In On the Water, Local People, History & Heritage

We spoke to Robert Dean, President of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, about this incredible waterway and its place on the Great West Way. Watch the video above or read on to find out what he had to say…

“We're the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. We're a charity that's been in existence for over half a century. We started off campaigning to bring this canal back to life, and now we work to protect, enhance and promote it.

“What we particularly like doing is working with our marvellous volunteers to help visitors enjoy it and have a fantastic day out on the canal, whether it be for an hour's short trip on a boat like the Barbara McLellan here or for a whole week's holiday on one of the hire boats.

“At the top of the canal, the canal flows over a hill - amazingly! And the canal is kept in water by the world's oldest steam-powered beam engine, which lifts the water to the summit. Throughout the summer, you can see that in operation, which is an incredible sight - still running with coal.

“The Kennet & Avon Canal is at the heart of the Great West Way and is part of your journey across Southern England - and has been for over 200 years. So please build in the Kennet & Avon Canal to your itinerary, and make sure you come along and meet us, meet our boats, meet our wildlife, meet our wonderful scenery and enjoy the Kennet & Avon Canal!”

Inspired to find out more about the Great West Way and the Kennet & Avon Canal? Start planning your trip today.

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