This paddle is just over six miles with 14 interesting locks to portage; the serenity and views are life enhancing. We stopped for a brew, sandwiches and chocolate bars twice (about five locks apart) in peaceful surroundings. Total trip time is about four hours depending on brew times. Seeing a common sandpiper and superb female sparrow hawk were high spots.

Second day: Easy put-in at Hungerford public grassy area beside bridge 84. Parking is near; up the High Street. Paddle downstream under bridge 84 past Hungerford Common through Kintbury. The Dundas Arms is beside canal. Good place for a brew or a beer! The river Kennet is never far away and the water meadows or woodlands either side of the canal give splendid views. Peace and quiet abound.

After eight miles and 10 interesting locks to portage enter friendly Newbury, where beside lock 85 is a grassy area and a Fullers pub. Drink a London Pride at pleasant outside table and answer questions from interested passers-by. Take-out on grassy area 200m further on right bank; beside Kennet and Avon Canal Trust centre (good toilets and public car park, also). Easy to load canoes. This paddle takes about four hours including two brew stops.
Trevor Palmer

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