A countryside walk along a former waterway near Lacock has been made much easier following repairs by volunteers.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has already restored a significant stretch of the waterway from Double Bridge to Pewsham Locks, making it a popular spot for walkers, runners and cyclists. However, the public right of way from Reybridge passes alongside an unrestored section of canal which was often muddy and slippery during wet weather.
Volunteers with the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the charity have now improved the drainage and laid a new surface along more than a hundred metres of the original towpath.
Work party organiser Howard Wilson, from Semington, said: “The restored canal is very popular with the local community who enjoy the scenic route through open countryside.
“We’ve made huge progress in breathing new life into this section, with a bridge, wharf and benches, but people have sometimes been frustrated by the path at the Reybridge end which was less accessible whenever it rained. Now, thanks to the support of the landowner, we’ve been able to carry out some major improvements.”
Volunteers installed a drain to remove excess water from the derelict section of canal and prevent it overflowing, spread eight tons of recycled hardcore and scalpings along the right of way, and repaired one of the stiles.
Howard added: “We’ve already had lots of positive comments from grateful members of the public who thanked us for our efforts, and we hope it will encourage even more people to walk this route and learn more about the history of the waterway and how they can support its restoration.”
The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the entire waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Melksham, Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
New members are always welcome. Visit www.wbct.org.uk
Pictured: Work party organiser Howard Wilson on the towpath near Reybridge, with the unrestored stretch of canal to the left.
