Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 2

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.The other lengths of towpath can be narrow, sometimes muddy and uneven in places. Passing walkers and anglers will be more difficult, making the experience less enjoyable for all users.Please remember that everyone else on the canal will be travelling at 4mph or even slower. This is not a cycle route for speed merchants! You should be prepared to slow down or dismount for walkers and anglers, and should cycle with extra care when passing moored boats.But even at this relaxed pace, the whole length of the canal can be covered in three days, and accommodation is available in many locations along the way.Courtesy and Safety Code for cyclists using the canal* Give way to others, particularly walkers and wheelchair users on the towpath and warn them of your approach. A polite 'hello' and 'thank you' mean a lot.* Watch out for anglers' tackle and give them time to move it before you try to pass. It can be expensive!* We recommend that you do not cycle along the towpaths after dark. If you do, please use front and rear lights, and look out for mooring ropes and pegs where boats are tied up.* Fit a bell to your bike and use it to warn others of your approach.* Access paths can be steep or slippery. Join or leave the towpath with care.* You must get off and push your cycle beneath low or blind bridges, and where the path is very narrow.* Do not cycle too fast on the towpath. Remember that the standard speed for boaters and walkers is under 4mph. If you need to get somewhere quickly, use a road. The detailed maps below are reproduced from Ordnance Survey material, Crown Copyright (British Waterways Board BW10019843 2004). Maps produced by FWT 11.5.04.

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

Other stages

Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 1 »

Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 2

Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 3 »