Westport Canal Traditional Cache
Calluna Tib: As there has been no response to the previous log requesting that this cache is checked I have no option but to archive it.
Regards
Heather
Calluna Tib
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Westport Canal - rural walk along towpath next to canal
The Westport Canal was opened in 1840 as an extension of the River Parrett Navigation from Burrow Bridge to Langport and Muchelney, where it joined the River Isle.
It was hoped the canal would divert trade to the Parrett Navigation from the rival Chard Canal.
The main cargoes were coal, which was brought to the villages served by the canal, and grain, which was exported via the canal. Other cargoes included incoming timber, which was stored in one of the warehouses for seasoning, together with outgoing stone and reeds.
However, when the Durston to Yeovil Railway was completed in 1853 and a railway through Ilminster and Chard opened in 1866, trade began to move from the canal to the railway and the canal was no longer profitable.
The canal was effectively abandoned as a navigation from 1875, and used as a drain for the Somerset levels from 1878.
The old canal bridges and warehouse buildings can still be seen along the towpath walk.
The canal was partially restored for recreation in the 1970’s by Wessex Water and today it can be used for watching wildlife, walking, fishing and canoeing (dependent on silt levels).
You can expect to see herons, swans and other wetland wildlife along the canal, and if you are very lucky maybe a kingfisher or otter.
Free car park at N50° 59.410 W002° 51.248
(cache was lost but a new one has now been hidden)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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