Canal Holidays guide to the Kennet & Avon Canal
 One
of the loveliest waterways in Britain, the Kennet & Avon meanders
86 miles between Bristol and Reading, passing through the historic
city of Bath.
The
route includes the fully restored Caen Hill flight of 29 locks
at Devizes.
Distance,
Time, and Locks
170 miles, about 120 hours cruising,
226 locks
The complete length of the canal and return takes 2-3 weeks.
Several
parts of the canal form suitable out-and-back one or two week
trips, notably in the Bristol/Bath area or the central section
around Devizes. Short breaks are also available.
 Cruising
the Canal
The
Kennet and Avon Canal opened in 1810, and after restoration was
re-opened by HM The Queen in 1990.
It
passes beautiful, tranquil and unspoilt scenery with an abundance
of plant and wild life, through bustling market towns, picturesque
villages and past historic monuments.
Frequently
there are inviting canal side pubs offering lunch or supper.
 The
waterway includes the Georgian splendour of the City of Bath
and the pastoral pleasures of rolling Berkshire and Wiltshire,
with unique architectural and engineering features of majestic
aqueducts and bridges.
Starting
at Brunel’s historic Floating Harbour at Bristol, close to
the city’s theatres, shops and restaurants, the route first
takes the tidal River Avon to Bath. This spectacular World
Heritage City has Georgian architecture and Roman remains including
the famous Baths, Abbey and many historic attractions.
Cruise
through the dramatic valley of the River Avon over the Dundas
Aqueduct and on to Bradford on Avon, a pretty small town with
a fascinating history. Then on through rolling farmland to the
famous flight of locks (29 locks in 2.25 miles) at Caen Hill.
These
locks take a day to ascend or descend! Passage needs to be
booked in advance, although water shortages are not now a problem.
 Then
pass through historic Devizes, home of the Kennet & Avon Canal
Trust, with its canal shop, to Crofton, home of the famous working
steam beam engine.
The
handsome town of Hungerford, has centre of town moorings, convenient
for browsing around the many antique shops.
The
canal continues to Newbury, where you will find a touch of
Venetian charm, and on to meet the River Thames just after
Reading.
View Map
Boaters Comments
Buy
the Pearson's Canal
Companion to the Kennet and Avon Canal
|
