Sometimes things don't go as expected.

As nice as Hungerford was we had no real desire to stay another day, so at 10:45 we set off to either go to Great Bedwyn, or if a suitable mooring appeared stop somewhere around Froxfield.

We got off to a good start, on leaving our mooring and heading for Hungerford lock we were joined by a group of youngsters travelling on a Bruce Trust widebeam and learning about lock operation etc., and they volunteered to operate the lock as part of their learning, supervised, of course.

 On leaving the lock this lovely thatched roof property appeared nestled among the trees in the distance.

We then passed Hungerford's parish church of St. Lawrence which borders the towpath by swing bridge 85.

The next lock was Hungerford Marsh lock (73) which has a swing bridge running across the center of the lock, no real problem to operate it, just a bit more work, but you must remember to open the bridge before filling the lock or much damage to boat and bridge could ensue as your boat rises to meet the underside of the bridge J

We are still passing through wooded canals and although very nice it leaves little to photograph!

Through two more locks before reaching Froxfield Bottom lock (70) and finding no moorings available so it was onwards to Little Bedwyn.

With the railway running alongside the canal it makes for an interesting looking arrangement at Little Bedwyn

 And the next bridge (94) after the lock had an unusual vaulted brick infill underneath.

We were treated briefly with a more picturesque view before Great Bedwyn as the trees disappeared.

 And it was here that things became a little unexpected, the visitor moorings were full and despite trying to get into the bank on a couple of occasions it was without success so we carried on through Bedwyn Church lock (64), Karl decided at this point he would take an offside mooring tying up to a tree, I did not like that idea so carried on alone, of course at the very next lock the heavens opened, albeit briefly, to rather dampen my mood.
After the first 3 of the Crofton Locks I was pleased to find a spot on the beginning of the visitor moorings before Crofton Pumping station and pulled in at 5:55, a long day!

Crofton Pumping Station which house two Cornish beam engines
which between them lift 2 tons of water to the summit with every stroke.  

Tonights mooring

 Totals today: 7 miles : 14 locks : 2 swing bridges

It's wine o'clock !