Bridgwater & Taunton Canal

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Goodland Gardens Goodland

Taunton Taunton

Mercury

Goodland Gardens Goodland Gardens

canalrivertrust.org.uk

Taunton Taunton Venus

Firepool

Mercury M Mercury

Goodland Goodland

St Michael Michael St 5

Taunton Taunton

Earth

Mercury E

Arm Arm Taunton Canal Taunton Venus A V Venus French Weir Park Weir French

Firepool

Creech Creech

St Michael Michael St

Mars

Venus M

Firepool Chard Chard Bridgwater & & Bridgwater 3 Earth E 0 Earth

3 A

Arm Arm Taunton Canal Taunton

French Weir Park Weir French

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Jupiter

Earth

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& Pillbox & Chard Chard Bridgwater & & Bridgwater 3

3 A

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Saturn

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French French M

Bridgwater & & Bridgwater Chard Chard Jupiter 3

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Charlton Engine House House Engine Charlton

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Uranus Jupiter

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both sides of the Sun. the of sides both

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repeated in their orbits orbits their in repeated

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both sides of the Sun. the of sides both

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of the walk. Planets are are Planets walk. the of

A Volunteers cleaning Firepool Lock. Lock. Firepool cleaning Volunteers

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3 Planets are repeated in their orbits orbits their in repeated are Planets

Sun

6 M The Sun is at the centre of the walk. walk. the of centre the at is Sun The E d

Rob Coles Rob

centre the at is Sun The

(11km 6.8miles/22k 13.6miles) 6.8miles/22k (11km 3

Bridgwater Docks. The canal can be seen at the top. top. the at seen be can canal The Docks. Bridgwater

A walk. the of centre the at is Sun The E V

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Somerset Space Walk Space Somerset

(11km 6.8miles/22k 13.6miles) 6.8miles/22k (11km

8 M miles) 13.6 22km

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by attractive residences and a pub. pub. a and residences attractive by

(11km 6.8miles/22k 13.6miles) 6.8miles/22k (11km

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surrounded marina a into transformed 8

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The once derelict Docks have now been been now have Docks derelict once The 8 Space Walk Space

Maunsel Lock Maunsel M

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Somerset

Launching canoes at Taunton. Taunton. at canoes Launching

Caroline Robson Caroline J

canal and the B&T reopened in 1994. in reopened B&T the and canal 5

Maunsel Lock Maunsel

the restore to hard worked BW and

Maunsel Lock Maunsel

M Council County Somerset councils,

Tiverton to Lowdswell is still navigable. navigable. still is Lowdswell to Tiverton

enthusiasts and volunteers, district district volunteers, and enthusiasts

11 miles of the Grand Western Canal from from Canal Western Grand the of miles 11

Canal, which reached as far as Tiverton. as far as reached which Canal, S Newton Newton

council, which leased them to BW. Local Local BW. to them leased which council,

AONB

the only these, Of Canal. Western Grand

parking

B&T was linked to the Grand Western Western Grand the to linked was B&T Parking

the Docks were sold by BR to the local local the to BR by sold were Docks the North

Westport Canal; the Chard Canal; and the the and Canal; Chard the Canal; Westport Newton Newton

Quantock Hills Quantock

and the River Tone at Taunton. In 1838 the the 1838 In Taunton. at Tone River the and t

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Railway network. Railway

The coal trade finally ended in 1974 and and 1974 in ended finally trade coal The t

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Newton Newton

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railway station railway

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North River Parrett at Huntworth near Bridgwater Bridgwater near Huntworth at Parrett River a

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years later this joined the Great Western Western Great the joined this later years

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completed in 1827, stretching between the the between stretching 1827, in completed Somerset Levels Somerset

as a remainder waterway. remainder a as

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railway station railway

to the docks for importing coal. Eleven Eleven coal. importing for docks the to v

marina a i n

reaching Exeter on Devon’s south coast: coast: south Devon’s on Exeter reaching Marina

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to British Waterways (BW) and classified classified and (BW) Waterways British to

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Taunton Canal (B&T) would link with a a with link would (B&T) Canal Taunton

and lengthmen’s cottages. lengthmen’s and

marina (BR). Railways British to transferred

and more reliable steam travel arrived. In In arrived. travel steam reliable more and

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o build the locks, bridges and lock keepers’ keepers’ lock and bridges locks, the build

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ownership of Bridgwater Docks was was Docks Bridgwater of ownership

toilets

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and towpath and banks the construct

