How to get there - Saltford is on the A4, half way between Bath & Bristol. From the A4 Bath Road turn north into Norman Road and continue into High Street. At the bottom of the hill by the Bird in Hand pub, turn right into The Shallows and park in the car park on the right. (map)
Suggested Launch Site - Launch over the bank opposite into the river Avon.
General
Description - The River Avon forms part of the Kennet & Avon Navigation which goes west to Reading where it joins the Thames.
From Saltford you can go west for 5 miles (3 locks) to Hanham Lock where the river becomes tidal or east (5 miles & 2 locks) to Bath where the canal rises through 6 locks to Bathwick). If all you want is 3-4 miles return to a riverside pub I suggest you head for the Boathouse at Newbridge which requires portage of just one lock (Kelson Lock). We then went on to Weston Lock where we turned round. (route)
This part of the river is delightfully rural (except for the presence of the railway) as it meanders from one side of the valley to the other with the ridge of hills to the north.
Saltford Brass Mill next to the launch site is the country's best remaining example of a water powered metal rolling mill.
