Honeystreet to Newbury

I’ve left out the stretch from Devizes to Honeystreet as regards photos in this section. If you close your eyes and imaging rolling hills and greenery you will get a better impression than I could convey with a few photos but take the photo below as a flavour.

It consists of 15 miles of uninterrupted cruising with wonderful rural views of small villages, the Wiltshire Downs and the Vale of Pewsey – a tranquil respite from the glories and bustle to the west.

But 4 hours of docile cruising needs a break and the next 25 miles is more interesting to me.

At Honeystreet, the Barge Inn on the canal side is really quite characterful. While I was there a rather splendid Old English Bulldog wandered lazily around the lawns enclosing the pub eying me with curiosity but, I sensed, tolerance of my intrusion. Nearby a psychedelic bench lent further interest and curiosity to the scene.

The area is full of small picture postcard villages where the inhabitants take a pride in their homes and surrounding environment. The cottage shown left is at Woodborough just less than a kilometre south of Bridge 122 down Church Farm Lane and situated on the corner at the end of of Church Road.

A further 1.1/2 miles to the east is Pewsey Wharf and the Waterfront Inn. This uses old wharf buildings converted in 2009 by a canal enthusiast who now runs the pub.

Beside Wooton Rivers Lock 51 is an idyllic place for a picnic lunch.

Great Bedwyn Bridge 95 is a picturesque place with lovely cottages. It is also the home of the Bruce Trust which uses wide beam boats to give trips and holidays to disabled people.

Hungerford has a largely unspoilt town centre and lovely lawns skirting the canal once you have passed the Hungerford lock which is surrounded by fields.

Newbury is the gem of the area. The 700yd run from Northcroft Footbridge up to the Town Bridge passed Newbury Lock has so many interesting and pretty features that lingering a while is not only a must but also irresistible. Make sure you experience the scene by wandering about when the sun is shining in both the early morning and also the evening .

Below are photos taken along the route.