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and safer route. safer and

Following nationalisation in 1948, 1948, in nationalisation Following

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2 to line the bottom and sides with clay, clay, with sides and bottom the line to toilets

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picnic area picnic

a Picnic area Picnic return journeys. return

faster a – waterways inland via

After the war the After

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Apart from cutting the channel, they had had they channel, the cutting from Apart

Wales, and agricultural goods on the the on goods agricultural and Wales,

Channel English the to Channel

Reservoir

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pub

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they carried coal and iron from South South from iron and coal carried they

picnic area picnic

work was hard and the days were long. were days the and hard was work

Creating a wildlife pond at Chard Arm, Arm, Chard at pond wildlife a Creating

Caroline Robson Caroline they could travel from the Bristol Bristol the from travel could they

Durleigh Durleigh

Reservoir

Mostly it. using year a ships thousand

pub

pickaxes, shovels and wheelbarrows, the the wheelbarrows, and shovels pickaxes,

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Café

scheme was hatched whereby whereby hatched was scheme

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miles. The port boomed with several several with boomed port The miles.

pub

Durleigh Durleigh

Hollinsworth to dig out the canal. Using Using canal. the out dig to Hollinsworth Bridgwater Docks Bridgwater

coastline. In the late 1700s a a 1700s late the In coastline.

extending the canal northwards by two two by northwards canal the extending a

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pillbox

under the supervision of engineer James James engineer of supervision the under

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Bridgwater Docks Bridgwater connecting to the River Parrett and and Parrett River the to connecting

around Cornwall’s treacherous treacherous Cornwall’s around

navigators or navvies, were employed employed were navvies, or navigators

B Bridgwater Docks Bridgwater

pillbox

In 1841 Bridgwater Docks was built, built, was Docks Bridgwater 1841 In

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railway bridge railway

Bridgwater Bridgwater

Railway bridge Railway

From 1822 armies of Irish labourers, called called labourers, Irish of armies 1822 From ships were wrecked as they sailed sailed they as wrecked were ships

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swing bridge swing k

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covers approx. 15 miles / 24.1km / miles 15 approx. covers

