After years of talking about it, they finally did it!
On the morning of 6 April, three of them — John, Paul, and Mike — set off from Aldermaston Wharf on a two-day journey along the stunning Kennet and Avon Canal, heading westward to Bath.
Here’s their story according to John Clark of Velospeed, and we thank him for allowing us to reprint this.
Day 1: Aldermaston to Devizes
It was a glorious day to set out on the first leg to Devizes, fortified by a fry up at Aldermaston Tea Rooms.
We’re riding Moustache e-bikes – one Xroad 5 FS, an Xroad 7 and a Weekend twin battery with full suspension – perfect for this sort of trip!
As we made our way west, the route served up a wonderful mix of scenery: peaceful narrowboats (some pristine, some… well-loved), walkers, fellow cyclists, and even a few determined anglers in the middle of Newbury town centre.
We paused in Kintbury for a well-earned pint at the Blue Ball Inn, where the cider went down a treat.
Even with electric assistance from our powerful Bosch motors, a day’s ride still takes it out of you — especially for aging knees and legs. A quick rest, a cold drink, and a stretch made all the difference. And it’s nice to get off the saddle!
Barges of old must have been propelled through these tunnels using the foot method, where you lie on your back on top of the boat and “walk” the barge along.
We, on the other hand, rode up the hill next to the tunnel, more sensible than cycling through 5m of water.
At times, if following the National Cycle Network route 4, you are away from the canal and cycling through the lovely Wiltshire countryside.
Obviously we got lost a few times — I was not to blame, of course. Naturally there are pubs which must be investigated along the route.
Eventually we got to Devizes and checked into the Castle Hotel. They have excellent bike storage facilities, and the rooms are comfortable.
Sadly, the restaurant was closed on a Sunday evening, so we found ‘Nerano’, an excellent Italian restaurant, so that turned out well.
Day 2: Devizes to Bath
The amazing Caen Hill Locks, here we are huddled together for warmth at the top. An amazing feat of engineering, restored in the 1960s and kept going these days by the Canal and River Trust.
There were lots of volunteers there, and one of them helpfully took our photo before we descended the 237 feet.
Cake and coffee were had in the little café here, and Paul managed a bacon roll. It had been nearly 15 minutes since breakfast, after all.
Another coffee stop, Dusty Ape Coffee just off the towpath – we thoroughly recommend their coffee and cakes.
Below is the view from the viaduct over the River Avon at Avoncliff. We had managed to get on the wrong side of the canal, but all was not lost, and we regained the correct path.
Mike started to doubt we were on the right route but there’s only one canal and you can only go one way on it at a time, so we ignored him.
Happily, we were right for once.
As we got to Bradford on Avon there were more people enjoying the day on the towpath, so it was important to ride carefully and ring the bell to warn them.
There were a lot of boats moored up, many of them a little the worse for wear, as were their owners. An interesting herbal aroma filled the air.
Then on to Bath, where I forgot to take any photos of the city from the towpath. It was quite different and worth taking a look if you’re there.
And finally, to Bath station where we were just in time for the 15:13 and fortunately it was also on time. We’d booked three bike spaces on board, but they were very inadequate. It worked out fine though.
Back to Reading station in an hour.
Reflections
Two days, three bikes, one canal, and countless laughs. This trip was years in the planning and all the more special for finally making it happen.
We wholeheartedly recommend the route for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of beautiful British landscapes.
We’ll be planning and hopefully actually doing more so any tips will be gratefully received. If this story gives you serious FOMO and you haven’t got your e-bike yet – come and have a chat! We’d love to see you at either of our Velospeed showrooms.
