KENNET & AVON CANAL

ROUTE IN DETAIL

GETTING IN / PARKING

There is no parking right by the start at Bath Lock

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Pull up here and offload. Then walk down the passageway to the lock. Turn right and pass the lock then put in here. 

The nearest public car park is Manvers Street. 

There is a Just Park location here much closer and one here. 

SECTION 1 - BATHWICK & SYDNEY GARDENS

The first section passes through one of the most interesting urban stretches of the Kennet & Avon Canal. Soon after launching you’ll paddle through the Sydney Gardens area.

The canal passes beneath Cleveland House, originally associated with the Kennet & Avon Canal Company, creating a distinctive short tunnel-like section. It’s a fascinating start to the trip and very different from the countryside that follows.

BATHAMPTON

Leaving Bath, the surroundings gradually become greener as you approach Bathampton. This is where the trip begins to feel much more rural. The canal follows the Avon Valley with hills rising either side, while the River Avon and railway weave through the valley below.

Bathampton can be busy with walkers, cyclists and canal boats, particularly during weekends and summer.

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BATHAMPTON TO CLAVERTON

Beyond Bathampton the paddle becomes increasingly peaceful.

This is classic Kennet & Avon Canal scenery, with wooded hillsides, stone bridges, narrowboats and views across the Avon Valley.

You’ll also pass the area around Claverton, famous for the historic Claverton Pumping Station.

The canal remains wide and easy to navigate. There are no locks to worry about, so you can simply settle

into the paddle and enjoy the scenery.

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CLAVERTON PUMPING STATION

One of the notable historic features along this section is Claverton Pumping Station.

The pumping station was built to use power from the River Avon to raise water into the Kennet & Avon Canal.

It’s an interesting reminder of the engineering required to keep Britain’s canal network supplied with water.

From the canal you’ll pass close to the site as you continue towards Dundas.

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DUNDAS AQUEDUCT

This is the first major highlight of the trip. The spectacular Dundas Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal across both the River Avon and railway. Designed by John Rennie and completed in the early 19th century, it is regarded as one of the finest structures on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

For paddlers it’s a fantastic experience. One moment you’re following the canal through the valley and the next you’re paddling high above the River Avon.

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The Aqueduct

Approx:150yards / 137m
Built: Early 1805
Designer: John Rennie
Structure: Bath stone
Heritage: Grade I listed & Scheduled Monument

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The views from the aqueduct are excellent, although you should concentrate on approaching boats as the navigation channel is relatively confined.

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SOMERSET COAL CANAL JUNCTION

Immediately beside Dundas Aqueduct you’ll reach the junction with the former Somerset Coal Canal.

This makes an interesting optional detour.

A short paddle along the arm takes you towards Brassknocker Basin, where there are facilities and refreshments around the Dundas area. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s a worthwhile little diversion before continuing towards Avoncliff.

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DUNDAS – GOOD STOPPING POINT

Dundas is probably the best place for a proper break during the trip.

Facilities around the area can include:

* Café
* Toilets
* Parking
* Picnic areas
* Canal visitor facilities
* Boat and cycle hire

The Angelfish Café is located around Brassknocker Basin. Check opening times before relying on any facilities.

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SECTION 2 - DUNDAS TO AVONCLIFF

After Dundas the canal becomes beautifully rural. This is arguably the prettiest section of the trip.

The canal winds along the steep side of the Avon Valley with woodland surrounding much of the route.

Below you, the River Avon and railway continue through the valley. There are fewer buildings and the atmosphere becomes much quieter. Expect approximately 2.5–3 miles of paddling between Dundas and Avoncliff.

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AVONCLIFF AQUEDUCT

Avoncliff Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal high above the River Avon and the railway. At around 100 metres long, it’s considerably longer than Dundas and provides one of the most memorable paddling experiences on the canal.

Approaching from Bath, the canal suddenly opens onto the aqueduct. You’ll paddle directly across the Avon Valley with views down towards the river and railway.

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The Aqueduct

Length: 100 metres / 330 ft
Designer: John Rennie
Built: 1805
Carries: Kennet & Avon Canal
Crosses: River Avon and railway
Heritage: Grade II* listed

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The aqueduct suffered structural problems after construction and has undergone substantial repair and restoration during its life.

Today it’s one of the signature structures of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

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AVONCLIFF

There are towpath access points around the aqueduct and visitor moorings nearby.

The tiny Avoncliff railway station is also located immediately beside the aqueduct.

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BRADFORD-ON-AVON

The Tithe Barn is the suggested out point just as you approach Bradford-on-Avon. 

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GETTING OUT / PARKING

There is no pontoon but the canal wall is fine. The car park is a very short walk from the canal. 

There are only 15 parking spaces in the nearby carpark. Barton Farm, Pound Lane, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LF.

All day £8.60. Only £1 on Sundays. https://what3words.com/mend.important.ballpoint

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Check your exact exit point before travelling, particularly if you’re using an inflatable or carrying lots of equipment.

A fantastic combination of a river / canal database, interactive paddling map, route planner and practical information resource.

DUNDAS AQUEDUCT GUIDE

AVONCLIFF AQUEDUCT GUIDE

PLACES TO EAT / DRINK