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WAYS TO ENJOY THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL
Passing through countryside, market towns and picturesque villages, the waterways looked after by the Canal and River Trust offer an abundance of natural beauty and heritage. Embark on your own journey of the Kennet and Avon Canal making the most of eco-travel along the Great West Way with a trip by bike or on foot this season.
Explore the stunning scenery and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal, a wonderful way to travel along the Great West Way. The Kennet & Avon Canal map will be your perfect guide for your Great West Way journey, looked after by the Canal & River Trust, the UK's largest waterways charity. Whether you choose to explore by narrowboat, bike, or on foot, slow down and enjoy all 87 miles of the canal as part of your adventure. You could hire a bike and cycle along the towpath or take a walk to get close to nature. You can also canoe, kayak, or book one of the numerous boat trips. Passing through countryside, market towns, and picturesque villages, the canal offers an abundance of natural beauty, fascinating wildlife, outstanding canal structures, fabulous vistas, and heritage galore.
Take a look at our Kennet & Avon map to find out everything you need to know about visiting the canal. Boating on the Kennet & Avon Canal gently recalibrates your busy everyday life, with golden sun on tranquil waters and fascinating wildlife all around. For those who prefer to stay on land, picnicking and walking or cycling the towpath surrounded by summertime damselflies, butterflies, and birdsong is a relaxing way to enjoy the canal. You can stop at one of the many canalside cafes and pubs, and enjoy the quiet spots such as Honeystreet, charming Bradford on Avon, and bustling Newbury along the way.
The canal opened for business in 1810, and many of its buildings date from then or earlier. You will pass wonderful structures of a bygone age, like Avoncliff Aqueduct and Dundas Aqueduct. For those of you who like technology, Crofton and Claverton pumping stations provide ingenious solutions for replenishing the canal with water. Of course, the famous Caen Hill Lock Flight in Devizes is a real wow – look up from the bottom of the 16 locks that form the main ‘staircase’ – now that’s one way to get boats to travel uphill!
The Kennet and Avon Canal passes through several towns and cities along the Great West Way, offering great opportunities to discover more of historic England with famous landmarks just a short distance away. You can explore the Vale of Pewsey, Devizes, Bradford on Avon, Bristol, and Reading, each with their unique attractions. Whether you choose to embark on a boat trip upstream or cycle with the family along the water's edge, there is plenty to explore across this ribbon of beauty.
Places Along The Kennet And Avon Canal
The Kennet and Avon Canal passes through several towns and cities along the Great West Way, offering great opportunities to discover more of historic England with famous landmarks just a short distance away.
Vale Of Pewsey
Forming the western extent of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Vale of Pewsey showcases some of the most picturesque scenes along the canal. With settlements dating back to 3000 BC, the Vale of Pewsey boasts a rich and interesting history with plenty to discover along its walking routes.
Devizes
Host to one of the most famous landmarks along the Kennet and Avon Canal, Devizes is Wiltshire’s historic market town with plenty to explore within its Medieval past. Whether by narrowboat or on foot, be sure to pass through the Caen Hill flight, a triumph of Georgian engineering with 29 locks stretching over 2 miles!
...the famous Caen Hill Lock Flight in Devizes is a real wow –look up from the bottom of the 16 locks that form the main ‘ staircase’ – now that’s one way to get boats to travel uphill.
Bradford On Avon
Bradford on Avon features two waterways, with the river Avon merging into the Kennet and Avon canal. Situated on Bath’s doorstep and on the edge of the Cotswolds AONB, this picturesque town offers plenty, with a range of independent stores, restaurants and historic features throughout.
Bristol
Tour the far west parts of the Kennet and Avon Canal, and you will reach the vibrant city of Bristol. This cultural and historic city boasts a range of iconic landmarks with its rich maritime heritage, including Brunel’s SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Home to world-renowned graffiti artist, Banksy, be sure to browse Bristol’s colourful streets as its walls are filled with the well-known pieces.
Reading
On the other end of the Kennet and Avon Canal is the modern city of Reading. Located between the river Thames and the Kennet, Reading offers both the excitement of a modern city, with a slice of English heritage. Stroll along the Kennet to find stunning parkland, an array of independent shops and historical landmarks such as the impressive Abbey Ruins.
WAYS TO TRAVEL THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL
Horse-drawn Boat Trip
For a unique and historical experience along the Kennet and Avon Canal, be sure to book a Horse-drawn boat trip with Kennet Horse Boat Company. Environmentally friendly and with very few left in the UK, these horse-drawn barges offer enjoyable experiences while keeping England’s 19th Century heritage well and truly alive.
Cycling
For scenic routes along the Great West Way, a cycle ride on the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath is one not to miss! Enjoy easy terrain, ideal for all ages, as you get close to nature this year. Alternatively, you can focus on the busier routes by setting out on a journey through bustling cities that sit along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Perfect for both long and short walks, the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath allows individuals to embark on a flexible journey, taking in all that’s around them with ease.
Walking
Take in breathtaking sites as you indulge in a peaceful walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal this season. Perfect for both long and short walks, the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath allows individuals to embark on a flexible journey, taking in all that’s around them with ease. Pass a range of historic sites, including Dundas Aqueduct and Caen Hill, before stopping by nearby towns for the perfect picnic location.
Click here to download the Kennet & Avon Canal Map
