Short Break Route Suggestions (3 & 4 nights):
Relaxed route: Bradford on Avon and Return - 20 miles, 14 locks, 11 hours total
Begin your journey by cruising west from the marina making your way towards Seend. There are a few bridges to navigate whilst you get used to the steering of your narrowboat and there a couple of waterfront pubs for refreshment. You can access the village from Seend Top Lock. There are five locks along this stretch and a further two locks as you cruise north of Semington village. There is an attractive lock house and a small aqueduct. Continue your cruise through wooded scenery heading towards Trowbridge. There are no further locks to navigate as you slowly meander alongside the River Avon. There is a waterfront pub near the marina at Hilperton, and a further pub by the marina just before arriving at Bradford on Avon. Bradford on Avon is a pretty Wiltshire town, similar to Bath in architecture, and is well worth an explore before you start your return journey. There are a selection of pubs, tea rooms and restaurants. If you like - you can get a train to Bath Spa in less than 20 minutes from here to explore this historic City as well.
Intermediate route: Claverton Pumping Station and Return - 13 miles, 16 locks, 15.5 hours total
Head west from the marina (following the route above past Bradford-on-Avon) and through the locks at Seend. The scenery is mainly wooded with fields climbing up the hills as you cruise towards Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon. There are two small stone aqueducts that break up the pretty wooded scenery as you leave behind Bradford-on-Avon, the Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueduct. You arrive at the Avoncliff Aqueduct first, which is situated next to the Cross Guns pub. Limpley Stoke flanks the canal to the south west; there are some moorings which sign post a pub which is within 15 minutes' walk. Returning to your boat, continue your journey through steep valley's to the Dundas Aqueduct, which was built in 1804 and to fully appreciate the stone arches, take a walk down the towpath below. Claverton is just over a mile away - and you can turn just north of the Pumping Station here.
Active route: Bath and Return - 39 miles, 20 locks, 19 hours total
It's recommended that you complete this route over a midweek break, cruising approx. 6 hours per full day. Begin your journey by heading west past Bradford-on-Avon and Claverton (follow routes above) over 2 stone aqueducts, through 8 locks and operating the bridges along the way. As you arrive at Bathampton you will pass waterside residential stone houses and pretty gardens, the moorings in this area by the pub are in a quiet zone, so you will need to get moving once the engine is turned on in the morning. As you approach Bathwick you pass under ornate bridges alongside Sydney Gardens - you can moor anywhere you can find a space by the Gardens until the second lock and a short walk will take you into Bath City. If you continue cruising through the next 4 locks you will cruise onto the River Avon. Bath is home to the Abbey set in an attractive piazza with cobbled streets, boutique shops and coffee shops. Spend time exploring the many historic sites in the city, indulging in a shopping spree or evening meal before returning to the boat and make your journey back to the marina.
Active route: Pewsey and Return - 26 miles, 58 locks, 19 hours total
This midweek route option is for the very active boater, as you would need to complete the Caen Hill Flight of 29 locks each way! The marina is located on the western side of the flight, so you will need to allow enough cruising time each way to complete the flight of locks before dusk. The lock gates are closed generally by 4-5pm - depending on the time of your holiday - so aim to be starting the flight before lunchtime to allow plenty of time. Once you have navigated the flight - take some well earnt rest at Devizes market town where there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to replenish and refuel. Returning to your boat, continue your cruise east through wooded scenery passing under large stone bridges. The stretch is very scenic, as the canal manages to avoid passing through the small villages in this area, there are a few waterfront pubs but you might also wish to walk to the nearby villages for your evening meal. The canal skirts around Woodborough Hill and Pickled Hill, providing a great view over fields to the village beyond, passing Wide Water and a short straight past cottages at Wilcot. Pewsey Wharf is approximately 1 mile from the town; there is a pub just by the canal.
Weekly Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Bath, Bristol and Return - 74 miles, 42 locks, 36 hours total
Start your journey by cruising west; there are a few bridges to navigate and a couple of waterfront pubs for refreshment. Cruise through a total of 7 locks, passing an attractive lock house and north of Semington village. The waterway meanders through wooded scenery heading towards Trowbridge. The scenic views are only briefly disrupted by Hilperton Marina and a couple of waterfront pubs, until you arrive at Bradford on Avon. Bradford on Avon is a pretty Wiltshire town, similar to Bath in architecture, with a selection of pubs, tea rooms and restaurants. Leaving Bradford-on-Avon behind you arrive at the Avoncliff Aqueduct, which is situated next to a pub and tea room. Limpley Stoke flanks the canal to the south west, there are moorings here which signpost a pub which is within 15 minutes' walk. Continue your journey through steep valley's to the Dundas Aqueduct, which was built in 1804 and to fully appreciate the stone arches, take a walk down the towpath below. Cruise through open countryside past Claverton and Bathampton towards Sydney Wharf Gardens in Bath City. There are moorings here to access the historic City. A further 6 locks take you through the deep lock and onto the River Avon - moorings are more limited here as the waterway is affected by tides - so ensure you leave enough time to moor before dusk. After passing the quaint town of Keynsham you will travel through a steeply wooded valley as you approach Hanham Lock where there are several waterside pubs to choose from. Cruising on from here to Bristol Floating Harbour, where you can moor up and take a leisurely 20 minute stroll into the centre of Bristol for a bit of retail therapy. Mooring at the floating harbour does incur a cost of at least £35. Aside from shopping, Bristol has so much to offer in the way of restaurants, culture, and history, including Bristol Cathedral and Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Turn at the Floating Harbour for your return journey back to the marina.
