The Tunnel House Inn near the Source of the Thames has reopened.
In the early days of the Thames Path this was where many walkers would rest after completing their walk.
Instead of turning back towards Kemble, or climbing up to The Thames Head pub, there was the option of walking a mile along the redundant line of the Thames & Severn Canal to The Tunnel House.
The canal, which provided a continuation of the river, ran behind the source having left the Thames by the Roundhouse at Inglesham.
The canal towpath ends where the water entered a two mile long Sapperton tunnel built in the 1780s. Construction took two years and the Earl of Bathurst had the stone pub built at the southern entrance for the workforce.
Until closure five years ago The Tunnel Inn was an informal, cluttered pub with Thames memorabilia on the walls and real fires in winter. It was loved by locals who were waiting outside last Wednesday when the inn reopened.
Publican Peter Austen has spent years planning the reopening and months renovating the 225 year old building.
The Tunnel House Inn is at present open Wed-Thursday 12-10pm; Fri 12-11pm; Sat & Sun 12-8pm. Food is not available until later this summer – probably July.
Beds will also be available which is good news.