Itchen Navigation: A Portrait
Shawford - College Mead
Distance: 1.1 mile (1.8 km)
Shawford
At Shawford Bridge the towing path swaps to the west bank of the Navigation. The path was probably constructed on this side to reduce the possibility of trespass in the grounds of Shawford House on the east bank. Here the waterway passes through a more built up part of the village although this is relative. A number of houses in Park View lie on the west side of the Navigation between the towing path and the railway. Indeed, this path is their only means of access to the outside world. To the east of the waterway, lie the grounds of Shawford House, a Grade 2* listed building built in 1685 to which there is no public access.
One hundred yards south of the bridge can be found the remains of Shawford Single Gates in amongst some trees. This structure was effectively half of a lock - much of the brickwork remains and the narrowing of the waterway shows its position. In the 1970s there was a weir that had been inserted in place of the gates but this is no longer in evidence. It has been suggested that the structure’s original purpose was to retain a head of water for Shawford Mill which lies just upstream of Shawford Bridge.
At the end of Park View, the path is met by the access road to Bridge Terrace. In the 19th century there used to be a bridge over the Navigation into Shawford Park as an extension of the road but it had disappeared by 1896.
Shawford Bridge
Shawford Bridge from the south.
Image date: c1960? (card posted 1975). Image: Scanned from postcard. NG Ref: SU472248. WGS84: 51° 01′ 17″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
Shawford Bridge
Shawford Bridge from the south.
Image date: c1960? (card posted 1975).
NG Ref: SU472248.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 17″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
(54.2KB)
Shawford Bridge
Shawford Bridge from the south.
Image date: 25 Jan 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU473249. WGS84: 51° 01′ 19″ N, 1° 19′ 37″ W.
Shawford Bridge
Shawford Bridge from the south.
Image date: 25 Jan 2003.
NG Ref: SU473249.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 19″ N, 1° 19′ 37″ W.
(119.2KB)
Park View, Shawford
Towing path at Park View, Shawford looking south.
Image date: 28 May 1976. Image scanned from slide. © 2010 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU473249. WGS84: 51° 01′ 18″ N, 1° 19′ 37″ W.
Park View, Shawford
Towing path at Park View, Shawford looking south.
Image date: 28 May 1976.
NG Ref: SU473249.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 18″ N, 1° 19′ 37″ W.
(69.3KB)
Park View, Shawford
Towing path at Park View, Shawford looking north from near the Single Gates.
Image date: 18 Nov 2015. © 2015 Marie Keates. Image from www.iwalkalone.co.uk. NG Ref: SU472248. WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
Park View, Shawford
Towing path at Park View, Shawford looking north from near the Single Gates.
Image date: 18 Nov 2015.
NG Ref: SU472248.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
(84.2KB)
Shawford Single Gates
The remains of Shawford Single Gates from upstream with a weir structure replacing the gates.
Image date: 28 May 1976. Image scanned from slide. © 2010 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU472248. WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
Shawford Single Gates
The remains of Shawford Single Gates from upstream with a weir structure replacing the gates.
Image date: 28 May 1976.
NG Ref: SU472248.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
(107.9KB)
Close-up at Shawford Single Gates
Part of the weir structure that used to maintain water levels upstream for the mill but seen here with a high water level downstream.
Image date: May 1977. Image: Department of Transport. NG Ref: SU472248. WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
Close-up at Shawford Single Gates
Part of the weir structure that used to maintain water levels upstream for the mill but seen here with a high water level downstream.
Image date: May 1977.
NG Ref: SU472248.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
(84.6KB)
Shawford Single Gates
The overgrown site of the remains of Shawford Single Gates from upstream which now has no weir structure replacing the gates.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU472248. WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
Shawford Single Gates
The overgrown site of the remains of Shawford Single Gates from upstream which now has no weir structure replacing the gates.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU472248.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 16″ N, 1° 19′ 38″ W.
(84.5KB)
Site of bridge at Bridge Terrace
The site of a bridge over the Navigation at Bridge Terrace.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU472247. WGS84: 51° 01′ 13″ N, 1° 19′ 40″ W.
Site of bridge at Bridge Terrace
The site of a bridge over the Navigation at Bridge Terrace.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU472247.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 13″ N, 1° 19′ 40″ W.
