KENNET & AVON CANAL
KINTBURY TO NEWBURY
PADDLE GUIDE
This is one of the most enjoyable sections of the Kennet & Avon Canal for a day paddle, taking you from the historic village of Kintbury through peaceful West Berkshire countryside before arriving in the heart of Newbury.
At nearly 6 miles the route is a manageable distance for a half-day paddle, but don’t underestimate the eight locks along the way. Every lock requires a portage, so allow considerably more time than the paddling distance alone suggests.
THE ROUTE
Click on the items along the route for more info and what3word links.
KEY PADDLE
INFO
DISTANCE
6 miles (9.5 km)
EXPECTED TIME
2-3 hours paddling, but with portages closer to 5 hours for the whole trip.
DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
WATER TYPE
Canal & navigable river
NAVIGATION AUTHORITY
Canal & River Trust
SUITABLE FOR
Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs
CURRENT
Generally slow
BEST SEASON
Spring-Autumn
SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes — with reservations.
The flat water makes the route accessible to beginners, but the eight lock portages mean you should be comfortable getting in and out of your kayak or carrying your craft.
A beginner’s first canal trip may be easier on a shorter section.
WATERWAYS GUIDE
Buy here
WILDLIFE
This section of the Kennet & Avon is excellent for wildlife.
Keep your eyes open for:
* Kingfishers
* Grey herons
* Moorhens
* Coots
* Mallards
* Swans
* Dragonflies
* Damselflies
* Water voles
* Red kites
* Bats around dusk
The countryside between Kintbury and Newbury provides considerably more wildlife habitat than the final urban section.
A particularly good strategy is to paddle quietly and avoid approaching the banks too closely.
CANAL CHARACTER
KINTBURY → DREWEATTS LOCK
-
Rural
-
Quiet
-
Wooded
-
Peaceful
-
Wildlife-rich
DREWEATT’S → HAMSTEAD
-
Rural
-
Woodland
-
Locks
-
Open countryside
HAMSTEAD → BENHAM
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Quiet
-
Open countryside
-
Wildlife
-
Increasing signs of Newbury
BENHAM → NEWBURY
-
More urban
-
More boat traffic
-
Road crossings
-
Historic canal features
NEWBURY LOCK → NEWBURY WHARF
-
Urban
-
Victoria Park
-
Historic canal buildings
-
Town centre
After Newbury Lock, continue through the town towards Victoria Park and Newbury Wharf.
Newbury Wharf is an excellent finish because it provides easy access to the town, parking, toilets, refreshments and public transport.
LICENSE REQUIRED?
MOBILE PHONE
SIGNAL
GENERALLY GOOD
The route passes through a mixture of villages, open countryside and woodland, so there may be occasional weaker areas.
Coverage generally improves as you approach Newbury.
Do not rely solely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
DREWEATTS LOCK
Dreweatts Lock is one of the more historic structures on this section and
is Grade II listed.
NEWBURY LOCK
Newbury Lock is Lock 85 and is Grade II listed. The lock was one of the earliest parts of the Newbury–Bath canal section to be developed, with construction beginning in the 1790s.
NEWBURY WHARF
Newbury Wharf is the natural end point for this paddle. The wharf contains historic canal buildings and remains an important visitor destination on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
WEATHER AND FLOW
TOM'S TOP TIPS
ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR THE LOCKS
Six miles sounds short — but eight locks make this a much longer trip than the distance suggests. Don’t plan your journey around paddling time alone.
PACK FOR PORTAGING
A comfortable kayak carry system makes a big difference. You’ll be lifting & carrying your craft repeatedly, so keep your equipment secure and avoid unnecessary weight.
TAKE A GOOD DRY BAG
Your kit is likely to spend time on wet towpaths and lock landings.
Keep phones, cameras, wallets and spare clothing properly protected.
KENNET AND AVON WEBSITES
KINTBURY INFO
Provided by the Canal and River Trust.
NEWBURY WHARF GUIDE 2024
Provided by the Canal and River Trust.
PLACES TO EAT
KINTBURY
Kintbury has several pubs and places to eat close to the canal.
The Dundas Arms is particularly convenient because of its location beside the canal in Kintbury.
NEWBURY
Newbury provides a much larger selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants. Newbury Wharf itself has refreshments available, while the town centre is only a short walk away.
PLACES TO STAY
COMING SOON
KENNET AND AVON KAYAK / PADDLE EVENTS
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