Horse Drawn Canal Boat Trip
On a lovely sunny day in June members of the Shernhall lodge and their guests took a relaxing canal boat tour through the lovely West Berkshire countryside. The group cruised along in a horsedrawn canal boat passing through a number of recently restored locks on the way.
The Kennet & Avon Canal weaves through spectacular scenery between the Thames and the Bristol Avon, as natural rolling landscapes give way to the World Heritage Site of Bath.
England's most southerly cross-country broad-beam canal links London and the Bristol Channel. The route of the Kennet & Avon takes it through some of the nation's best loved landscapes, including West Berkshire - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - and the southern tip of the rolling Cotswolds.Its breathtaking architecture is in perfect harmony with surroundings that provide a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. And with an excellently maintained towpath, it's ideal for exploration by horse drawn boat as our party found out.
Reopened as recently as 1990 by the Queen, this canal is fast becoming one of Britain's favourite waterways. In 2010 the canal celebrated its bicentenary and many celebrations took place over the course of the year including the lodge's visit.....
During the trip the group stopped off for a sumptious pub lunch in local pub the Blue Ball.
On the boat members enjoyed the onboard refreshments as they made their way through their verdent surroundings.Norman & Sylvia Burgess with their Brother-in-Law Howard enjoy a good chat, whilst Mark and Clive take a drink at the bar.
Comically, despite the beautiful views outside, Shernhall members find a new point of interest.....
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day allowing lodge members, their wives and guests to enjoy the stunning scenery of this West Berkshire area of outstanding natural beauty.