(70.9KB)
Shawford to Malms Farm
Passing south, the houses in Bridge Terrace are soon left behind with a narrow paddock lying between the Navigation and the railway. The footpath, which is often rather muddy, generally follows the Navigation fairly closely. The waterway is rather secretive being partially hidden by trees and bushes growing along the bank. Just over 100 yards from Bridge Terrace, almost hidden by vegetation are the remains of a footbridge that once spanned the canal. Gradually, the waterway draws nearer the railway until the footpath beside the Navigation reaches the private road at the foot of the embankment.
Shortly, the canal and railway diverge again and, passing through a gate, it is possible to see the towing path cut into the gentle slope of the hill against which the waterway was built. From documentary evidence, it would appear that this section of the Navigation was built in the first decade of the 18th Century.
Bridge Terrace
The terrace of houses that lies between the railway and the Navigation seen from the often muddy, southbound footpath.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU472247. WGS84: 51° 01′ 12″ N, 1° 19′ 40″ W.
Bridge Terrace
The terrace of houses that lies between the railway and the Navigation seen from the often muddy, southbound footpath.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU472247.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 12″ N, 1° 19′ 40″ W.
(68.1KB)
Path leading south
The footpath leading south from Bridge Terrace.
Image date: 30 Mar 2013. © Chris Wimbush (cc-by-sa/2.0). Image from www.geograph.org.uk. NG Ref: SU472247. WGS84: 51° 01′ 11″ N, 1° 19′ 41″ W.
Path leading south
The footpath leading south from Bridge Terrace.
Image date: 30 Mar 2013.
NG Ref: SU472247.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 11″ N, 1° 19′ 41″ W.
(88.6KB)
Remains of footbridge
The remains of a footbridge that once crossed the Navigation.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU472246. WGS84: 51° 01′ 10″ N, 1° 19′ 42″ W.
Remains of footbridge
The remains of a footbridge that once crossed the Navigation.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU472246.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 10″ N, 1° 19′ 42″ W.
(82.1KB)
Footbridge remains
An alternative view of the footbridge remains, before vegetation obscured the view.
Image date: May 1977. Image: Department of Transport. NG Ref: SU472246. WGS84: 51° 01′ 10″ N, 1° 19′ 42″ W.
Footbridge remains
An alternative view of the footbridge remains, before vegetation obscured the view.
Image date: May 1977.
NG Ref: SU472246.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 10″ N, 1° 19′ 42″ W.
(83.1KB)
Path meets road
Bridge Terrace seen from the point where public path meets private road.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471246. WGS84: 51° 01′ 08″ N, 1° 19′ 43″ W.
Path meets road
Bridge Terrace seen from the point where public path meets private road.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU471246.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 08″ N, 1° 19′ 43″ W.
(73.8KB)
South of Shawford
A secretive, hemmed-in section of Navigation south of Shawford, seen with lowered water levels after a breach at The Malms.
Image date: 16 Mar 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471245. WGS84: 51° 01′ 07″ N, 1° 19′ 44″ W.
South of Shawford
A secretive, hemmed-in section of Navigation south of Shawford.
Image date: 16 Mar 2003.
NG Ref: SU471245.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 07″ N, 1° 19′ 44″ W.
(97.8KB)
Path leaves the private drive
Here the path leaves the private drive to The Malms between the railway embankment and the canal.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471244. WGS84: 51° 01′ 02″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
Path leaves the private drive
Here the path leaves the private drive to The Malms between the railway embankment and the canal.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU471244.
WGS84: 51° 01′ 02″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(66.5KB)
Malms Farm
Winter water levels at Malms Farm.
Image date: c1978. Image scanned from slide. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471242. WGS84: 51° 00′ 56″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
Malms Farm
Winter water levels at Malms Farm.
Image date: c1978.
NG Ref: SU471242.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 56″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(53.5KB)
Where's Malms Farm?
Now a rather unkempt length of canal and path, but this picture was taken from much the same position as the previous one.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471242. WGS84: 51° 00′ 56″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
Where's Malms Farm?
Now a rather unkempt length of canal and path, but this picture was taken from much the same position as the previous one.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU471242.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 56″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(69.1KB)
Development at Malms Farm
A recent development at Malms Farm has wreaked some rather drastic changes.
Image date: Oct 2023. © 2023 Kieran Gillingham. NG Ref: SU471241. WGS84: 51° 00′ 52″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
Development at Malms Farm
A recent development at Malms Farm has wreaked some rather drastic changes.
Image date: Oct 2023.
NG Ref: SU471241.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 52″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(102.0KB)
By Malm Bridge
View north from beside Malm Bridge.
Image date: 28 May 1976. Image scanned from slide. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471240. WGS84: 51° 00′ 50″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
By Malm Bridge
View north from beside Malm Bridge.