Intermediate route: Bath, Caen Hill Flight, Devizes and Return - 45 miles, 74 locks, 30 hours total
Departing the boatyard, head west through pretty wooded scenery towards Bradford-on-Avon, which takes approximately 6 hours to cruise. Navigate over the Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueduct, stopping at a waterfront pub for refreshment. The approach to Bath is surprisingly rural passing residential houses and gardens at Bathampton and under pretty stone bridges at Sydney Gardens. Find a mooring and walk to into Bath City to explore the many historic sites, Bath Abbey and Spa as well as the many shops and restaurants on offer. Turning the boat, make your journey back past the marina and through the 29 locks at the Caen Hill Flight. The lock gates are closed generally by 4-5pm - depending on the time of your holiday - so aim to be starting the flight before lunchtime to allow plenty of time. Once you have navigated the flight - take some well earnt rest at Devizes market town where there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to replenish and refuel. Take a deep breath and make your way back through the locks to the marina and home.
Active route: Hungerford and Return - 54 miles, 106 locks, 40 hours total
As the marina is located on the western side of the flight, you will need to allow enough cruising time each way to complete the flight of locks before dusk. The lock gates are closed generally by 4-5pm - depending on the time of your holiday - so aim to be starting the flight before lunchtime to allow plenty of time. Once you have navigated the flight - take some well earnt rest at Devizes market town where there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to replenish and refuel. Returning to your boat, continue your cruise east through wooded scenery passing under large stone bridges. The stretch is very scenic, as the canal manages to avoid passing through the small villages in this area, there are a few waterfront pubs but you might also wish to walk to the nearby villages for your evening meal. The canal skirts around Woodborough Hill and Pickled Hill, providing a great view over fields to the village beyond, passing Wide Water and a short straight past cottages at Wilcot. Moor at Pewsey Wharf to walk into the town (approximately 1 mile from the canal) or there is a waterfront pub if you prefer. Enjoy the easy cruising to Wootton Rivers, which is a pretty village packed with timber-framed thatched houses. There are 4 locks between Wootton Rivers and Burbage Wharf, shortly followed by Bruce Tunnel (502 yrds). The locks become more frequent between Wilton and Hungerford as you pass through hilly landscapes. Great Bedwyn and Little Bedwyn are both a short walk from the waterway, and home to a few pubs. The spire is well in view as you follow the railway to Hungerford. Passing over the River Dunn on an aqueduct passing water meadows and fields. The bridge by the 19th Century Church and stone warehouse is ideal for accessing the town before you turn around and make your return journey.
Fortnight Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Newbury and Return - 73 miles, 128 locks, 51.5 hours total
Start your journey by cruising east through the 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight. Once you have navigated the flight - take some well earnt rest at Devizes market town where there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to replenish and refuel. The canal passes through a rural stretch, although there are a few waterfront pubs, you might also wish to walk to the nearby villages for your evening meal. The canal skirts around Woodborough Hill and Pickled Hill, providing a great view over fields to the village beyond, passing Wide Water and a short straight past cottages at Wilcot. Moor at Pewsey Wharf to walk into the town (approximately 1 mile from the canal) or there is a waterfront pub if you prefer. Enjoy the easy cruising to Wootton Rivers, which is a pretty village packed with timber-framed thatched houses. There are 4 locks between Wootton Rivers and Burbage Wharf, shortly followed by Bruce Tunnel (502 yrds). The locks become more frequent between Wilton and Hungerford as you pass through hilly landscapes. Great Bedwyn and Little Bedwyn are both a short walk from the waterway, and home to a few pubs. The spire is well in view as you follow the railway to Hungerford. The bridge by the 19th Century Church and stone warehouse is ideal for accessing the town. Beyond Hungerford the canal shares the valley with both the railway and the River Kennet. The Kennet & Avon Canal is so central to Newbury that the main shopping street passes directly over it. Take a day out at the races and visit Newbury Race Course before returning to your boat and making your way back to the marina.
Intermediate route: Reading and Return - 111 miles, 168 locks, 76 hours total
A great 14 night break allowing you to experience some of the very best countryside in the UK canal system. You will need to navigate the Caen Hill Flight twice on this route making it quite active with the amount of locks but there are also very relaxed stretches through pretty rural landscapes. Cruise through a variety of towns and villages such as Pewsey and Hungerford on the way to Reading. There are also a selection of Museums along this stretch including Blakes Lock Museum, Reading Museum and the Museum of English Rural Life. Once at the moorings in Reading, why not take the afternoon to do a spot of shopping at the Oracle Shopping Centre, or grab dinner in one of the many restaurants that Reading have to offer.
Active route: Bath, Reading and Return - 150 miles, 184 locks, 94 hours total
A city to city route, with plenty of locks and bridges to keep you busy. Begin by cruising west to Bath, taking in the sights along the way such as the pretty Wiltshire town of Bradford-on-Avon, the stone Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueducts and Bathampton. Moor by Sydney Gardens to walk into Bath City - where there is plenty to explore including Bath Abbey and Spa, boutique shops and eateries. Return past the wharf and onto Devizes passing through the Caen Hill Flight of 29 locks. Continue on the Kennet & Avon Canal, following the River Kennet, passing towns and villages such as Pewsey and Hungerford on the way to Reading. There are also a selection of Museums along this canal including Blakes Lock Museum, Reading Museum and the Museum of English Rural Life. Once at the moorings in Reading, why not take the afternoon to do a spot of shopping at the Oracle Shopping Centre, or grab dinner in one of the many restaurants that Reading have to offer before returning your boat to the marina at Devizes.
