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The Kennet & Avon Canal on the Great West Way

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The Kennet & Avon Canal

Slow down and enjoy all 87 miles of the Kennet & Avon Canal as part of your Great West Way adventure, using our Kennet & Avon Canal map.

The Kennet & Avon Canal is a wonderful way to travel along part of the Great West Way. This ribbon of beauty and history stretches between Reading and Bristol and is looked after by the Canal & River Trust.

Hire a bike and cycle along the towpath, or take a walk and get close to nature. You can 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. Slow down the pace, make time to unwind and find your own story on the Kennet & Avon Canal on the Great West Way. Take a look at our Kennet & Avon map to find out everything you need to know about visiting the canal. You can also order a physical copy of the Kennet & Avon Canal Map through Pear Distribution.

Golden sun on tranquil waters, rippled by the bow of your boat. Insects dancing across the water as dozy cows look on from the bankside. The lazy pop pop pop of the engine while you travel slowly through attractive towns like Hungerford, quaint villages such as Wootton Rivers and architectural masterpieces like Bath. Boating on the Kennet & Avon Canal gently recalibrates your busy everyday life. Find out how to travel the Great West Way by narrowboat.

Yet you certainly don’t need to be on a boat to enjoy this glorious canal. You could make a picnic and walk or cycle the towpath. Surrounded by summertime damselflies, butterflies and birdsong, your wellbeing will soar sky high. Stop at one of the many canalside cafés and pubs; you’ll find them in quiet spots such as Honeystreet, charming Bradford on Avon and bustling Newbury.

Your route will pass wonderful structures of a bygone age, like Avoncliff Aqueduct and Dundas Aqueduct. The canal opened for business in 1810 and many of its buildings date from then or earlier. 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!

Incorporate the Kennet & Avon Canal into your next Great West Way journey.

Kennet & Avon Canal Map

Slow down the pace, make time to unwind and find your own story on the Kennet & Avon Canal on the Great West Way.
How to: Travel the Great West Way by Narrowboat

Take a look at how we recommend to travel the Great West Way by narrowboat.
Canal & River Trust

The beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal (or K&A as its known) flows along 87 miles of the Great West Way. From Bath to Reading, it winds through quintessential rolling Wiltshire hills, bustling towns and even a World Heritage Site. Since 1810, narrowboats have drifted along at four miles an hour, plying their trade from Bristol to London. Today, you'll find a mixture of holiday and live-aboard boaters, all seeking the calm and tranquillity that comes from life on or by the water.

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Bristol

Address

Bristol, Avon, BS1 4XJ

Bristol

Welcome to the city of bridges, balloons, boats, bikes, Brunel and Banksy. Regarded as the capital of the South West of England, lively yet laid-back Bristol is creative, cultural and vibrant with a rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re looking for…

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Bath

Address

Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LT

Bath

The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath is home to some of the most impressive architectural sights in the world such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney

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Canal & River Trust

Address

The Locks, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1QR

Telephone
0303 040 4040

Devizes

The beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal (or K&A as its known) flows along 87 miles of the Great West Way. From Bath to Reading, it winds through quintessential rolling Wiltshire hills, bustling towns and even a World Heritage Site. Since 1810, narrowboats…

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Trowbridge

Address

Wiltshire, BA14 8AH

tic@trowbridge.gov.uk

Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire and is proud to offer a wealth of services to the region and its visitors. The town’s rich industrial heritage means that it has much for those interested in its history.

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Devizes

Address

Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1JG

Telephone
01380 722160

Simon.Fisher@devizes-tc.gov.uk

Devizes

Looking to visit the amazing town of Devizes?...If so, click here to get the latest Devizes tourist information direct from the official Wiltshire tourism site!

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Bradford on Avon

Address

Wiltshire, BA15 1DE

Telephone
01225 864240

tic@bradfordonavon.co.uk

Looking to visit the amazing town of Bradford on Avon?...If so, click here to get the latest Bradford on Avon tourist information direct from the official Wiltshire tourism site!

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Sally Narrowboats

Address

Bradford On Avon Marina, Trowbridge Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1UD

Telephone
+44 1225 864923

enquiries@sallynarrowboats.co.uk

Bradford on Avon

Week and day hire, skippered cruises and canoe hire.

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Hungerford

Address

Hungerford, Berkshire

Hungerford

Nestling alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Hungerford is a charming town which captivates both locals and visitors.

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Reading

Address

Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EU

Reading

Be amazed by modern Reading – from remarkable medieval heritage and beautiful Thames countryside to award-winning shopping centres, there’s a surprise around every corner.

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Honeystreet Boats and Café

Address

Honeystreet Mill, Honeystreet Village, Pewsey Vale, Wiltshire, SN9 5PS

Telephone
01672 851 166

honeystreetboats@gmail.com

Pewsey Vale

Honeystreet Mill is a must stop visit. A canal side cafe with a wonderful inside and terrace area. Locally sourced food and drink all freshly prepared by our chefs and baristas. Wheelchair friendly and Dog Friendly. Honeystreet Boats provide…

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Vale of Pewsey

Address

Wiltshire, SN9 5AF

susie@visitpewseyvale.co.uk

Located in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and between Stonehenge and Avebury, the Vale of Pewsey is ideal for getting off the beaten track and has plenty of friendly and atmospheric places to stay, eat, drink…

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What's happening in Newbury?

Address

Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5AS

Telephone
+44 01635 30267

tourism@westberks.gov.uk

Newbury

Alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, the largest town in West Berkshire, Newbury, has a bustling high street with many interesting shops, which include unique stores such as family-run department store Camp Hopson.

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