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Caroline was our cycling partner , peddling the towpath , going backwards and forwards , warning us of obstacles ahead . On day five , a poorly maintained towpath resulted in Caroline plus bike taking an early bath . We all rallied around with spare clothes , snacks and the inevitable sense of humour . Good job , it wasn ’ t an e-bike !
Bath , Bradford on Avon , Crofton Pumping Station , Hungerford and Newbury were all places we could have lingered for a day or two , but the demands of our challenge kept us paddling . The flow , improving physical fitness and easier daily car shuttles had reduced our 11-12 hours away from the campsite to a more manageable eight . We had time for lunch , cream cakes and pastries as we enjoyed each other ’ s company .
Anne clipped her fin at one lock when getting out , and it sunk to the bottom of the canal . We could see its bright orange colour , but it was too far down to reach , even with a fishing net borrowed from a passing boater . Well done , Carol . The Lifeguard stood by just in case he was needed .
Reading was a lively place with a smart waterfront development . On reaching the weir , we encountered an unusual set of traffic lights . Boaters must press the button and wait for the green light before proceeding around the bend . We decided to do the same , under the careful watch of the
Newbury
local Fire Brigade , who practised safe swimming techniques above the weir .
On leaving Reading , we joined the familiar Thames , quiet in places and buzzing with activity in others . Detours off the main flow took us behind some lovely gardens at Borough Marsh and the River Loddon . We also explored Hennerton Backwater and Magpie Island .
Cookham Reach was the most challenging section , with a headwind gusting to Force 6 for approx . 1,200 metres . Teeth gritted , noses down ( boards trimmed appropriately ), we dug deep and paddled on .
Boulters Lock resulted in five of us stopping the traffic on a zebra crossing and a ‘ Beatles ’ photo moment .
Runnymede had all we hoped for a tea shop , easy parking ( with no height barriers ), and a sense of history combined with interesting statues . It was a fitting place to end our journey .
What did we learn ? l Trollies are essential . Four SUPs on one trolley and three people to carry the bags make long portages easy . l Pack a spare fin . You cannot count on crystal clear water and a paddling friend willing to dive in to get you out of a fix . l Cycling a towpath is far more dangerous than paddling the canal l
More Spice Girls than Beetles
Caroline after the swim
This is an obvious statement , but progress is easier when going downhill and with the flow . Something to remember when starting the journey from Bristol and paddling upstream on the Avon .
What made us smile ? The world-famous Boatman ’ s Breakfast at the Lock Inn , Bradford on Avon – well done , Phil ( although he did share it with Caroline ). Others enjoyed the Corned Beef Hash with fried eggs !
Paddling past Windsor Castle when the Red Arrows flew in formation overhead on their way back from Trooping the Colour .
The Thames Lock Keepers . Although SUPs are no longer allowed to pass through the locks , the Keepers were full of amazement and praise when we told them our journey had started in Bristol .
Meeting others on the canal and river : the lone SUPer , wild camping his way to Putney , the cyclist peddling from Holland to Bristol , the rowing team from Switzerland practising for the Henley Regatta in the pub , the grumpy canal boater who asked Carol if she ‘ had a licence ’, the extraordinary number of rabbits at Devizes and the group of girls who ‘ had borrowed ’ Dad ’ s boat for a party / selfie photo shoot in Windsor .
Bristol Harbour
What next ? For another SUP challenge in 2025 , perhaps we should venture to Ireland and the River Shannon or the warmer Dordogne in France . Suggestions are welcome .
Hope to see you on the water . Bill and Sian Norris Life Members of Shropshire Paddlesport