Kennet and Avon Canal

Overview

The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through Bath, offering a scenic towpath popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. The stretch through Bath passes through a mix of urban and semi-rural landscapes, with narrowboats, wildlife, and peaceful waterside scenery.

Highlights

• Narrowboat traffic: Colourful canal boats line the banks, offering a quintessentially English waterway experience.
• Bath Locks: A dramatic flight of six locks descends into the city centre.
• Wildlife: Kingfishers, herons, and moorhens are regularly spotted along the quieter stretches.

History

The Kennet and Avon Canal was completed in 1810, linking the River Thames at Reading to the River Avon at Bath — creating an inland waterway from London to Bristol. After decades of decline, a major restoration campaign by volunteers beginning in the 1960s saw the canal fully reopened in 1990.

Visitor Tips

• Flat and accessible: The towpath is level and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs in most sections.
• Cycle hire: Bikes can be hired in Bath for a ride along the towpath toward Bradford-on-Avon.
• Duration: 1–2 hours depending on distance covered.