On Sunday 30th June 34 members set off on an easy 4½ mile walk before our annual Strawberry Tea. (see separate report under Events).

From Cricklade Leisure Centre the walk followed the path that was once the Midland and South Western Junction Railway. On reaching Cerney Wick we walked over the bridge, which spans the route of the railway, and on through the village until we reached the Thames and Severn Canal. We walked alongside the canal, now overgrown and filled with weeds, to the junction with the North Wilts Canal.

The North Wilts Canal was part of the Wilts and Berks Canal also overgrown and almost completely filled in. We followed the route of the canal until it joined the River Thames at North Meadow. Here we picked up the Thames Path back to Cricklade where strawberries, cream and lots of cake awaited us.

Walking along the old railway line

Mike explains the history of the canal

The canal at the Cerney Wick Roundhouse

The group at Cerney Wick

Flowers at the Crown at Cerney Wick

Putting the world to rights!