covers approx. 15 miles / 24.1km / miles 15 approx. covers u

swing bridge swing

towpath u

Q route safe a Seeking scale: to not Map Towpath

map not to scale: to not map

swing bridge swing

covers approx. 15 miles / 24.1km / miles 15 approx. covers

towpath

map not to scale: to not map

towpath

Follow the TOWPATH CODE Where can you Towpaths are for everyone to enjoy. This code Pocket-sized is a common-sense guide to sharing the towpath and what to expect of others. access the canal? Share the space – towpaths are popular places perfection to be enjoyed by everyone. Please be mindful You can reach the towpath from most Creech St. Michael, St. Michael Road of others, keep dogs under control, and clean up after them. The Bridgwater & Taunton Canal road bridges that cross it. Here are a few TA3 5PZ. A pretty village and junction of is one of a kind. Cut off from places to try: the former Chard Canal — you can still Drop your pace – pedestrians have priority Uranus Space Walk. The Sun at Higher Maunsel Mike Osment Lock. Caroline Robson see the ruined aqueduct that carried the We’re the charity who look after on our towpaths so be ready to slow down; if other waterways and skirting the Bridgwater Docks Nearest car park you’re in a hurry, consider using an alternative Chard Canal over the River Tone. There is and bring to life 2,000 miles of route for your journey. Somerset Levels, the canal offers Northgate TA6 3HR. The former dock is Somerset Space Walk a car park close to North End canal bridge. waterways across England and It’s a special place – Our waterways are a living rural calm and wonderful walks now a marina with residences and a pub. Wales, because we believe that heritage with boats, working locks and low for nature enthusiasts as well as Discover the Space Walk which stretches From here you can access the River bridges so please give way to waterway users between Bridgwater and Taunton. This is a peaceful boating. For cyclists, the Parrett footpath. life is better by water. and be extra careful where visibility is limited. Fold-out guide to the unique scaled model of the solar system. Our research shows that spending time by To find out more about shared use on towpaths well-maintained towpath forms You don’t have to walk all 14 miles as you Kings Lock, Church Road, near North water, whether it be your lunchbreak, daily visit: canalrivertrust.org.uk/bettertowpaths part of the National Cycle Route can join it at different points. The sun lies Newton TA7 0BG. A fine stretch for wildlife commute or just a weekend stroll, really at its centre, in Maunsel Lock, where you with a car park near the lock. Alongside the 3 and the Parrett Way. does make us feel happier and healthier. can stop off for refreshments. lock is one of the last remaining ‘Black Huts’ Bridgwater & You can walk from Bridgwater to Taunton – a former lengthsman’s hut providing him With ever increasing rates of obesity and along the 14-mile canal, but there’s no with shelter from the weather. stress and declining mental health in the need to go that far. Just a ten minute Ruined aqueduct at Chard. Mike Osment UK, we are uniquely placed to improve stroll along the towpath will make you Maunsel Lock, Bankland Lane, near Hedging the wellbeing of millions of people. feel happier and healthier. TA7 0DH. Canal centre offering refreshments Bathpool, Dyers Lane, TA2 8BZ. A small Taunton Canal That’s why we’re working with volunteers and information on the local area; also, the marina with a Canal & River Trust yard and communities across England and last remaining lock keeper’s cottage. situated near to a swing bridge and car Wales to transform their canals into park. The last bridge keeper’s cottage is spaces where local people want to alongside the swing bridge on the offside. spend time and feel better. Firepool Lock, Canal Road, Taunton TA1 1AJ. Our work involves not only looking after This is the junction with the River Tone. our canals, but promoting them widely Nearest car park is at nearby Morrisons if to the eight million plus people who have you need to do some shopping. Alongside waterways on their doorstep so that is the listed Firepool pumping station, which many more people benefit from our free, /canalrivertrust formerly supplied water from the canal for Get social! accessible and local source of wellbeing. Great Western Railway’s steam engines. Enjoying the B&T at Bathpool. Caroline Robson Volunteers gardening at Maunsel. Max Ward Sign up for our monthly Canal & River Trust Newsletter Firepool Lock. Caroline Robson With your support, we can protect Charlton Engine House, Charlton Road our waterways forever. Visit us at Subscribe to our newsletter to read the TA3 5PF. The engine house once canalrivertrust.org.uk/friend stories of the people we meet along the contained a steam powered beam engine and become a Friend today. waterways. Get the latest offers, learn to pump water from the River Tone into about our work and keep up-to-date the canal. Now it is a private home. T: 0303 040 4040 with news and events. (Lines open 8am to 6pm, Mon to Fri) E: enquiries.kennetavon@ Directions to canal on page 2 canalrivertrust.org.uk Edited by Susan Litherland Useful maps Designed by Studio 55 OS Landranger 193 (Taunton & Lyme Regis); Boats at Bathpool. Litherland Sue at Boats OS Landranger 182 (Weston Super Mare, Find out more at 2018 September Bridgwater & Wells); OS Explorer 128 (Taunton & Blackdown Hills); canalrivertrust.org.uk Charity No. 1146792 Charity No. 1146792 canalrivertrust.org.uk OS Explorer 140 (Quantock Hills & Bridgwater). Cyclists on the B&T near Fordgate. Caroline Robson PAGE 2

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Date: 10.09.2018 V5 C&RT_Bridgewater & Taunton 16pp A5 ARTWORK PRODUCED @ 100%

