Short Break Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Bradford-upon-Avon, Bath and Return – 18 miles, 6 locks, 10 hours total
A lovely short break route, taking in some very pretty scenery and giving you the chance to visit the attractive market town of Bradford-on-Avon with its excellent facilities and historic architecture. Cruise east from Bathampton past Claverton, through the swing bridge to Dundas, where you'll find the first of two aqueducts. Continue through a wooded area to Limpley Stoke Bridge, stopping to walk into the village (canalside café and local pub). There is then a second aqueduct at Avoncliff, moor up just after the aqueduct to visit the Cross Guns Inn nearby. After an easy straight you'll see a 14 th century ‘Tithe Barn' to your left and soon after that you'll arrive Bradford-upon-Avon. Go up the lock and turn around just after. There are three canalside pubs. Walking into the town takes just 10 minutes; stroll over Town Bridge and into the centre where there are cafés, shops, churches, cottages and restaurants. On your return, cruise past Bathampton under the decorated bridges of Sydney Gardens before arriving at Bath – moor up just after Sydney Wharf if possible, where there is a pathway leading straight into this fascinating city with its abundance of ancient history, fabulous architecture, shops, bars, cafés and wonderful atmosphere. Turn around after the second lock and return to Bathampton.
Intermediate route: Semington Bridge, Bath and Return – 30 miles, 6 locks, 12 hours total
Follow exactly the same route as above, continuing east past Bradford-on-Avon to the little village of Semington. Leaving Bradford-on-Avon you'll find a marina to your right, with facilities. You then cruise through quiet farmland and past picturesque waterside cottages until you come to a modern wharf at Hilperton. At Bridge No. 166 you can stop and walk to Hilperton Marsh village if you wish (pub), then a short distance ahead you'll approach Semington Swing Bridge, stopping to pass through that then continuing to Semingtion Bridge (No. 160). Moor just before the bridge to walk into the village which has a pub and restaurant. Turn around just after the bridge, cruising past Bathampton and stopping in the amazing City of Bath before returning to your start location.
Active route: Foxhanger Wharf and Return – 35 miles, 16 locks, 18 hours total
Cruise east past Claverton and over the Dundas Aqueduct, stopping at Limpley Stoke on your first night (pub). Continue over the Avoncliff Aqueduct to visit the charming town of Bradford-on-Avon, with its many pubs, shops, cafés, cottages, churches and interesting historic architecture, including an impressive bridge over the River Avon. Carry on cruising east past Hilperton and the village of Semington (pub) and through the 2 locks. There follows a series of swing bridges, which you'll need to move and then replace, before arriving at Seend Bottom Lock. Between the small flight of 5 locks at Seend you'll also find the iconic ‘Barge Inn', after which more swing bridges punctuate the canal before you reach Sells Green Bridge (No. 149) where there's a scenic walk (left of the canal) into this small hamlet (pub). After the next bridge there is a straight run to the very bottom of the impressive Caen Hill Flight of locks. Turn before bridge 146, just after Foxhanger Wharf, then moor up. From there it's an interesting 2-mile walk uphill, alongside the massive flight of locks, into the lovely market town of Devizes where you'll find some fabulous local shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. Whilst you're there you could also pay a visit to the ‘Wadworth Brewery'. Return to Bathampton.
Weekly Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Devizes, Bath and Return - 44 miles, 78 locks, 31 hours total
This route will allow you to visit the city of Bath and to travel through one of the waterway’s top landmarks the Caen Hill Flight. Start your journey heading east on the Kennet & Avon and through the village of Claverton. Cruise across the Dundas Aqueduct, through the quaint village of Limpley Stoke and over the Avoncliff Aqueduct, heading towards Bradford on Avon. Moor along the towpath by Tithe Barn to visit this impressive 14th Century building and take a walk into the town to visit the selection of independent shops and pubs. Cruise on from Bradford on Avon, through the villages of Semington and Seend to the mighty Caen Hill Flight. Work your way through the 29 locks and stop off at the top to pop into the cafe or visit the historic market town of Devizes. Use the winding hole at Devizes Wharf to turn your boat and start the second part of your journey heading west on the Kennet & Avon, travelling through peaceful, open countryside and back past the base. Cruise past Sydney Gardens and through the Cleveland House Tunnel and moor up along the towpath for a short walk into Bath city centre. Visit the Roman Baths, Bath Cathedral and indulge in a bit of retail therapy before travelling through the Bath Top Lock and Pulteney Lock and turning your boat at the winding hole there. Pass back up through the locks for the short journey back to Bathampton.
Intermediate route: Pewsey and Return – 65 miles, 74 locks, 36.5 hours total
Located in the heart of rural Wiltshire, the Vale of Pewsey has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Travel east along the Kennet & Avon crossing the Dundas and Avoncliff Aqueducts. Continue cruising past the Tithe Barn at Bradford on Avon, past a few canalside pubs on the way to Semington, where you’ll cruise through two locks, starting the climb to Devizes. After this you will be approaching one of the UK’s largest flight of locks- the Caen Hill Locks, 29 locks rising 235ft in just 2¼ miles. Allow plenty of time to complete the flight, especially in peak times. There is a canalside cafe at the top of the flight, providing boaters with some much appreciated refreshments. Cruising on from Devizes you’ll enter a far more relaxing lock-free stretch, stop off at the traditional canalside village of Honey Street and Alton Barnes to marvel at one of the Wiltshire chalk horses carved into the hillside. Continue on from here until you reach the village of Pewsey. Known for its charming thatched cottages, Pewsey is home to several pubs, a horse riding centre and a trout fishery. For your return journey home, travel on just past Milkhouse Water Bridge, where there is a winding hole.
