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Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 2

Route facts

Distance: 34.80 miles / 56 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Starts at: Devizes

Ends at: Marsh Benham near Newbury

This delightful ride through the heart of Wiltshire ambles from village to village, following country lanes which criss-cross the canal route at regular intervals.Well signposted throughout, it makes an enjoyable ride in itself or as part of the long-distance Kennet & Avon Cycle Route.

The Kennet & Avon Cycle Route is Britain's most popular long-distance waterside cycle route. This second section will take you from charming Devizes through some of Wiltshire's quietest countryside, passing through the picturesque market town of Hungerford.Cycling is permitted throughout the length of the canal, except for a few short sections near Reading. However, the canal is also very popular with walkers, anglers and boaters. At busy times, this can result in inconvenience.Consequently, we recommend you follow the signposts for National Cycle Network Route 4, which we describe with the maps below. This combines the improved sections of the towpath with diversions along rural lanes where the towpath is less suitable. This applies particularly if you are using bicycles with relatively narrow tyres, which are mainly designed for road use.\

Getting there

Public transport: There are convenient railway stations at Pewsey, Bedwyn, Hungerford and Kintbury, all with direct trains from London Paddington and Reading.

Waypoints

1. Start point

Start point

Easting: 400475, Northing: 161785

2. Devizes to Woodborough

From Coate Road Bridge, just east of Devizes, the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route leaves the towpath and heads off on quiet country roads towards Woodborough. Clear signposts indicate each turn on the way. If you choose to follow the canal towpath, please take extra care as it may be narrow, muddy and uneven in places.

Easting: 394495, Northing: 160345

3. Woodborough to Wootton Rivers

Continuing on country lanes, the route crosses the canal regularly as it slowly ascends towards the summit level. Pewsey is a useful stopping point and has a railway station.

Easting: 419621, Northing: 162780

4. Wootton Rivers to Bedwyn

Bruce Tunnel marks the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal. The principal course of National Cycle Network Route 4 continues to follow country lanes all the way, but there is an alternative route (not signed at the present time) via Crofton Pumping Station and Burbage. Once again, you can also follow the canal towpath itself, but it may be narrow, muddy and uneven in places. Dismount for steps at the Bruce Tunnel.

Easting: 428026, Northing: 164470

5. Bedwyn to Hungerford

The country lane route largely follows close to the route of the canal. Hungerford is a particularly attractive town and has a canalside railway station.

Easting: 433816, Northing: 168710

6. Hungerford to Marsh Benham

Follow the signed country lane route to Marsh Benham, where the route rejoins the towpath.

Easting: 442576, Northing: 166975

7. End point

End point

Easting: 442345, Northing: 167040