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Bradford on Avon to Bath
Route facts
Waterways:
Kennet & Avon Canal »
Distance: 9.94 miles / 16 km
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starts at: Bradford on Avon
Ends at: Bath
The Kennet and Avon Canal links the River Avon in the West with the River Kennet and its confluence with the River Thames at Reading. The Kennet and Avon rivers were both made navigable by 1727. The connecting 57 miles of canal was commenced in 1794 but not completed until 1810. The time taken to construct being a reflection of money shortages, water supply difficulties and the grand architectural style employed by its builder John Rennie. The canal was designed to allow boats to travel from London to Bristol and was therefore constructed with broad locks and high bridges. Unfortunately, the canal never competed successfully with rival coastal route. It was beset with water supply problems created by its comparatively short summit section and high number of locks, and its late commencement and completion meant that by 1852 it had been sold to the Great Western Railway and the canal declined over the next century until closure. It closed in the early 1950s but within 10 years restoration had commenced with the whole route being restored by 1992.
Walking route provided by www.meanderholidays.co.uk, which provides self-guided walking holidays.
Getting there
Parking: There is an extensive car park in Bradford-on-Avon adjacent to the railway station.
Waypoints
To reach the canal walk out of the car park and turn right and follow the road for 500m. When you reach the canal turn right on to the towpath (the canal should be on your left).
Easting: 382270, Northing: 160557
2. Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff Aqueduct
The route between Bradford on Avon and Bath clings to the side of the Avon valley sharing it with both the river and railway. The canal is raised above the railway which has limited local traffic, so there is little to disturb your peace. As you leave Bradford on your right you will find the town's 14th Century Tithe Barn. Originally owned by Shaftsbury Abbey it's now owned by English Heritage and open daily between 10am and 4pm. The large building is split into 14 bays and has an impressive wooden roof requiring substantial buttresses to maintain it.
The canal is lock free until it reaches Bath and it achieves this by sticking to the valley side. In order to order to maintain this it crosses the river Avon and railway twice via two impressive aqueducts designed by John Rennie. The first is the Avoncliff (after two miles). Here you will find both the Cross Guns pub and the Mad Hatter Tea Rooms. The pub is on your right as you approach the aqueduct.
Before you cross the aqueduct you will need to transfer to the other side of the canal. This done by following the broad path beneath the aqueduct. This will lead you to the Mad Hatter which has a large garden, is licensed and renowned for its cakes.
The canal was designed with broad locks and wide bridges to accommodate boats that could also travel along the Thames and Avon. As you walk you will see a wide variety of different sized and weird and wonderful craft moored to the bank.
Easting: 380433, Northing: 160057
3. Avoncliff Aqueduct to Dundas Aqueduct
The route then follows the wooded towpath to the East of the valley before re-crossing the river via the Dundas Aqueduct (after 4.5 miles). The aqueduct was built of Bath limestone and is considered to be the finest example of architecture on the route (despite being smaller than the Avoncliff) As you reach the aqueduct there are steps down to the left, which afford you an excellent view of Rennie's architecture. The far side of the aqueduct marks the junction of the Kennet and Avon and the former Somerset Coal canal. Immediately after the Dundas Aqueduct the towpath crosses the junction on a small swing bridge. Today the first half mile has been restored and is used as moorings. As the name implies it was built by Somerset coal mine owners to transport coal to Bath and Bristol as they feared that the new navigation would make supply from other parts of the country cheaper. The canal was opened in 1805 and was initially successful, carrying over 100,000 tons of coal a year in the 1820s but railway competition saw it decline, and close in 1898.
At the far end of this restored section is a canalside cafe selling a good range of refreshments. Follow the path between the aqueduct and Somerset canal to access.
Easting: 378453, Northing: 162552
4. Dundas Aqueduct to Claverton
Retrace your steps, cross the opening to the Somerset canal and skirt around the remains of the Dundas wharf and cross the canal on the footbridge (Bridge 177) to continue your journey North.
Easting: 379123, Northing: 164262
The canal continues north and then turns east to approach Bath. At Bridge 183 (7.5 miles) the canal reaches Bathampton and the George Inn which together with being a pub serving food also provides takeaway ice cream.
Easting: 378448, Northing: 166347
Leave the canal at Bridge 186 or 187 and walk diagonally through Sydney gardens to your right. When you leave the gardens cross the road into Great Pulteney Street which then takes you into the heart of Bath via Pulteney Bridge.
About a mile after you pass the George Inn at Bathampton the canal enters a tunnel. On the other side are two wrought-iron bridges. Between them is a gate, leading into Sydney Gardens. Pass through the gate and ahead of you, and slightly to the right, you will see a path crossing the railway line. Follow this until you come to the road, turn left and take the second right. This is Great Pulteney Street, surely one of the finest architectural achievements in the world. It leads straight to the heart of Bath, via Laura Place and Pulteney Bridge
Easting: 375257, Northing: 164357
