Kennet and Avon Canal Walk

Follow the historic Kennet and Avon Canal towpath from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon on this gentle 5-mile walk. The flat path runs alongside working locks, narrowboats, and countryside, ending in the medieval wool town of Bradford-on-Avon. You can return by train for £4 or walk back via the same route. The towpath is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs with some assistance at lock gates. Best for families and easy walkers. This is a easy activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: self-guided. You meet at Bath Top Lock, Widcombe. Key highlights: Historic Dundas Aqueduct with Georgian stonework, Working canal locks with narrowboat traffic, Countryside views across Avon Valley.

Price: Free

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: self-guided

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: families and easy walkers

Best time: Year-round activity. Spring and summer for best weather and longer daylight hours.

Meeting point: Bath Top Lock, Widcombe

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Begin at Bath Top Lock - Historic lock flight with canal information boards and facilities.

30 minutes Pass through Dundas Aqueduct - Georgian stone aqueduct carrying canal over railway and river.

1 hour Walk through countryside - Rural towpath with farmland views and occasional narrowboats.

1.5 hours Approach Bradford-on-Avon - Enter historic town with medieval buildings visible ahead.

2 hours Reach Bradford-on-Avon station - End at the town centre near train station for return journey.

Optional Return by train - 12-minute train journey back to Bath Spa station.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Bath Top Lock, Widcombe.

• Historic Dundas Aqueduct with Georgian stonework
• Working canal locks with narrowboat traffic
• Countryside views across Avon Valley
• Medieval Bradford-on-Avon with Saxon church
• Easy access for wheelchairs and families
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and pushchair friendly with some assistance needed at lock gates. Level towpath throughout.

What is included: Free access to towpath, Information boards along route.

Not included: Return transport, Food and drinks, Guided commentary. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, Water, Camera, Money for train return. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Year-round activity. Spring and summer for best weather and longer daylight hours..

Tip: Train back from Bradford costs £4

Tip: Good for pushchairs and wheelchairs

Accessibility: Wheelchair and pushchair friendly with some assistance needed at lock gates. Level towpath throughout..

Operator: Canal & River Trust | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 0303 040 4040

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Prior Park Landscape Garden (10 min walk)
• The Roman Baths (15 min walk)
• Bath Abbey (12 min walk)

This activity is run by Canal & River Trust.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free outdoor activity - no booking required.

Accessibility: Wheelchair and pushchair friendly with some assistance needed at lock gates. Level towpath throughout..

Best time to go: Year-round activity. Spring and summer for best weather and longer daylight hours..

Is the Kennet and Avon Canal walk suitable for wheelchairs?

Yes, the towpath is flat and paved, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some assistance may be needed at lock gates where the path narrows slightly. Public toilets are available at both ends.

How do I get back from Bradford-on-Avon?

The easiest option is the train which takes 12 minutes and costs approximately £4. Trains run hourly. Alternatively, walk back the same route or arrange pickup. Bus services also available.

What can I see along the Kennet and Avon Canal?

Highlights include Dundas Aqueduct, working canal locks, narrowboats, countryside views, and wildlife like kingfishers and herons. Bradford-on-Avon features medieval buildings and a Saxon church.