Dundas approach

Map reference  ST 78553  62122

Distance 8.6 miles

Total 259 Locks 7 Tunnels

Running total mileage 372.4miles

So having travelled up to Trowbridge to refuel we have now come back through Bradford on Avon and are back at the approach to Dundas Aqueduct where we moored to watch the 6 Nations Rugby nearly 2 weeks ago. I have to say that it is a mooring that I do quite like as the outlook over the River Avon is very pleasant (not quite as flooded as it was 2 weeks ago). Haven’t decided how long we will stay here, possibly until the week-end (watch some more Rugby perhaps!). Now starting to watch the Stoppages site on Canal and River Trust web page in the hope that the Rivers at the other end of the Canal (Reading End) will start to recede provided the rain will ease up a bit. By the end of the month will be ‘champing on the bit’ to get moving onto new waterway as I think that we now know this bit of canal quite well enough.

Bradford On Avon

Map reference  ST 82597  59994

Distance 8.7 miles

Total 258 Locks 7 Tunnels

Running total mileage 364.8miles

Well avoiding the rain we have slowly come from Bath, via Dundas to Bradford on Avon. We spent from Friday to Tuesday at Dundas just watching the continuing rain. Moored at a slightly different location which had a 14 day limit compared to the 3 day limit on the Visitor Moorings. It was actually a better location since it had a good outlook, overlooking the (very flooded) River Avon. The one plus at the mooring we took was that the internet signal was very good enabling me to catch up on the Six Nations Rugby but besides that all we are able to do at the moment is sit out the rain and move on days when the rain stops. Another lull in the weather tomorrow will enable us to move on to Trowbridge for a short stop.

Bath (for the dentist!)

Map reference  ST 75938  65641

Distance 1.2 miles

Total 257 Locks 7 Tunnels

Running total mileage 356.1miles

Once again back to Bath, although this time with more of a purpose since I have needed to get back to Torquay for a dental appointment to repair a chipped tooth. Initially booked a hire care from Bath for the trip but since that was £31 plus fuel (another £20), after checking for the cheapest rail fare found that I could make the trip for £21 return, bit of no-brainer really so we booked the train tickets.

Despite the chaos on the railways, the trip went surprising smoothly, train to Taunton, bus from Taunton to Exeter, bus from Exeter to Newton Abbot and bus from Newton Abbot to Torquay, and still arrived earlier than I would have done if the whole trip had been on the train! Return trip was the same in reverse and again all went smoothly getting back to the boat at the expected time had the whole trip been by rail. When I set out I hadn’t seen the news so I wasn’t aware that the rail track between Exeter and Newton Abbot had been washed away by the sea! Looks like it will be out of action for at least 6 weeks. At least the Dental Appointment was suitably sorted and I am now £50 poorer for it.  

The George, Bathampton

Map reference  ST 77672  66458

Distance 6.3 miles

Total 257 Locks 7 Tunnels

Running total mileage 354.9miles

Well the day went pretty much according to plan, rain held off so a pleasant day’s cruise. Watered up at Dundas before stopping for lunch at Claverton. Continued on to Bathampton for a very pleasant evening meal at The George Inn. This location is one of the favourite photo locations (during the summer) and attached is a photo of the boat moored outside of the public house, as can be seen a very comfortable walk from the boat to the pub!. Tomorrow we move on to Bath hoping to moor until Thursday to enable me to get back to Torquay on Wednesday for a dental appointment. Originally booked a hire car, which was quite pricey at £31 per day (plus fuel) but then checked train fares and found that I could make the trip for £21 return, hire care dumped and train fare booked!

Avoncliffe once again (via Dundas)

Map reference  ST 81251  60201

Distance 7.7 miles

Total 257 Locks 7 Tunnels

Running total mileage 348.6miles

A bit of a damp week altogether, travelled from Bradford on Avon to Dundas Aqueduct where we stayed for a couple of days in the rain, then back to Avoncliff where we have also remained for a couple of days in the rain, it would be really nice to have a few rainless days just to break the monotony!

The highlight of today was going to the Canal Tavern at Bradford and watching England rugby team lose to the French. In fairness they didn’t play badly generally but made several silly, and expensive mistakes. I don’t think I would throw in the towel on the team at the moment, particularly as it was effectively their ‘Second’ team playing due to injuries. Will be interested to see how the rest of the 6 nations matches pan out.

Plan for tomorrow will be to go back to Dundas to take on water then carry on to Bathampton where we have booked a Sunday meal at The George, public house. Hope it will be a good meal.