Distance: 0.9 mile Click on an image to view a larger version of the picture in a separate window. The file size of the larger version is given in brackets after the caption. For more pictures of this part of the Navigation see the gallery. |
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 Waterway Today Contents |
Immediately south of the road bridge at Allbrook, the waterway runs in a channel constructed by the railway company in about 1838 when the London and Southampton Railway was built. According to an old map, the original Allbrook Lock lies under the railway embankment south of the road but no sign of it remains. The canal curves round to the west and passes under the first of two bridges carrying the railway over the Navigation. West of the railway and on the north side of the canal, the Nuttall plant hire depot dominates. The old line of the Navigation rejoined the present line between the railway bridge and the depot.
 Allbrook Bridge from downstream 15.10.2003 (114.6k) |
 West side of railway bridge at Allbrook 15.10.2003 (118.7k) |
The waterway now follows the bottom of the hill upon which the small settlement of Allbrook sits and a number of gardens run down to the waterway. The path runs atop the canal bank a few feet above the river meadows on the left. The Navigation now describes a large arc, slowly turning to the south. For much of this length, the Navigation has a rather neglected air with many trees overhanging and nearly blocking the channel. From a point just south of the crossing by an electricity pylon line, the towing path becomes wider and sturdier following repairs to a large breach in the bank some years ago.
The next feature of note is Ham Bridge, which is an accommodation bridge that also carries a public footpath up to the main Eastleigh to Twyford road and to the Ham Farm public house. The concrete bridge was built in about 1950 and it reputably replaced the last original wooden bridge along the waterway.
 Ham Bridge 15.10.2003 (221.6k) |
 Upstream side of railway bridge near Withymead 15.10.2003 (126.1k) |
The Navigation continues south past the gardens of houses on the outskirts of Eastleigh. As usual with canalside properties, some make feature of the water whilst others do their best to ignore it. The next bridge encountered is the second railway crossing, the waterway now flowing south-eastwards. The original brick railway bridge dating from 1838 has been extended several times, the last in 1943 when preparations were in hand for the invasion of Europe.
 Downstream side of railway bridge near Withymead 15.10.2003 (130.8k) |
 Footbridge at head of Withymead Lock 15.10.2003 (122.6k) |
Several hundred yards beyond the railway bridge, Withymead Lock is encountered.
More pictures of this section of the Navigation.
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Send your comments to the Web Site manager (Peter Oates) Text © Southampton Canal Society 1999 - 2003. Original page covering Allbrook to Bishopstoke created 15 June 1999 - split into two pages 20 October 2003 - last updated 9 May 2004 |
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