The Bridgwater & Taunton Canal is cut off from other waterways, which Bats Fascinating lock structures means it is not bustling with lots of boats. Its peaceful tranquillity, clean Bats come out at night to hunt insects. The locks on the B&T have an unusual water and greenery attracts wild animals and makes space for plants. They give out ultrasonic echolocation calls mechanism not found anywhere else on So, as you walk the towpath, why not see what you can spot? that bounce off their prey, enabling them our inland waterways. The paddles are lifted to pinpoint their position. Look for their with the help of a large cast iron ball weight silhouettes swooping low over the water, hung on a chain. Watch how it works when plucking insects from just above the a boat goes through a lock. In the late 19th surface, or up among the leaves of the century the lock gates were fitted with Mallard hedgerow trees. concrete balance beams instead of timber Grey heron – the only canal in Britain where this was Probably the most well-known duck, Rob Coles Quietly watching you is Common pipistrelle. Jim Mullholland done. Concrete beams remain at Kings they can be seen paddling mid-water and Standards Locks. and dabbling along the banks. The male the stately grey heron, Purple loosestrife has a green head. standing motionless in shallow water while waiting This tall plant flowers between June and A lengthman’s hut is his castle Dragon’s teeth near Standards Lock. David Viner to snap up fish and frogs. August. Its nectar provides great food for Look out for two remaining lengthsmen’s long-tongued insects such as brimstone huts at the Ling Embankment and at Kings butterflies and elephant hawk moths. See Lock. Several were built along the canal to Pill boxes what other butterflies you can spot along provide shelter for company employees. During the Second World War, the B&T the towpath in spring and summer. A lengthman’s job was to maintain a short formed part of Britain’s defence against length of the canal. These ‘black huts’ were Nazi attack. Called Stop Line Green, it ran Invertebrates copied from linesman’s huts built along the from South Devon to the Bristol Channel. Also look for colourful dragonflies and railways, typically constructed of tarred Concrete pillboxes equipped with firing damselflies. Dragonflies are large and hold sleepers with a corrugated iron roof and loopholes; ditches, gun emplacements and their wings out at 90 degrees. Damselflies brick fireplace or cast-iron stove. concrete obstacles such as dragon’s teeth are dainty and fold their wings along were placed at key locations to prevent their back. Look at the water’s surface advancing troops crossing the canal for whirligig beetles and pond skaters Fordgate pill box. David Viner bridges. The pillboxes were manned by dancing about. the Home Guard. These days we are hoping that bats such as pipistrelle and Lock gear. Caroline Robson Daubenton’s take up residence. Bridgwater & Taunton Canal M5 Creech St Michael The Chard Arm Stuart Collins The Chard Arm joined the B&T at Creech St River Tone Michael but the exact location of the lock at Moorhen the canal junction is unknown. Spot the moorhen darting out of bankside Fish Thornfalcon plants. Look for its enormous feet at the It was one of the last canals to be built and The canal contains most coarse species one of the most technologically advanced. Incline end of long green legs and its yellow and Female broad-bodied chaser dragonfly. red beak. including roach, pike, perch, bream, tench Although it had one lock, four aqueducts, and small minnows. The aggressive pike is three tunnels and four inclined planes, it

the largest of all canal fish and often lurks was never commercially viable and shut in Lane Chard Arm pill box showing fragments of pub walls. Mike Osment among weed beds bursting out to catch 1869 after just 26 years of use. Illustration showing the machinery Lillesdon Sue Litherland smaller fish and sometimes even other pike. on the inclined plane, Ilminster 1858 Lillesdon Lillesdon Neither the lock keeper’s cottage nor an Tunnel ale house called the White Lion remain at Warblers Pike. Jack Perks the junction. However, in 1940 a concrete Birds like reed and sedge warblers live in pillbox was, very unusually, cast inside Basin Hill reedbeds. They arrive from Africa in the pub’s derelict ground floor. The pill Incline Chard Arm map April and build their nests in tall reeds. box remains but only remnants of the Stonyhead Although hard to spot, you might hear Common blue damselfly. Stuart Collins pub walls are still standing. Wrantage their repetitive, ‘chirr, chirr, chirr’. Common reed sports feathery tips Reptiles and amphibians Crimson Hill Stuart Collins from late summer onwards. Tunnel Common lizards bask in the sunlight to warm up before stalking their insect prey. Kingfisher Frogs, toads and newts lay their eggs in water, leaving them at risk of being eaten Beercrocombe This bright blue and orange bird zips low by larger insects such as dragonfly larvae Drawing of the inclines over water, and hunts fish from riverside and small fish. The semi-aquatic grass 13.5 miles perches, Listen for its distinctive flight snake, which you might spot swimming in Shellfish call, a shrill whistle. the canal, is also partial to such a snack. Lying on the canal bank you may spot the Chard Basin shells of fresh water swan mussels or even Ilminster Merryfield the invasive zebra mussels. They will have Airfield been dredged up with mud from the water, Crimson Hill or possibly caught and munched by an otter. Lock Reservoir 231ft Lillesdon Otter.

Sedge Warbler. Tony Slater Canal Way Basin Junction with Bridgwater & Taunton Canal

Incline

The inclined plane looked similar to this one on the Shrewsbury Canal. Ilminster Michael Ware Collection Tunnel Digging out the Chard Arm. Caroline Robson

Dowlish Ford

Reed Warbler. Tony Slater Common toad. Paul Wilkinson

Water lilies Paul Wilkinson Paul Wilkinson The wide, leathery leaves of water lilies Furnham Road Knowle St Giles float on the surface, and you can see their Incline attractive flowers from mid-May until the Chard Chaffcombe Road first frosts. Chard Reservoir

Charity No. 1146792 Find out more at canalrivertrust.org.uk

Date: 10.09.2018 V5 C&RT_Bridgewater & Taunton 16pp A5 ARTWORK PRODUCED @ 100%