Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Tuesday 2nd December 2008

Cycling the Kennet & Avon in Bath

Route facts

Waterways:
Kennet & Avon Canal »

Distance: 12.92 / 20.8

Duration: 2 hours

Starts at: Sydney Gardens Tunnel

Ends at: Sydney Gardens Tunnel

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Cycling the Kennet & Avon in Bath

The towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal is well suited to cyclists as it offers tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the urban environment. The towpath is also almost totally flat - ideal for the gentler cyclist.

 

Waypoints

1. Sydney Gardens Tunnel to Avoncliff Aqueduct (6.5 miles / 10.4km)

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Begin your cycle ride at the Sydney Gardens Tunnel where there is a road nearby to park your car. After 4 miles, you will come to Dundas Aqueduct. After another three miles you encounter the Avoncliff Aqueduct, which is where you turn around. There is a pub nearby, the Cross Guns public house, descirbed by some as one of the most attractive pubs on the canal. Well worth a visit.

2. Avoncliff Aqueduct to Sydney Gardens Tunnel (6.5 miles / 10.4km)

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At the Avoncliff Aqueduct, you need to turn around and cycle back the way you came. You will be surprised at how different the canal looks when you are cycling in the opposite direction.