The approach to the lock by boat seems to get narrower every year. The lock is under the bridge to the right. From the left the River Kennet flows towards us. The canal and river are one waterway at this point.

The Kennet Navigation was made between 1718 and 1723 the engineer being John Hore, it passes between the Thames at Reading, the other end being at Newbury.

Boaters heading west along the Kennet and Avon Canal will feel that they have left Reading behind and are starting to see open countryside from here onwards. There has always been a problem of hooliganism in the area though, as it is just far enough away from Reading for those wanting to cause trouble to do so unseen.

Looking along this stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal which is just north of the River Kennet.

A delightful rural scene, apparently, but not a good place for overnight mooring.
The local "wildlife" has a bad reputation.

Fobney Lock is situated in an open area south of the central built up area of Reading, and is difficult to access except by walking along the towpath.

The narrow boat is heading upstream after leaving Fobney Lock. Photo taken from the bridge by Fobney Pumping Station.

An unusual weir on a short branch-off from the Kennet and Avon canal between Southcote and Fobney locks.

The Navigation leaves the River Kennet which heads to the right towards a weir. A red and white sign on the towpath footbridge warns the boater of the danger.
MEP

The line from Reading to Basingstoke crosses the canal just south of Southcote. A track-laying train can be seen crossing the bridge.

This bridge carries the Great Western Railway's line to Basingstoke over the River Kennet

This private narrowboat is approaching Southcote Lock, just beyond the bridge I am standing on. This is an artificial section of cut; the River Kennet rejoins from the right behind the boat.

Southcote Lock is 50 yards beyond the bridge. by MEP

Looking east downstream in the direction of Fobney Lock and Reading. MEP

The steerer of this narrowboat, passing under Southcote footbridge, is lining up the boat for Southcote Lock just to the right.

Looking downstream, with the Milkmaids' Footbridge visible in the background.

Despite its very overgrown appearance, Southcote Lock was actually navigable at the time of this 1975 photograph, although it did not see a great deal of use, as a few miles further west, at Tyle Mill, was then the limit of navigation. Now, however, through navigation to Bath is possible and there are plenty of boats.

Looking upstream towards Burghfield. The old pumping station is now a house.

A long stretch of moorings viewed from the south side of the Kennet and Avon canal between Burghfield Bridge and Southcote Lock.

Looking downstream towards Southcote Lock.