The Rowbarge – Kennet and Avon Canal loop from Silchester
The Rowbarge – Kennet and Avon Canal loop from Silchester
1
riders
The Rowbarge – Kennet and Avon Canal loop from Silchester
01:10
19.9km
90m
Mountain biking
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tips
Includes a movable bridge
Check opening times.
After 12.6 km for 12 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
4.27 km
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Aldermaston
Highlight • Religious Site
Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_Mary_the_Virgin,_Aldermaston
Tip by
4.82 km
North East Lodges and Gates to Aldermaston Court
Highlight • Monument
Historic England tells me (historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1117332) that these are the "North East Lodges and Gates to Aldermaston Court", Grade II* Listed since 25 October 1951.
From the same site I learn that these are circa 1636, 2 lodges with gates between, once one house. The lodges once formed part of a U-plan house from which the centre has been removed. The wrought iron gates came from Midgham House in early C19.
Upon further research, Wikipedia tells me (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldermaston_Court) that after Aldermaston Court changed hands in 1780 and passed to William Congreve, many changes occurred, including: "The wrought-iron Eagle Gates, at the north-west of the estate, were won at a game of cards so taken from Midgham. To install them, the estate's north-west lodge (a dower house) was dissected (removing the 60 square metres (650 sq ft) centre section)."
When I saw these buildings with the iron gates in-between I was struck by their unusual architecture, with the square facades made interesting by the matching semi-circular front top (the actual roof being a conventional gable roof, from what I can see through Google Earth).
Once I stopped to take their picture, though, I was truly saddened by their poor state, almost feeling a tear in my soul at the sight of something so unique, of historical value and certainly once loved and lived in, in such a dilapidated state.
According to the West Berkshire Council website (publicaccess.westberks.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=OCGTM3RD0IP00) back in 2016 an application was made to renovate these and other parts of the Aldermaston Court estate, but some of the applications for conversion were rejected, so I can only assume that the whole project was put aside.
Tip by
4.84 km
Stone Cross Monument and Fountain in Aldermaston
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
9.23 km
The Rowbarge
Highlight • Pub
This pub can be easily reached by bike from Reading avoiding traffic via the canal towpath (which is where NCN Route 4 runs, just beware of some stretches were the path is uneven and needs to be treaded with some caution) and is set in a beautiful spot with a huge beer garden that is great for those Summer barbecues.
In fact, on those warm Summer days I would recommend an easy ride along the canal to treat yourself to a nice Sunday roast and a couple of pints, followed by another easy ride back to town.
The food is nice and warming and reasonably priced, dogs are welcome indoors in the bar area and in the garden and the staff are friendly.
Bike racks to lock your bikes are also present, but they are on the road at the front rather than hidden away at the back, so not the safest of places if you are visiting in the evening and sitting indoors.
Tip by
12.7 km
Kennet and Avon Canal
Highlight • Cycleway
Today it's almost completely leisure use with a brilliant tow-path running almost the entire length, perfect for car free miles of flat riding.
Tip by
12.7 km
Aldermaston Wharf Tea Room
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
19.9 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.0 km
3.37 km
1.32 km
973 m
243 m
Surfaces
14.4 km
3.15 km
2.12 km
184 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (100 m)
Lowest point (50 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 1 July
25°C
15°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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