Friends Canal trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath

On a gloriously sunny morning 47 Friends gathered in Church Place for a Coliseum Coaches luxury coach trip to Bradford on Avon, on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds and onwards, on the Kennet and Avon Canal for 9 miles to Bath.  The trip was organised and led by Colin and Rosemary Davis.

Our boat, the ‘John Rennie’ Luxury Restaurant boat operated by Bath Narrowboats, arrived from Bath after a short wait and we boarded, ready for the cruise to Bath and a wonderful two-course gourmet meal with coffee.

Exiting the Bradford on Avon Wharf lock, one of the busiest in the country, we ‘slowly’ made our way up stream.  We travelled for 200 yards, before the engine on the boat promptly stopped and seized, with rope tightly bound around the prop!!

The staff from Bath Narrowboats were wonderful.  Pegs were hammered into the towpath bank and we were tied up in the afternoon sunshine to enjoy our meal and plenty of wine!!

Meanwhile our Coliseum Coaches driver had driven to Bath to pick us up.  Colin and Rosemary organised his return to collect us all safely at 3.30pm for our return trip to Romsey.

Even though we only travelled 200 yards, everyone on board had a great time, gourmet lunch, wine and an onboard Canal Quiz organised by Colin and Rosemary.

Reporter Ken Gibson (06.04.2017)

Photos!