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Newent and Oxenhall Tunnel
Route facts
Waterways:
Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal »
Distance: 2.49 miles / 4 km
Duration: Two hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starts at: Car park in Newent by the lake
Ends at: Oxenhall
A chance to explore a restored part of the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal as it meanders through a delightfully rural landscape north of Newent.
The Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal is under restoration. Although comparatively little has survived of this never-busy route through quiet countryside, the H&G Canal Trust has scored notable success at Over, near Gloucester, and here at Oxenhall.Walk to the lake and turn left on a footpath. This will bring you out close to the road junction where the B4215 (Gloucester Road) and the B4216 meet.Turn left on the B4221 to Ross-on-Wye, cross the road, and in 200 yards turn right on the small Oxenhall lane. Follow this for one third of a mile, and at the end of the buildings, a footpath turns right down a narrow track. Continue out into a clearing and across a wide metal bridge. This is the site of the original aqueduct over the Ell Brook.Immediately beyond, the canal is in water. Continue along the towpath: it's an easy stroll to the restored Canal House and Lock, giving the feel that this really is a thriving restoration project. The canal above House Lock is full of gaily coloured fish.Continue to the next bridge, where you leave the water and cross over the road that leads into Oxenhall village. As you pass out of the trees, the towpath is between the canal on your left and a lake on your right populated with water fowl. Beyond the canal is an extensive fruit farm.If you want to continue past the next road bridge, Coldharbour Bridge, you will need stout trousers, waterproof footwear, and a strong stick. However, the walk is worth it, as it will lead you to the entrance of the partly collapsed Oxenhall Tunnel. The towpath at present is very overgrown here, and in places has slipped into the canal, leaving boggy stretches to be negotiated.This is an out-and-back walk, so when you have gone as far as you want, retrace your steps into Newent.If this brief exploration has made you curious to discover more about the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal, find out more at the Canal Trust's website.
Getting there
Parking: The walk starts at a car park.
