Reading and return from Aldermaston

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Cruise this route from : Aldermaston

Route Type : Stag/Hen

Days : 3.00

Cruising Hours : 12.50

Number of Locks : 20

 


 

Cruising Notes

Day 1
From the marina cruise East, Padworth Lock will soon be reached.
The canal heads North East, constantly joining and re-joining the River Kennet. Beyond Tyle Mill
is a series of gravel pits offering a wildlife haven, the canal continues through wooded fields past the village of Sulhamstead. The nature reserves of Cumber lake to the North and Woolwich Green lake to the south can be reached by a short walk from Sulhamstead Lock. There is a swing bridge at Theale, the village is ¾ mile to the north, there are a few pubs, stores, garage, and a chemist and a bank in the quiet village.
It is just under 3 hours to here, and an ideal place to stop for your 1st night.

Day 2
The peace of the surroundings is momentarily interrupted as you go under the M4 motorway, but on the outskirts of Reading the water-filled nature reserve gravel pits bring a degree of serenity.

The River cuts through the middle of the town and so access to all facilities is easy, but the River is
through a narrow channel & fast-flowing, so care is needed, there are traffic lights controlling this section. Reading is a large town with lots of shops and pubs. Visit the website for what to see & do:
The Museum of English Rural life, also Reading Museum, & 12th century Abbey ruins. There are 2 big shopping centres, the Oracle and Broad St Mall, which includes big High Street names, and independent shops.

The River Museum is by Blakes Lock, housed in the city's old sewerage pumping station, displays include a gipsy caravan. The old turbine house has lovely views over the River.

The centre of Reading is within easy reach of the canal, for those who enjoy cosmopolitan pursuits, high-end dining and large shopping centres, there is plenty to do here. There are quieter areas of the city at the abbey ruins or Forbury Gardens as well as quieter side streets with family-run shops and restaurants with more traditional dining and ales.

For stag & hen parties -The day time activities in and near to the town range from Wildcat Hovercrafts at White Waltham or to Paintballing.
Why not visit the Museum of Berkshire Aviation and don't forget there is Premier League football on offer at the Madejski Stadium. Book your weekend to coincide with the world-famous Reading Festival where previous acts have included Pulp, The Cure, Kaiser Chiefs and Muse.
It is 3.5 hours to here, there are moorings on the Reading Jail Loop.

Day 3
Day 4
It is just over 6 hours back to Aldermaston from here.

 

This route is provided courtesy of UK Canal Boating

The information above is provided in good faith to assist you with planning your canal boat holiday. Information accuracy cannot be guaranteed.