Distance: 0.7 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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Brickwork remains at both the head and tail of Withymead Lock but much of this (particularly at the latter) is quite overgrown. A weir has been constructed at the head of the lock and the present day path crosses the Navigation at this point by means of a fairly modern footbridge. When the waterway was in use, the towing path crossed via a bridge at the tail of the lock.
 Footbridge and weir at head of Withymead Lock 15.10.2003 (125.0k) |
 Stream bypassing Withymead Lock 15.10.2003 (133.1k) |
It was usual, when the waterway carried commercial traffic, for the top gates to be kept closed and the bottom gates open. Any excess water in the Navigation could pass through special holes in the top gates. Unusually, at Withymead, a bypass channel seems to have been provided on the west side of the lock for such water and the remains of this stream are still in evidence. It is likely that this arrangement was part of the now derelict system for drowning the water meadows below Withymead.
 Bends in main river below Withymead Lock 15.10.2003 (88.5k) |
 Barton Sluices from downstream 15.10.2003 (112.7k) |
Just below Withymead Lock, the Navigation enters the main river and, for about half a mile, the two share a common course. Several sharp bends below Withymead would have made navigation difficult, particularly when the river was in flood. As Bishopstoke is approached, the Barton River (a side stream of the Itchen) leaves through a set of modern sluices over which the footpath passes at point formerly known as Barton Bay.
Soon the Navigation leaves the main river at a much silted and overgrown junction and shortly the remains of Stoke Lock are reached. This lock has suffered much piecemeal brickwork and steel piling over the years. However, a set of sluices has been inserted at the head of the lock and quite recently a fish pass has also been added. A footbridge carries a public footpath over the tail of the lock.
 Sluices at head of Stoke Lock 15.10.2003 (98.0k) |
 The Barge Path looking north 15.10.2003 (133.3k) |
The stretch of waterway south of the lock is very shallow, the towing path is tarmaced and the bank protected with brick walling. Locally, this stretch is still known as the Barge River and the adjoining footway as the Barge Path. Stoke Bridge carries the Eastleigh to Bishopstoke road over the Navigation. This bridge was built in the early 1900's when the road between the two settlements was re-aligned. A car park for the adjacent playing fields (and available to walkers) lies on the west side of the waterway and several pubs can be found within a few hundred yards to the east in Bishopstoke.
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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