The Kennet and Avon Canal is a waterway in southern England with an overall length of 87 miles, made up of two lengths of navigable river linked by a canal. The name is used to refer to the entire length of the navigation rather than solely to the central canal section.

Where does the Kennet and Avon Canal go?

The Kennet & Avon Canal, at 87 miles long, links London with the Bristol Channel, and passes through some spectacular landscapes including Wiltshire and the rolling Cotswolds.

Where does the River Kennet start and finish?

The river flows through the towns of Marlborough, Hungerford and Newbury before flowing into the Thames on the reach above Sonning Lock in central Reading, Berkshire. The Og joins at Marlborough and the Dun enters at Hungerford, followed by the River Lambourn, Enborne and the Foudry Brook.

Is the Kennet and Avon canal connected?

The Kennet & Avon Canal comprises of canalised sections of the rivers Kennet and Avon and an entirely man-made section of canal linking Newbury and Bath.

How long does it take to sail the Kennet and Avon Canal?

The complete length of the canal and return takes 2-3 weeks. Several parts of the canal form suitable out-and-back one or two week trips, notably in the Bristol/Bath area or the central section around Devizes. Short breaks are also available.

Can you cycle along the Kennet and Avon Canal?

The Kennet and Avon Canal runs from the Thames at Reading to Bath. It's great for easy cycling with nearly all of the canal open to cyclists. Several sections have a nice wide, surfaced towpath making it ideal for families or anyone looking for a nice traffic free ride.

Does the Kennet and Avon canal go through Marlborough?

The Kennet & Avon canal also passes through the forest - Picture of Savernake Forest, Marlborough.

Which canal runs through Newbury?

The Kennet & Avon Canal meanders through the market town of Newbury, with a pretty waterside path running alongside it, and plenty of boat moorings. At Newbury Wharf, you can see many buildings linked to the canal's history.

How far is the Avon navigable?

The Warwickshire River Avon is navigable over 47 miles, with 17 locks along its course, from Alveston weir above Stratford-upon-Avon, through Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire to where it joins the River Severn at Tewkesbury.

How far is it from Bath to Bradford on Avon along the canal?

The route from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon is approximately 10 miles. For further details on the Kennet and Avon Canal pop over to the Canal & River Trust website.

Where does the River Kennet rise?

The River Kennet rises in the prehistoric landscape of rural Wiltshire, and flows for around 70km (44 miles) east into Berkshire until it joins the Thames in Reading.

What canal goes through Bradford on Avon?

The wharf at Bradford-on-Avon Wharf was the busiest on the Kennet & Avon Canal during the 1850s. Today, it's a great place to spot historic canal features. Bradford on Avon is an architectural treasure chest, with gems including the magnificent 14th century Tithe Barn and striking Town Bridge over the River Avon.

How far can you travel on a narrowboat?

At a rate of 3MPH (rather than 4 to make up for the time lost at locks etc.), this would give you a daily range of around 21 miles. This range will of course vary wildly by how many locks there are on the stretch of canal you are navigating. For example, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is exactly 19.9 miles in length.

How many locks are there between Bristol and Bath?

It is also important for wildlife conservation. There are 105 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bristol to the River Thames, including six on the navigable section of the River Avon from Bristol to Bath and nine on the navigable section of the River Kennet to its confluence with the Thames near Reading.

Is the Basingstoke Canal open?

The Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre is open. If you are planning to visit us, please check the latest Government guidance to understand the restrictions that apply.

Who designed the Kennet and Avon Canal?

The enabling act for the construction of the canal was passed in 1794 and it was opened 16 years later in 1810. The engineer, John Rennie, not only had to design and build the canal but also had to negotiate with land owners to buy passage through their estates.

What is the longest merged canal in the UK?

The longest river in the UK is the River Severn, stretching 220 miles from Plynlimon in Wales to the Bristol Channel. The longest canal in the UK is the Grand Union Canal, stretching 137 miles from London to Birmingham.

Can you fish on the Kennet and Avon Canal?

With good fishing all year round and 20lb bags possible during the winter months, it's easy to see why. All expected species show in good numbers and specimen sizes with some very good roach coming through in recent years. Lure anglers enjoy this venue for its quality perch and numbers of pike.

Which canal runs through Hungerford?

The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through the very heart of Hungerford.

Where are the two tunnels in Bath?

Two new bridges across Millmead Road and Monksdale Road, two tunnels that run 100m under the surrounding hills, and a spectacular viaduct, transport users from close to the city centre into the surrounding countryside and back again.

Can I cycle on canal towpaths?

You don't need a permit to cycle on our towpaths. We simply ask that you cycle with great care for pedestrians, wildlife and the fabric of our waterways to ensure that everyone can enjoy them to their full potential. Is the towpath a public right of way?

Can you cycle along the canal?

Walkers and cyclists can enjoy the whole route along the towpath. National Cycle Network Route 60 runs along the first section of the canal and a local cycle route takes you the rest of the way. ... You can take short detours from the canal to visit some nearby attractions too.

How far is it from Bath to Bristol along the canal?

The 13-mile Railyway Path between Bristol and Bath is entirely off-road and mainly flat, making for a quick, easy and safe cycle ride. Which probably explains why over 1 million bike rides are taken along the path every year!