THE CHALLOWS

• Milestone 42
• Raynes's Crossing
• Cornhill Ditch crosses
• Hiskins Bridge
• King's Lift Bridge (Cornhill Lane) 375883
• Challow Wharf
• #Cottage on line of Canal
• East Challow Bridge (A417) 380883

DESCRIPTION

What Jack Dalby said in 1985:
"from West Challow Bridge site to East Challow ditto, passing the remains of King's lift bridge on Cornhill Lane, the towpath has been cleared. A house straddles the bed before the A417 bridge site."

The towpath is a public Right of Way all along this length.
Milestone 42 is about half way along, and is still legible.
Most of the section was initially cleared during the Big Dig in 1991.

Looking east from West Challow Bridge, the first length has been cleared and partially dredged.   Photo taken 14.10.2001
	Raynes Crossing Looking east towards Raynes Crossing. This area was initially cleared by "Rachel's Rangers", a WRG all-girl working weekend. It has since been partially dredged.   Photo taken 13.4.2002
Hiskins Bridge Originally a lift bridge adjacent to the former Hiskins Wharf, there is now no requirement for a crossing at this point. The bridge abutments will be made sound and will provide one of those interesting relics that one often sees when cruising the Canals. The bridge hole has been partially excavated. The bridgehole is currently crossed by a 6" cast iron water main which as far as we know is still live.   Photo taken 13.4.2002
	King's Lift Bridge The abutments of King's Lift Bridge have been partially restored - not by us, and not to a very good standard; and a fixed deck has been fitted. The bridgehole has now been cleared, and plans are being made to fit a bascule deck.   Photo taken 13.4.2002
Challow Wharf A little further on is Challow Wharf, with a large,wide basin in front of it. One day I'll get round to scanning a photograph of it. Meanwhile, the owner has decided it is not for public viewing, and has erected a very substantial fence round it.	Photo taken 14.10.2001

Abutting the A38 is the cottage on the line. This could doubtless be purchased sometime before 2020; estimated value about £150,000 to £180,000. Though it is said that the present owner is not averse to accommodating the Canal.

RIGHT OF WAY

The towpath is a public right of way all along this section.

WATER SUPPLIES

The Cornhill Ditch and possibly one or two springs flow into the Canal.

HOSTELRIES

A few yards up the A417 from the crossing, there used to be a hostelry but now sadly closed.
The next nearest is the Goodlake Arms, Morelands, about half a mile up the hill.
Not yet investigated.