Canal and Countryside Walk

A 1-hour walk from the town centre to Barton Farm Country Park along the Kennet and Avon Canal, combining industrial heritage with modern green space. You'll follow the canal tow path, learn how 18th-century engineers solved water-level problems, and see a working lock in action if timing allows. The route is flat and accessible, ending at parkland where families can explore further or grab lunch at the farm cafe. Best for Families with older children. This is a easy activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: 5-20. You meet at Town Bridge. Key highlights: Flat, easy walking route suitable for younger children, Working lock mechanism visible and explained, Original 18th-century canal infrastructure still in use.

Price: £10

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 5-20

Minimum age: 6+

Best for: Families with older children

Best time: May-September for best weather and highest chance of seeing working lock traffic. Morning walks avoid afternoon sun reflection on the canal and draw fewer leisure boaters.

Meeting point: Town Bridge

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am start Gather at Town Bridge; introduction to canal history - Guide explains why the canal was built (1796-1810), its role in transporting goods, and why it nearly failed before railways arrived.

First 15 minutes Walk the tow path heading east toward Barton - Flat, well-maintained path alongside the water; guide points out original lock-keeper's cottage and loading wharves.

15-40 minutes Explore canal engineering: lock mechanism - Stop at a working lock to observe water gates in action if a boat passes; guide explains how water pressure and gate balance work.

40-55 minutes Arrival at Barton Farm Country Park - Tour ends at the 26-acre park; guide points out key features and suggests walking routes if you want to continue independently.

55-60 minutes Q&A and dispersal at the farm - Grab refreshments at the on-site cafe or explore the parkland. No formal end - visitors are free to stay as long as they wish.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Town Bridge.

• Flat, easy walking route suitable for younger children
• Working lock mechanism visible and explained
• Original 18th-century canal infrastructure still in use
• Transition from industrial heritage to modern green space
• Barton Farm cafe and parkland for post-walk exploration
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible tow path; flat terrain throughout. Canal edges are unfenced - supervision required for very young children. The walk is suitable for strollers on the tow path, though uneven sections exist near the lock.

What is included: Guided walk with experienced canal guide, Lock mechanism explanation and observation, Access to Barton Farm Country Park.

Not included: Cafe refreshments (available for purchase), Parking at Town Bridge or Barton Farm, Extended park exploration beyond guide's scope, Boat rides or canal water activities. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes with grip (tow path can be muddy after rain), Weather-appropriate clothing and waterproof jacket, Sunscreen and hat for exposed canal sections, Binoculars for birdwatching (canal attracts waterfowl). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May-September for best weather and highest chance of seeing working lock traffic. Morning walks avoid afternoon sun reflection on the canal and draw fewer leisure boaters..

Tip: Mostly flat terrain

Tip: Continues to working lock if time allows

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible tow path; flat terrain throughout. Canal edges are unfenced - supervision required for very young children. The walk is suitable for strollers on the tow path, though uneven sections exist near the lock..

Operator: Kennet and Avon Canal Trust | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1225 863104

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Barton Farm Country Park (0 min walk)
• Saltaire Village (20 min walk)

This activity is run by Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

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

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the walk; contact the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust directly..

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible tow path; flat terrain throughout. Canal edges are unfenced - supervision required for very young children. The walk is suitable for strollers on the tow path, though uneven sections exist near the lock..

Best time to go: May-September for best weather and highest chance of seeing working lock traffic. Morning walks avoid afternoon sun reflection on the canal and draw fewer leisure boaters..

Is the path suitable for strollers and buggies?

Mostly yes. The tow path is flat and wide. Some uneven sections near the lock and minor rutting after rain may challenge lightweight strollers. All-terrain strollers work best. Barton Farm park has better paths for continued stroller use after the tour ends.

What if there's no boat traffic at the lock?

The guide still explains how the lock mechanism works using the gate structures and water flow. No guarantee boats pass during your tour - canal traffic depends on time of year and day. Check with the Canal Trust beforehand if seeing a boat is important to you.

Can we continue exploring Barton Farm after the walk?

Yes. The tour ends at the park entrance; you're welcome to explore further. The park has 26 acres including a woodland trail, open meadow, and farm cafe. Allow extra time if you plan a longer visit.