Image date: 28 May 1976.
NG Ref: SU471240.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 50″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(68.4KB)
By Malm Bridge
The same view north from beside Malm Bridge nearly 43 years later.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471240. WGS84: 51° 00′ 50″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
By Malm Bridge
The same view north from beside Malm Bridge nearly 43 years later.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU471240.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 50″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(87.4KB)
Development at Malms Farm
A further view of recent changes at Malms Farm although the kissing gate doesn’t seem to get much use.
Image date: Oct 2023. © 2023 Kieran Gillingham. NG Ref: SU471240. WGS84: 51° 00′ 50″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
Development at Malms Farm
A further view of recent changes at Malms Farm although the kissing gate doesn’t seem to get much use.
Image date: Oct 2023.
NG Ref: SU471240.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 50″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(102.0KB)
Malms Farm to Malm Lock
At the next bridge, by the buildings of Malms Farm, the public right of way crosses the Navigation by a replacement of the original wooden bridge. This path follows the ‘offside’ bank southwards almost as far as Malm Lock whence it leaves the waterway. The original towing path did not cross over but remained on the west bank until College Mead Lock. However, the public footpath was diverted in 1914 and the original path is no longer open to the public.
Until about 2002, the next part of the Navigation was overlooked by the imposing, if rather gaunt, Malms House which was built just before the First World War by Winchester solicitor Alfred Bowker. He had been mayor of the city in 1900-1 and was also a keen gardener and sculptor. It was at his behest that the public footpath was moved to the east side of the Navigation.
The house was demolished in about 2002. It has been replaced by a large block of apartments which, although partially screened by trees, does not sit comfortably with its surroundings.
Malm Bridge
Malm Bridge seen from the north.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471240. WGS84: 51° 00′ 51″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
Malm Bridge
Malm Bridge seen from the north.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003.
NG Ref: SU471240.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 51″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(93.7KB)
Malm Bridge
Malm Bridge seen from the south.
Image date: 28 May 1976. Image scanned from slide. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471240. WGS84: 51° 00′ 49″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
Malm Bridge
Malm Bridge seen from the south.
Image date: 28 May 1976.
NG Ref: SU471240.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 49″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(69.4KB)
Malm Bridge
Malm Bridge seen from the south.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471240. WGS84: 51° 00′ 49″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
Malm Bridge
Malm Bridge seen from the south.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU471240.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 49″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(74.2KB)
Beside Malms Farm
The Navigation beside Malms Farm just south of Malm Bridge.
Image date: 25 Sep 2009. © 2010 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471240. WGS84: 51° 00′ 49″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
Beside Malms Farm
The Navigation beside Malms Farm just south of Malm Bridge.
Image date: 25 Sep 2009.
NG Ref: SU471240.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 49″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(101.1KB)
The Malms
The Malms was a house overlooking the Navigation and the Itchen Valley but was demolished in about 2002.
Image date: 28 May 1976. Image scanned from slide. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471238. WGS84: 51° 00′ 45″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
The Malms
The Malms was a house overlooking the Navigation and the Itchen Valley but was demolished in about 2002.
Image date: 28 May 1976.
NG Ref: SU471238.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 45″ N, 1° 19′ 46″ W.
(57.2KB)
The Malms
After The Malms was demolished, a large block of apartments was built in its place during 2005-6, also called The Malms.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471239. WGS84: 51° 00′ 46″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
The Malms
After The Malms was demolished, a large block of apartments was built in its place during 2005-6, also called The Malms.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU471239.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 46″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(62.8KB)
The path south of Malms Farm
Gradually the path leaves the side of the waterway with trees and bushes forming a screen between the two.
Image date: 3 May 2014. © 2014 Marie Keates. Image from www.iwalkalone.co.uk. NG Ref: SU471239. WGS84: 51° 00′ 46″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
The path south of Malms Farm
Gradually the path leaves the side of the waterway with trees and bushes forming a screen between the two.
Image date: 3 May 2014.
NG Ref: SU471239.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 46″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(120.3KB)
Malm Lock
Although a public footpath (Compton & Shawford Footpath No 10) is defined as continuing south along the east bank to the southern end of Malm Lock (and ending there), it is in fact almost impossible to clamber over the fence and through the thick vegetation from the well worn Itchen Way. But it is interesting that the weir at the top of the lock, although fixed, has been built in the position and shape of the original top gates.
