Outdoor Focus Spring 2018 | Page 14

A 200-year old super highway Steve Davison explores the Kennet and Avon Canal on a journey from Reading to Bristol A t the height of ‘canal mania’ in the early 1800s, the Kennet and Avon Canal, which stretches across southern England from Reading to Bristol, formed a super- highway for the transportation of goods ranging from coal and timber to grain and stone, contributing to the late Georgian and early Victorian growth of the south. However, the widespread use of the canal lasted only a few decades before the arrival of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s much faster Great Western Railway. By the 1950s the canal was in a very poor state, however, plans to abandon it were brushed aside by public support and an army of volunteers set about its gradual restoration, culminating in its reopening by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. Now this wonderful canal, which celebrated its bicentenary in 2010, forms a multi-faceted jewel for boaters, walkers and wildlife, as it weaves its way through a patchwork of countryside from the rolling chalk contours of the North Wessex Downs to the southern edge of the Cotswolds. Meandering along the canal takes you on a journey of discovery past numerous historical features, and offers an abundance of peace and tranquillity as well as picturesque villages and vibrant towns and cities. 14 Outdoor focus | spring 2018 Looking east up the impressive Caen Hill flight of locks We start our journey at Reading where the combined canal and River Kennet join the River Thames. It was here, in 1121, that Henry I founded a great abbey, sadly all that remains today are a few sections of flint rubble wall. The town is often known for its ‘Three Bs’ of beer, bulbs and biscuits, relating to three former industries that originated in the town: Simonds’ Brewery; Suttons Seeds; and Huntley & Palmers, which by 1900 had become the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world. The canal and River Kennet occasionally flow together as we meander westwards to arrive at Newbury. In the late 15th century, Newbury was highly regarded for its cloth and the town’s most famous clothier was John Winchcombe, aka ‘Jack of Newbury’. With his new-found wealth, he funded the rebuilding of St Nicolas’ Church, a fine example of a Perpendicular-style ‘wool church’. Further on, at the western edge of Berkshire, is the market town of Hungerford, the only place in the country that still holds the Hocktide Festival, which relates to the rights of the commoners; the highlight is Tutti Day (second Tuesday after Easter), when the Hocktide Court is held and the Tutti Men visit every house with common rights.