Distance: 1.1 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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At Shawford Bridge the towing path swaps to the west bank of the Navigation. Here the waterway passes through a more built up part of the village although this is relative. A number of houses lie on the west of the Navigation between the towpath and the railway. Indeed, the towing path is their only means of access to the outside world. To the east of the waterway, lie the grounds of Shawford House.
 Shawford Bridge from the south 25.01.2003 (255.4k) |
 Shawford Single Gates from upstream 16.03.2003 (235.7k) |
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. Until recently, a weir had been inserted in place of the gates but at the time of writing this was 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.
 Navigation south of Shawford with lowered water levels 16.03.2003 (210.6k) |
 Recovering water levels north of Malms Farm 13.04.2003 (157.4k) |
Passing south, the houses are soon left behind with a narrow meadow lying between the Navigation and the railway. The footpath generally follows the Navigation fairly closely. As the Navigation and railway diverge again, it is possible to see the towing path cut into the gentle slope of the hill against which the waterway is built. From documentary evidence, it appears this section of the Navigation was built in the first decade of the Eighteenth Century.
 Channel north of Malms Farm 13.04.2003 (189.8k) |
 Malm Bridge 13.04.2003 (96.2k) |
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 follows the 'offside' bank almost as far as Malm Lock whence it leaves the waterway. Originally the towing path did not cross over but stayed on the west bank. Until recently, the next part of the Navigation was overlooked by the imposing Malms House which is to be replaced by apartments.
 Head of Malm Lock 13.04.2003 (254.2k) |
 Public path south of Malm Lock with signs of the recent flooding 13.04.2003 (216.4k) |
Immediately before reaching Malm Lock, the public footpath crosses the adjacent field then follows a track southwards, reaching College Mead before rejoining the Navigation. Malm Lock is effectively barred from public access. Early in 2003, a breach in the bank of the Navigation just above Malm Lock led to flooding of the fields east of the lock and a lowering of water levels as far upstream as Shawford. The breach was repaired in April.
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 Shawford to Brambridge created 11 June 1999 - split into two pages 26 April 2003 - last updated 9 May 2004. |
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