A canalside amble
A moderate walk (canal) starting and finishing in Wiltshire, England, about 11.10km (6.90 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 3:15h. It is suitable for prams & pushchairs, but unsuitable for families with children, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
22m (72ft)
Descent
7m (22ft)
Max. Elevation
190m (623ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
29m (94ft)
Start
Bath Spa
End
Bradford upon avon
Distance
11.10km
(6.9mi)
(6.9mi)
Duration
~3:15h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Maps
Car Free Walks TeamCreated by GaryShipp on 30 Nov 2009
The Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs from Bristol to Reading, took 16 years to construct. It was opened in 1810 and used to transport many products by barge and narrow boat along its route. However the coming of the railways took away much of its trade and as time passed the canal fell into disrepair. This walk takes in some of its most beautiful scenery, between historic Bath and characterful Bradford Upon Avon.
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid ST752643
Start of the walk
OS Grid ST750647
If you haven't before, be sure to visit the town centre and its historic baths
About 0.45 km (~0.28 miles) from 
OS Grid ST758654
From this point onwared, it's almost flat!
About 1.05 km (~0.65 miles) from 
OS Grid ST783625
A wonder of engineering at the time of building, this is beautiful structure built from local stone. Motorway bridge builders of the modern era, take note.
About 3.85 km (~2.39 miles) from 
OS Grid ST804600
The pub nearby offers good hearty food at reasonable prices and a riverside beer garden.
About 3.27 km (~2.03 miles) from 
Bradford upon AvonOS Grid ST825606
The end of the walk. Trains are usually hourly and travel towards Bath and Bristol, Salisbury and Southampton.
About 2.23 km (~1.39 miles) from 
3 comments... join the discussion!
Timwoods
Hi David - correct! The elevation profile is an approximation and works well for some routes, especially mountain ones, but on ones like this can be misleading.
David
Its a great walk, with several places for refreshment along the way. The tithe barn at Bradford on Avon is also well worth a visit. An alternative start for the walk is to cross the river behind Bath Spa station, and turn left. This bring you to the very start of the canal after about 150m. This route avoids the town centre entirely, and takes you past several locks, and has some lovely views. Dont be misled though - the "elevation profile" shown for this route is completely wrong! From point 3 to the end the route is alongside the canal, which has no locks in this strecth, so it is entirely flat. (I think that the "elevation profile" must be looking at the straight-line between the waypoints - which goes over the tops of two hills, whereas the canal goes *around* the hills, not over them!)
Timwoods
This was near where I grew up - a great spot for walking, especially in springtime. Remember to bring some bread for the ducks.