we were the only boat on the move for miles around.  

First Great Western Train passes the Pumping station as the sun sets.

We soon reached Crofton Steam Pumping Station and decided to moor up for the night. Not many madcap boaters were braving the inclement weather and next day we found out why. At a lock near Great Bedwyn we met two Canal & River Trust workers who informed us that we could not get into Newbury and that the canal was closed all the way to Reading. And even worse....if this rain continues it may not open for another month!!! 

So here we are moored for a second wet night about 2 miles west of Hungerford while we decide what to do next.

By the way, you may have wondered why the title of this blog. These are genuine locations we travelled through between Pewsey and the summit of the K&A. Honest!



No comments:

Post a Comment