Alfred Bowker was responsible for a number changes around the Navigation. Using the height difference of around six feet at Malm Lock he built a channel bypassing the head of the lock to accommodate a turbine, presumably to generate electricity. On the east bank below the lock, his gardening interest led him to build a Japanese water garden getting its water from the Navigation. He also built a boathouse on the east side of the canal below the lock.
Early in 2003, a breach in the bank of the Navigation just above the lock led to flooding of the fields to the east and a lowering of water levels as far upstream as Shawford. The breach had been repaired by the middle of April 2003. There was a further breach through the bank south of Shawford in the winter of 2009-10 which was mended as part of work of the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail Project.
Malm Lock and College Mead Lock downstream both held up water behind them leading to water overtopping the banks, erosion and the breaches. Such structures can also impact fish passage and lead to sluggish silted waters which are unsuited to chalk stream specialist species. Just improving flows would not allow fish to overcome the high rise of the lock. Instead, a 80 metre long by-pass channel was created around the side of the lock in 2012 as part of the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail Project. This new channel was excavated and lined with rocks and gravels, carefully placed to provide a range of flow conditions passable by smaller fish as well as the more athletic salmonid species.
Breach in bank
Breached culvert in the bank north of Malm Lock adjacent to the footpath.
Image date: 16 Mar 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471238. WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
Breach in bank
Breached culvert in the bank north of Malm Lock adjacent to the footpath.
Image date: 16 Mar 2003.
NG Ref: SU471238.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
(128.3KB)
Head of Malm Lock
Weir at the head of Malm Lock in the position originally occupied by the top gates.
Image date: 28 May 1976. Image scanned from slide. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471237. WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
Head of Malm Lock
Weir at the head of Malm Lock in the position originally occupied by the top gates.
Image date: 28 May 1976.
NG Ref: SU471237.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
(85.6KB)
Head of Malm Lock
The head of Malm Lock. The entrance to the disused turbine channel can just be seen on the right.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471237. WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
Head of Malm Lock
The head of Malm Lock. The entrance to the disused turbine channel can just be seen on the right.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003.
NG Ref: SU471237.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
(115.6KB)
Malm Lock Chamber
Chamber of Malm Lock. The exit from the turbine channel can be seen entering the chamber on the right.
Image date: 28 May 1976. Image scanned from slide. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471237. WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
Malm Lock Chamber
Chamber of Malm Lock. The exit from the turbine channel can be seen entering the chamber on the right.
Image date: 28 May 1976.
NG Ref: SU471237.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 42″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
(112.9KB)
Malm Lock Chamber
This view is looking from within the lock chamber towards the weir at its head. The turbine channel enters the chamber in the left foreground.
Image date: May 1977. Image: Department of Transport. NG Ref: SU470237. WGS84: 51° 00′ 41″ N, 1° 19′ 48″ W.
Malm Lock Chamber
This view is looking from the lock chamber towards the weir at its head.
Image date: May 1977.
NG Ref: SU470237.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 41″ N, 1° 19′ 48″ W.
(94.1KB)
Malm Lock by-pass
A general view of the new by-pass channel at Malm Lock seen from The Malms apartments. The lock chamber is in the centre of the picture but shielded from view by the trees. The by-pass returns water to the Navigation below the lock.
Image date: c2017. © 2017 www.rightmove.co.uk. NG Ref: SU470238. WGS84: 51° 00′ 43″ N, 1° 19′ 50″ W.
Malm Lock by-pass
A general view of the new by-pass channel at Malm Lock seen from The Malms apartments. The lock chamber is in the centre of the picture but shielded from view by the trees.
Image date: c2017.
NG Ref: SU470238.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 43″ N, 1° 19′ 50″ W.
(62.2KB)
Malm Lock by-pass
The upper end of the by-pass channel at Malm Lock seen from The Malms apartments. The bench seat sits on the infilled turbine channel. The lock chamber is just off the right side of this picture.
Image date: c2013. © 2013 Olympic Aquatic Engineers. NG Ref: SU470238. WGS84: 51° 00′ 43″ N, 1° 19′ 50″ W.
Malm Lock by-pass
The upper end of the by-pass channel at Malm Lock seen from The Malms apartments. The bench seat sits on the infilled turbine channel.
Image date: c2013.
NG Ref: SU470238.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 43″ N, 1° 19′ 50″ W.
(93.4KB)
Malm Lock to College Mead
A few yards before reaching Malm Lock, the public footpath leaves the Navigation. It crosses the adjacent field for about 50 yards and then, turning southwards, follows a disused track for over quarter of a mile. This runs roughly parallel to the Navigation, and about 70 yards (65m) from it, reaching College Mead Lock before rejoining the canal. The canal between the two locks is in water but is inaccessible to the public.
