The Grand Western Canal
It is a while since we have visited this old canal which originally stretched from Tiverton to Bridgwater but the Devon section has been beautified and is well managed as a country park stretching between Tiverton and the Somerset border. It is well known for its horse drawn barge at the Tiverton end but has many delights along its length. The water route into Tiverton is just over 11 miles and the other section of water filled canal is between Taunton and Bridgwater.
Enjoy these images of peace and tranquility in East Devon.
The canal within its landscape
The canal within its landscape
People we met
Paddle Boarding is allowed under Licence and these two people paddled several miles along this beautiful stretch of canal, stopping here for lunch.
Fishing is also allowed under licence. Here we met a keen and knowledgeable pike fisherman who was well set up with colourful lures, the likes of which we have never seen before.
Sheila is holding one such lure and pictures below show other lures at his disposal. Caught fish which can be up to 30lb are returned carefully to the water again. A pike's teeth are razor sharp.
I asked permission to photograph this gentleman which he readily agreed to. What I didn't ask was for permission to place the image onto my website.
For that reason I have blurred his face.
Having become experts in Pike Fishing , knowledgable in paddle boarding we then met a lovely couple who live near Dartmoor who bring their boat up to a launching point on this canal on a trailer - yes a licence is required - and enjoy the quietness of travel in beautiful surroundings. - yes there is a lovely pub where they can moor too.
As you will see from the badge below, this couple are members of the Seamaster club which is a specialist club for Seamaster boats, mainly found on the Norfolk Broads.
This boat is much loved by its owners and it has had some modifications to it over the years, not least to the windows which are designs off a mini and Anglia.
The relatively shallow draft and ability to pull easily off a car trailer make it perfect for adventures such as this and we really enjoyed meeting this couple of
free-spirited individuals, with many a funny story to tell.
Just look at this sight coming under the bridge - sending up a kingfisher in the process - Here is a couple throughly enjoying their hobby. GOOD ON THEM!
Nature
Swan Hellenic is a British cruise line specialising in expedition tours of historical or cultural interest aimed at the upper end of the cruise market.
This family booked for Devon!
I was so pleased to have taken this shot of the swan family.
It is with much sadness that I now report that the signets have all succumbed to Avian Flu and have died.
Meadowsweet., showing off frothy clusters of cream flowers on tall stems.
Babies
Moorhen chicks just born.
No No - This Way!
Thanks for looking through these images. I hope you have enjoyed them
Interested in visiting the Tiverton end of the canal and taking a horse drawn barge?