How to get there - Aldermaston Wharf is just south of the A4 between Newbury and reading. Follow the signs for the Kenett & Avon Canal Visitors Centre. (map)
Suggested Launch Site - Park in the Visitor Centre Car park and launch over the tow path. As you will be heading west you will immediately encounter the lowered swing bridge (you will have to portage) and Aldermaston lock so you will probably find it easiest to carry the canoe to the west of the lock and launch there.
Alternatively , you may wish to unload your canoe at the lock before parking in the Visitor Centre car park.
General
Description - Head west.past the swing bridge and lock
There follows a two mile section until the next lock, the second half of which is the river Kennet. Immediately after Woolhampton Swing Bridge (canoes can pass under with care) is the Row Barge Pub. Old Woolhampton Lock is next but because the river joins from the left immediately before the lock, it may be best to begin your portage before the river junction.
Colthrop Lock is two miles further on (there are two locks and two swing bridges inbetween). We picniced here before turning round and returning to the start making a round trip of 8 miles & 8 locks. (route)
If you have a second car you can carry on to the old wharf in Newbury which is now a car park, making a one way trip of 8 1/2 miles and 10 locks.
I didn't take photos for this trip but some have been donated by Andrew Bateman and Kol Tregaskes. If you have anymore please e-mail them to me.