The path to College Mead Lock
The path to College Mead runs away from the apartment block lying beyond the Navigation.
Image date: 18 Mar 2013. © Shazz (cc-by-sa/2.0). Image from www.geograph.org.uk. NG Ref: SU471237. WGS84: 51° 00′ 41″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
The path to College Mead Lock
The path to College Mead runs away from the apartment block lying beyond the Navigation.
Image date: 18 Mar 2013.
NG Ref: SU471237.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 41″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(69.5KB)
Hidden Malm Lock
In this picture, Malm Lock is hidden by the large trees to the left.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471237. WGS84: 51° 00′ 41″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
Hidden Malm Lock
In this picture, Malm Lock is hidden by the large trees to the left.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU471237.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 41″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(75.3KB)
Flooded path
The path was flooded by water from the breach just above Malm Lock.
Image date: 16 Mar 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU471237. WGS84: 51° 00′ 40″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
Flooded path
The path was flooded by water from the breach just above Malm Lock.
Image date: 16 Mar 2003.
NG Ref: SU471237.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 40″ N, 1° 19′ 45″ W.
(109.2KB)
The path to College Mead Lock
Looking south along the path to College Mead Lock with the Japanese water garden behind the bushes on the right - the Navigation lies behind that.
Image date: 30 Mar 2012. © Chris Wimbush (cc-by-sa/2.0). Image from www.geograph.org.uk. NG Ref: SU471236. WGS84: 51° 00′ 38″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
The path to College Mead Lock
Looking south along the path to College Mead Lock with the Japanese water garden behind the bushes on the right.
Image date: 30 Mar 2012.
NG Ref: SU471236.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 38″ N, 1° 19′ 47″ W.
(100.5KB)
The path south
The path continues south-westward with the Navigation hidden by the trees across the field.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU470235. WGS84: 51° 00′ 34″ N, 1° 19′ 49″ W.
The path south
The path continues south-westward with the Navigation hidden by the trees across the field.
Image date: 16 Feb 2019.
NG Ref: SU470235.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 34″ N, 1° 19′ 49″ W.
(61.8KB)
Hatchway near College Mead
Looking south across the hatchway on the east side of the Navigation about 150 yards (140m) above College Mead Lock.
Image date: c1978. Image scanned from slide. © 2019 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU470235. WGS84: 51° 00′ 32″ N, 1° 19′ 53″ W.
Hatchway near College Mead
Looking south across the hatchway on the east side of the Navigation about 150 yards (140m) above College Mead Lock.
Image date: c1978.
NG Ref: SU470235.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 32″ N, 1° 19′ 53″ W.
(103.9KB)
Above College Mead Bridge
The Navigation seen looking north from the site of the towing path upstream of College Mead Lock and the former occupation bridge.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU469234. WGS84: 51° 00′ 30″ N, 1° 19′ 54″ W.
Above College Mead Bridge
The Navigation seen looking north from the site of the towing path upstream of College Mead Lock and the former occupation bridge.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003.
NG Ref: SU469234.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 30″ N, 1° 19′ 54″ W.
(83.0KB)
College Mead Bridge
The masonry abutments of the former wooden occupation bridge lie about 50 yards upstream of College Mead Lock.
Image date: May 1977. Image: Department of Transport. NG Ref: SU469234. WGS84: 51° 00′ 29″ N, 1° 19′ 54″ W.
College Mead Bridge
The masonry abutments of the former wooden occupation bridge lie about 50 yards upstream of College Mead Lock.
Image date: May 1977.
NG Ref: SU469234.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 29″ N, 1° 19′ 54″ W.
(67.0KB)
College Mead Bridge
The very overgrown abutments of the former occupation bridge lying north of College Mead Lock.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003. © 2003 Peter Oates. NG Ref: SU469234. WGS84: 51° 00′ 29″ N, 1° 19′ 54″ W.
College Mead Bridge
The very overgrown abutments of the former occupation bridge lying north of College Mead Lock.
Image date: 13 Apr 2003.
NG Ref: SU469234.
WGS84: 51° 00′ 29″ N, 1° 19′ 54″ W.
(122.6KB)
Several of the pictures on this page are shown by kind permission of Marie Keates. A keen walker, she has written about and illustrated several attempts to walk the full length of the Navigation during 2013 in her blog at https://www.iwalkalone.co.uk. She has walked along all or parts of the Navigation often since then: all illustrated with some excellent photographs.