Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the fortifications were added and swing bridges were fixed and strengthened to carry War
Department vehicles. These have had to be raised to allow canal boats to pass underneath.
The Taunton area is known for its cider. Apple orchards dot the landscape. The land rolls
gently, here a hillock with a wind pump on top, there a dip below canal level, making the
scenery more interesting, bringing the Quantocks back into view or giving glimpses of the
unusual church at North Curry, apparently in Regency style.
The canal now moves away from the River Tone as it becomes tidal. Another divergence
comes on the railway, which has been close for most of the journey but only visible when
trains are passing. Even then, they are often heard but not seen. A strange asymmetric rail-
way bridge of 1932 is the site of an oblique junction of major importance. While the Exeter
to Bristol line continues to follow the canal, the shortened London route cuts left and then
crosses under the more northerly line.
As well as the locks at each end, there are four locks - Higher, Maunsell, King's and Stand-
ards - grouped over 3km midway along the canal. These have totally unique features in the
form of spherical counterweights on the lock gates; their concrete balance beams are also
rare. A large orange and yellow sun sphere, puzzling for passing motorists, is the centre of
the Somerset Space Walk, a model of the solar system laid out both ways along the canal with
planets and distances to scale. The upper gates at Maunsell Lock allow water to weir over
and this can be disconcerting as the drop is substantial.
Creeper shrouds the bridge at Creech St Michael
.
At North Newton the canal turns sharply in front of a meadow with a very ancient and
picturesque church behind. This is not the village's only gem. In 1693 the Alfred Jewel was
found in North Newton and this is now the oldest surviving Crown Jewel.
