To the end. Then a little beyond.

Well, that's the K&A done. We arrived late afternoon in Bristol harbour and managed to slot into a mooring on the now gated and therefore secure, floating pontoons. Just in time it turns out, as the forecast rain has arrived.

It has been a longer day than we have become accustomed to, but it was worth the effort as we can now have a few full days here in order to explore.

Since last posting, we have bimbled, avoiding the worst of the weather where possible. After spending a few days in Bradford on Avon and a fantastic meal in The Weaving Shed, the time came to cast off. We dropped down the final lock before the Bath flight, sharing with two day boats, which made the descent, interesting! Once through, and after passing over the Avoncliffe Aqueduct, we followed the wooded route along the hillside above the river, to Dundas. We managed to moor just prior to the stunning Aqueduct and enjoyed a walk to the now terminal basin of the Somersetshire Coal Canal. The weather was kind and we even managed to clamber below this impressive monumental structure.

Always careful to comply with the eight to eight engine rule, we were surprised to hear a diesel engine running late evening. This turned out to be a generator, supplying power to an isolated property. Suppose getting mains power proved a tad expensive.

On Tuesday, it was the lock free, but not swing bridge free, run into Bath. We crossed the Aqueduct, made use of the services and were off. Slowly! This was because of the numerous moored boats. Not a problem as it allowed us to enjoy the scenery and our destination was not that far ahead. However, at Bathampton, two hire boats pulled off ahead of us. Now, we can do slow, but not that slow! We crawled along.

Eventually, we reached the visitor moorings before the locks in Bath. Our companions carried on and we amazingly, slotted in to a free mooring. The towpath here is being resurfaced, but we were far enough ahead of the work for it not to cause us any problem. A walk around the fair city followed. That evening we retired to NB Penny Less for a drink or two and arranged to meet for a meal the following day, to say our farewells.

Wednesday was truly awful. It rained all day, so we sat tight until the evening. Along with Malcolm and Martine, we enjoyed a meal at a pub that is now a Chinese restaurant. Then, as they were turning back, we bade them farewell. So nice to meet you both, we are sure we will meet again. That is one of the joys of boating.

Today dawned fair. Time to move. We had not really decided on the days destination, just go with the flow. At the top of the locks, Ali spotted a boat in the lock below. Their progress had been delayed by an empty pound, but this allowed us to join them and work the locks down to the river. The deep lock was, as ever, daunting! Good job I don't suffer from claustrophobia. Not a lockey in sight Keith!

Looks like a normal lock from here

Starting to go down

and down

from inside

 and down

finally on the way out

 looking down at the gates

We made really good time down onto the river. Resisting the urge to turn towards Pultney weir, (as you are no longer allowed to go up to the weir), we continued down river. Our lock companions were heading for Keynsham. They have a planned trip up the Bristol channel next week. (Not for us!) It seemed a shame to leave them and we had the time to get to Netham lock to pay our dues. So off we went.

Leaving Bath

a new bridge going in

Making the turn into the Floating Harbour

The river was benign and very pleasant. The locks big, wide but not deep. Threading our way down the meandering wooded valley, we were soon in the outskirts of the city. Dues paid and in we went. Entering any city by boat is always interesting and this old port has all the right ingredients. We had no dramas and moored on the floating pontoons with ease. Then the rain came!

So that's the journey completed. Next, after a few days sojourn, we turn and head back to the Thames. Slowly...

A few from around Bristol today

Love this - moveable forest

26 miles, (9 miles broad canals, 16 miles river) 14 locks 3 moveable bridges, 2 tunnels ( long bridges!) and 2 aqueducts