Active route: Great Bedwyn and Return – 79 miles, 102 locks, 48 hours total
Start your journey heading east on the Kennet & Avon and through the village of Claverton. Cruise across the Dundas Aqueduct, through the quaint village of Limpley Stoke and over the Avoncliff Aqueduct, heading towards Bradford on Avon. Pass through picturesque canalside villages such as Hilperton, Semington and Seend, where there are several waterfront pubs and eateries available. Navigate your way through one of the wonders of the waterways- the Caen Hill Flight of 29 locks. Moor up at Devizes Town Bridge and take a well-earned break in the cafe at the top of the flight, or take a walk into the old country market town of Devizes. Continuing on from Devizes, travel through beautiful, rural countryside, past historic pubs and villages until you enter the Vale of Pewsey. This charming stretch of the Kennet & Avon passes through the village of Wootton Rivers, a very pretty village, consisting of timber-framed, thatched cottages. Cruise through the 502yd long Bruce Tunnel and through several locks before arriving at the idyllic village of Great Bedwyn. Moor along the towpath side, before the winding hole and take a walk into the village to visit the grade I listed St Mary’s Church or have a meal at one of the pubs on offer.
Fortnight Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Hungerford, Bath and Return – 93 miles, 126 locks, 59 hours total
Travel east along the Kennet & Avon passing through the village of Claverton. Cruise across the Dundas Aqueduct, through the quaint village of Limpley Stoke and over the Avoncliff Aqueduct, heading towards Bradford on Avon. Moor along the towpath by Tithe Barn to visit this impressive 14th Century building and take a walk into the town to visit the selection of independent shops and pubs. Cruise on from Bradford on Avon, through the villages of Semington and Seend to the mighty Caen Hill Flight. Work your way through the 29 locks and stop off at the top to pop into the cafe or visit the historic market town of Devizes. Cruising on from Devizes you’ll travel through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey; cruise through the Bruce Tunnel (502yds) and onto the village of Great Bedwyn. From here you will go down through the lock towards the town of Hungerford. This quaint market town has many friendly pubs and antique shops to visit and hosts a farmers market on Sundays. Turn at the winding hole by Hungerford Town Bridge to start your journey to Bath. Travel through peaceful, open countryside and back past the base. Cruise past Sydney Gardens and through the Cleveland House Tunnel and moor up along the towpath for a short walk into Bath city centre. Visit the Roman Baths, Bath Cathedral and indulge in a bit of retail therapy before travelling through the Bath Top Lock and Pulteney Lock and turning your boat at the winding hole there. Pass back up through the locks for the short journey back to Bathampton.
Intermediate route: Newbury, Bath and Return – 112 miles, 148 locks, 70.5 hours total
An interesting fortnightly cruise, allowing boaters to visit both the market town of Newbury as well as the historic City of Bath. Start your journey from the base heading east through the village of Claverton. Continue over the Dundas and Avoncliff Aqueducts and through Bradford on Avon. Continue cruising past the canalside pubs and villages until you reach the impressive Caen Hill Flight, make your way through the locks to the market town of Devizes, moor along the towpath by the town bridge for a gentle walk into the town. Make your way through the picturesque villages and towns of Pewsey, Great Bedwyn and Hungerford. Travel through pretty woodland and beautiful water meadows and on to Newbury. The historic market town of Newbury is home to many attractions including Newbury Racecourse and Highclere Castle, featured in the ITV drama Downton Abbey. There are multiple winding holes in Newbury for you to turn and start the journey heading back past the base to Bath. Cruise through Sydney Gardens and through the tunnel, mooring up along the towpath before Bath Top Lock for a pleasant walk into the city. Explore some of the main attractions including Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths before travelling through Bath Top Lock and Pulteney Lock and turning your boat at the winding hole there. Pass back up through the locks for the short journey back to Bathampton.
Active Route: Reading and Return – 146 miles, 185 locks, 93 hours total
A varied and active fortnightly cruise allowing boaters to cruise the full eastern length of the Kennet & Avon. Cruise east from the base across the Dundas and Avoncliffe Aqueducts, through the pretty town of Bradford on Avon and onto the mighty Caen Hill Flight. Tackle the 29 locks and cruise on from Devizes, through breathtaking rural scenery, passing an abundance of picturesque canalside villages such as Pewsey, Great Bedwyn and Hungerford until you reach the historic market town of Newbury. Cruise through the ancient Savernake Forest, dating back to Norman times and through the villages of Woolhampton, Aldermaston and Theale where there are several pubs and eateries easily accessible from the towpath. Continue east from Theale towards Reading, where there are moorings available on the Reading Jail Loop. Take a walk into the town where you can visit The Oracle shopping centre, multiple museums and Reading Gaol (where writer Oscar Wilde served 18 months). There are numerous restaurants, bars and pubs to sample in the town centre. Turn at the winding hole near King’s Road Bridge to begin your journey back to Bathampton.
