Basingstoke Canal in glorious sunshine
I don't know Big Al. But if I ever meet him I certainly owe him a pint. By adopting his method for loading heavy canoes onto roof racks single handed I've been able to enjoy three extra days on the water in the last two weeks!
Those of us in the south of England are often envious of our friends north of the border because of the open access that they enjoy. But nature often compensates and so our Spring comes several weeks earlier than in Scotland, our Winter several weeks later and in between we have glorious sunny days like today while in Scotland the rain falls from cloudy skies with the expectation of snow to come.
And so this morning I set off on my own to the The Basingstoke Canal Centre at Mytchett.
Within yards of the start I limbo under the swing bridge .........
....and then paddle north towards the locks at Deepcut two miles away.
The sky is blue, the birds singing and hardly anybody on the towpath. With woodland to the right and Frimley Lodge Park on the left it's not exactly wilderness (not even close lets face it) but nonetheless a welcome break from traffic and industry.
The traffic fights back briefly but only halfheartedly as I pass under the Guildford Road Bridge.
Although very close to Frimley Green, the wooded banks continue to cushion the canal from the outside world and even as as I pass over the aqueduct it is only the sound of a train rushing through that announces the presence of the railway.
At this point Wharfenden Lake opens up under a bridge on the left with its hotel and pub. Too early for that today!
Turning east toward Deepcut Locks, I pass half a dozen (sorry I was born long before decimilisation) houses backing on to the canal, their value no doubt enhanced since the canal restoration replaced the soggy ditch that used to be their neighbour.
Along this stretch the canoe scratches lightly over submerged branches cut from the adjacent woodland and allowed to fall into the canal. If only a few more narrowboats came this way they would clear this debris aside - but its a small price to pay for the solitude.
The remains of an ugly red plastic barrier marks an attempt to close off the towpath for repair. It probably lasted all of 10 minutes before the cyclists knocked it down. Quite right too - the towpath, whilst narrow, is passable and there is no sign of any repair work in progress.
So all too soon I reach Deepcut top lock with its cottage standing guard.
I'd planned a lunch stop here but it's too early so I just stop to stretch my legs and enjoy a cup of tea. I notice that even though Spring has not yet arrived, the lock gates are still padlocked closed. A notice on the balance beam proclaims why.
Last years water shortages may be a distant memory to most of the country but here....? Perhaps there's something to be said for all that rain in Scotland after all.
I take a brief look down into the next pound - still plenty of water there. But the next lock is just out of sight round the bend and more red plastic obstacles announcing the closure of the towpath from this direction hinder a portage. Another day maybe!
Perhaps the pub will be open on the way back.
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Originally Posted by NIKOND70
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