This could be one of the best kept secrets in Swindon. With a beautiful stretch of canal back in water this self contained reach is gradually being discovered by walkers, cyclists and newcomers to the town.
The entire area back in water follows the original route and runs from the edge of the town centre towards the M4 at Junction 16.
The area towards the motorway is already very popular with local anglers who report some very large residents (well they would wouldn't they)
The stretch is currently navigable along roughly half of its length from the town centre to Beavens Bridge. However, it will take very little work to remove a temporary dam to extend the navigable stretch by a further quarter of a mile.
The work parties along this stretch of the canal are focused on checking for leaks in the canal and trying to keep the ever present weed under control (in the absence of boats to help with this task).
During the spring and summer months why not take the opportunity to visit the canal and see just how beautiful the route is now (and will be once restored to water).
At present, this stretch is used increasingly by walkers and cyclists, although the fishermen seem to have the best views, apart from anyone on the water that is.
For information about our trip boats, both in Kingshill and elsewhere on the route contact the administrator who will be able to put you in contact with the relevant person in branch. Each year sees more people coming along and taking the short journey. Next year (2006) we hope to be able to extend the duration of the boat trip when the dam at Beavens bridge is removed.
This picture shows one of our trip boats between Beavens bridge and Swindon town centre.
If you can't make it to Swindon, the route between the M4 (near Junction 16) including the stretch back in water can be seen in a photographic tour. The last stages show the historic route from Kingshill to Cambria Bridge.
All photographs on this page by Gary Mason