Crofton Crossing

Today's Canal - Kennet and Avon

Today's planning revolved around a 2 pm online meeting for Christine, for which both a mooring and a good enough mobile signal were important. The next known place that might meet these criteria was at Bedwyn Wharf although that was 11 locks away. Timing was OK but when we came up a few weeks ago the visitor mooring was very full with a good few looking suspiciously as if they had been there for somewhat longer than the days allowed.

In any event, we set off in good time, just before 9 - we did not expect to encounter one of the gates that are locked overnight so were surprised to see that the first lock had its padlocks at the ready but fortunately already opened. A boat was just coming up and they had been forced to moor the night just below when they discovered it locked contrary to the stoppage notice!

All of the Crofton Locks are 'Leave Empty' which means that progress downhill is slower that normal since they usually have to be filled first (and the bottom paddles closed as well). By the time we were ready to enter the second lock, a dog walker told us that the boat which we moored next to last night, and shared one lock with yesterday, had now arrived. In accordance with recommended best practice, we waited for them - we ought to recoup the delay by less effort in the rest of the flight!

It worked well and we were down to Lock 60 soon after 11. When we came up, the lock was still surrounded by lots of scaffolding and fencing as the project to rebuild the pumping station had overrun considerably. At that time the good, long visitor mooring between locks 60 and 61 was taken out of use and the towpath closed. Now, it was cleared and looked as it should, Below we could see the extent of the works. To be clear, this is the modern electric pumping station not the original steam powered one on the opposite side, which is still very occasionally pressed into service.

What did surprise us was to see a boat moored just above the next lock and, at this end, no sign that the moorings were suspended. CaRT stoppage notices about the suspension had been deleted from their web site a week or more ago. So, we thought we would look closely and if it seemed possible we would bid our companions farewell (they wanted to get as far as bedwyn or beyond tonight) lt would be a while before we might find an alternative. The mobile signal was adequate, if not at its best. A bird in the hand and all that, so here we stayed.

After lunch, Christine prepared for her meeting and once contact was established, Mike went for a walk. He crossed over the bridge below the next lock - here the canal and rail track are very close - the house in the photo is the former crossing keeper's house and is the other side of the tracks.

The crossing is actually a private farm track, not a public road. A short distance along to the road that runs through the tiny village of Crofton. There were several picturesque thatched houses.

By the time Mike reached the sign announcing the start of Great Bedwyn, time (and energy?) had run out so he turned down a road back to the canal. The gate on the left of this photo leads to a small car park, which is perhaps why there were a number of longer term moored boats the other side of the bridge.

This looked like a rather late swan brood - the parents seem to have manged to keep rather more of the chicks that is often the case. Although they seem to have this number born each time, a few weeks later only one or two survive as they are very prone to predators. Perhaps that is why they have so many.

Back at the crossing lock the position of the house is even clearer.

This is the track and the actual crossing. Although walkers (this is also a public footpath) can cross, the gates are padlocked, presumably the local farmer can access them.

The red light gives only 30 seconds warning of a train arrival - and they hurtle past! (or so it seems)

A closer look at the pumping works - and Wilton Water behind. This is the main source of water for the summit.

1.4 Miles - 7 Locks