Kippers for Breakfast

Bridge over the River Severn

Kippers for breakfast? Yes, please, Jenny had not had kippers since our previous trip to the UK in 1999. Robin made do with a "full Welsh breakfast". We drove back down the Wye Valley and crossed over the River Severn by way of a large suspension bridge. A sign proclaimed "Welcome to England".

In the afternoon we took the opportunity to visit Devizes and the famous Caen Hill Locks, enjoying afternoon tea in the sunshine while watching the narrowboats glide by. Then we had a leisurely walk up and down the tow path. It is not so leisurely for the boat crews - there are 29 locks between Devizes and Foxhanger. Robin did his good deed of the day and helped an American lady who was having trouble with her windlass.

The 16 locks on Caen Hill, completed in 1810, were the last to be built on this stretch of the Kennett and Avon Canals. By 1970 the Caen Flight was badly neglected. They were brought back to life by the K & A Canal Trust and the restored canal was re-opened in 1990 by the Queen.

It is certainly an amazing sight with one lock after another as far as the eye can see.