A. Put in from Hungerford Wharf and turn left towards Newbury. Passing under bridge 75, you are initially flanked by buildings before passing quickly into open countryside.

B. From Hungerford the canal is shadowed by the River Kennet. Towards the end of this trail there is a bit of flow but otherwise the canal is static water. After Dunn Mill Lock you head off into the country.

C. It’s a mile or so before the lock at Dunn Mill. You need to portage on the right hand bank (towpath side), cross over the bridge and put back in on the left bank. Watch out for traffic as it’s a blind bend. Parking is also available here.

D. Encounter your next lock another half mile along the route. This is Wire Lock and a paddle through. There are a number of locks along this route, most of which are self explanatory portages.

E. After about 3 miles you enter Kintbury, reaching Lock 78. On the right hand side is a public house and on the left a car park and public toilets. Portage on the left and cross the road before putting back in. During the summer months you may catch sight of a horse drawn narrowboat which offers day trippers a traditional journey on the canal.

F. The canal here continues to be very rural but one the main railway lines to Paddington follows and occasionally criss-crosses the canal. Apart from the occasional train, it’s a very peaceful trip often through a tunnel of trees.

G. Three miles before Newbury come to Benham lock. (no. 82). Portage on the left hand side (towpath) and cross over the small road crossing to put back in on the left hand bank. The canal is still very rural. About a mile or so before Newbury the once controversial Newbury By-pass crosses the canal.

H. Just before Newbury is a low swing bridge. Some may like to limbo it but you may wish to portage around it and this is done on the right hand side.

I. The next lock is Newbury Lock (no 85). As you portage on the left hand side you will find a lovely picnic area with easy access to a public house and nearby shops ( the finish of the trail is only 500 metres away so you can always walk back!). Do look around when you portage here as there are some really interesting things to see.

J. Just beyond the park is a small tributary of the Kennet. As you put back in after the lock be aware of the current coming from the left. When the water is high the flow can be challenging.

K. Follow the canal under the bridge and past Newbury Waterside Centre and then under another road bridge. On one side is Victoria Park and the other is Newbury Wharf car park, your destination.