Maunsel Lower Lock on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somerset.

Today I had reason to visit Taunton after which I decided to drive up to North Petherton and follow the signs to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal’s visitor centre at Maunsel Lower Lock.  Without any wrong turns, after wending my way along narrow country lanes, I arrived at the car park which is pleasantly shaded amongst trees just opposite the visitor centre.  

Maunsel Lower Lock on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somerset.

The information board at the entrance to the car park is very informative.  As well as suggesting local walks it tells us that the 15 mile long Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, part of an ambitious plan to link Bristol and Exeter, opened in 1827.  Cargoes were carried in barges or small tub-boats until commercial operations ended in 1905 after the opening of the Bristol to Exeter railway.  The restored canal - restoration was completed in 1984 - is now an “important recreational resource”.

In sunshine and a gentle breeze I took the footpath south alongside the eastern bank of the canal and spent a peaceful afternoon enjoying the scenery, taking photographs and also coming upon reminders of World War Two, but more of that in another post.  

A view to the south west from the bank of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal just south of Maunsel Higher Lock.

Maunsel Lower Lock is a convenient point from which to further explore the canal.  On my next trip there I will follow the canal north toward Bridgwater, and I must make time to drop in to the visitor centre.

Looking north from the bridge at Maunsel Lower Lock on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somerset..