Canal bridges tend often to be tricky – not so the much larger ones spanning the broad and beautiful River Thames. But Sonning Bridge promised to be a bit of a challenge.
We’re still very new boat-owners, so advice from the experienced and exceptionally friendly barging community at Thames & Kennet Marina is always welcome. Neighbours on either side hinted that it might not be a cinch to navigate Karanja under the bridge at Sonning, the very next bridge downstream from the marina entrance to the Thames.
Built in 1775 to replace an early-16th-century wooden version, Sonning Bridge – just after Sonning Lock – is relatively small, and you can only navigate through the middle of the three arches. It’s set at an angle, too. Going downstream, you have the advantage of right of way, but also less manoeuvrability. Coming back upstream is slightly more difficult, as you have to make a rather sharp turn to the left in limited space.
When daughter Wendy visited us from her home in Brittany, it seemed the right time to brave Sonning Bridge for the first time, and, happily, the exercise went without a hitch: Roy had no problem easing our 49-foot Dutch-style barge smoothly through that middle arch (while I helpfully kept my eyes shut).
After mooring just beyond The Great House (www.greathouse@sonning.co.uk) where Roy and I had also stayed for the mid-June 2016 night that Karanja was brought down by road from the Piper boatyard at Stoke-on-Trent), we lunched alfresco at the Coppa Club restaurant (www.coppaclub.co.uk), located just a gentle upward slope of lawn away from the Thames.
Sonning Bridge ticked off the list, we’re planning a longer trip downstream next week – at least as far as Marlowe.
Fabulous, the whole idea, the boat, the four centre lifestyle, Roy as Captain Birdseye and Verne in that neon pink windcheater NOT forgetting the bath!
Happy days ahead!