Kennet and Avon exploration
A moderate walk (canal) in Wiltshire, England, about 11.60km (7.21 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 3:30h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
104m (341ft)
Descent
91m (298ft)
Max. Elevation
120m (393ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
195m (639ft)
Start & End
Bradford on Avon
Distance
11.60km
(7.21mi)
(7.21mi)
Duration
~3:30h
Difficulty
Moderate
This route loops around the Kennet and Avon canal, from Bradford on Avon to Monkton Coombe, then back to Avoncliff. The route includes canal towpaths, riverside stretches, farmland, woods and some lovely villages - typical of this area on the Wiltshire-Somerset border. Plenty of refreshment stops along the way. Only downside is the walk covers three OS maps, so you will need to keep switching. But if that's the worst thing that happens then you're in for an easy day.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
Avoncliff, Iford and Freshford
A leisurely, walk (riverside) starting in Wiltshire, UK, about 4.40km (2.73 mi) long, duration: ~1:15h.A canalside amble
A moderate, linear walk (canal) starting in Wiltshire, England, about 11.10km (6.90 mi) long, duration: ~3:15h.Steeple Ashton stroll
A leisurely, circular walk (countryside) starting in Wiltshire, England, about 5.40km (3.36 mi) long, duration: ~1:30h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid ST824606
Start the walk at Bradford on Avon. There is a train station and plenty of bus services.
OS Grid ST822604
From the station, head across the car park and past the toilets to a small riverside park. The first point of interest (unless you are a fan of car parks or public toilets) is a 14th century stone tithe barn.
About 0.33 km (~0.21 miles) from 
OS Grid ST795598
Switch from a canal walk to a riverside walk as you head towards Freshford.
About 2.74 km (~1.7 miles) from 
OS Grid ST787600
This is a great place to stop for lunch or a pot of tea. Galleries cafe (www.galleriesshop.co.uk) is a community-run shop and cafe in Freshford. The quiche is highly recommended.
About 0.85 km (~0.53 miles) from 
OS Grid ST780609
Walk through the village and be suitably impressed by the beautiful bathstone houses that you almost certainly can't afford. At the main road, cross carefully as it's a busy one, then just opposite is the footpath through Limpley Woods.
About 1.17 km (~0.73 miles) from 
OS Grid ST779615
Look for the yurt hidden away in the trees.
About 0.63 km (~0.39 miles) from 
OS Grid ST776618
When out of the woods, backtrack along the river to reach the bridge.
About 0.39 km (~0.24 miles) from 
OS Grid ST781622
After crossing the river, you rejoin the canal near a small row of shops.
About 0.59 km (~0.37 miles) from 
OS Grid ST784625
Cross the canal at the aqueduct and begin the return to Freshford.
About 0.42 km (~0.26 miles) from 
OS Grid ST785618
As you walk along the canal towpath, you can see the river further down the slope.
About 0.71 km (~0.44 miles) from 
OS Grid ST783608
A good spot to look back across at the way you came in.
About 0.95 km (~0.59 miles) from 
OS Grid ST792606
Hope you don't see atrain as you walk past Freshford Station, as you won't make it to Avoncliff in time.
About 0.94 km (~0.58 miles) from 
Avoncliff StationOS Grid ST803601
Finish up back at Avoncliff for the train home. What's that? Time for another pint before the next train? Oh go on then.
About 1.23 km (~0.76 miles) from 
