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Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 1
Route facts
Waterways:
Kennet & Avon Canal »
River Avon (Bristol) »
Distance: 40.39 miles / 65 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starts at: Bristol Temple Meads station
Ends at: Devizes
From the historic cities of Bristol and Bath to the quiet country town of Devizes, the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route combines beautiful Wiltshire countryside and amazing architecture.
This almost entirely traffic-free route has been specially upgraded for cyclists.
The Kennet & Avon Cycle Route is Britain's most popular long-distance waterside cycle route. This first section will take you through historic Bristol and Bath, past the stunning aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff, to the dramatic Caen Hill Locks at Devizes.
The canal itself starts at Bath, and there is no direct cycle route along the River Avon from Bristol to Bath. So between these two cities, you will actually be following the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. This attractive route through the Avon Valley was a pioneering traffic-free cycle path and set the standard for the National Cycle Network.
After Bath, cycling is permitted throughout the length of the canal, except for a few short sections near Reading. However, the canal is also very popular with walkers, anglers and boaters. At busy times, this can result in inconvenience.
In order to try and ensure that all users are able to enjoy using the canal, several sections of the towpath - including the whole length from Bath to Devizes - have been improved as part of a partnership scheme between British Waterways, cycling organisation Sustrans, and local councils. The result is a wider path with a surface that is more suitable for cyclists and disabled users.
Cyclists are therefore recommended to follow the signposts for National Cycle Network Route 4, which we describe with the maps below. This combines the improved sections of the towpath with diversions along rural lanes where the towpath is less suitable. This applies particularly if you are using bicycles with relatively narrow tyres, which are mainly designed for road use.
The other lengths of towpath can be narrow, sometimes muddy and uneven in places. Passing walkers and anglers will be more difficult, making the experience less enjoyable for all users.
Please remember that everyone else on the canal will be travelling at 4mph or even slower. This is not a cycle route for speed merchants! You should be prepared to slow down or dismount for walkers and anglers, and should cycle with extra care when passing moored boats.
But even at this relaxed pace, the whole length of the canal can be covered in three days, and accommodation is available in many locations along the way.
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Getting there
Public transport: The Cycle Route is easily reached from London by rail, and there are convenient main line stations at Bath and Bristol Temple Meads.
Waypoints
From Bristol Temple Meads station, cross the new bridge over the floating harbour, then New Kingsley Road and St Philip's Road. The Bristol to Bath Railway path starts here, clearly signposted as National Cycle Network Route 4 (look for the blue signs).
Easting: 360159, Northing: 172575
The excellent traffic-free Bristol to Bath Railway Path links the city of Bristol to the Kennet & Avon Canal via an attractive and convenient traffic-free route. It is 16 miles long and, in combination with the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route, makes up a 100-mile route between Reading and Bristol. This was one of the first cycle paths constructed by Sustrans in the 1980s and remains one of the most popular traffic-free cycle paths in the country. A free leaflet with more details about the path is available from Sustrans (0845 113 0065).
Easting: 365835, Northing: 168950
The route criss-crosses the winding river Avon on railway viaducts before entering historic Bath.
Take care through Bath, where the route is entirely on-road. Among the many attractions of this fine city is Pulteney Bridge, which you'll pass over. This famous bridge over the Avon is lined with shops and cafes.
Easting: 374500, Northing: 164500
From Bath, the route follows the Kennet & Avon Canal all the way to Devizes. This is one of the prettiest sections of the canal, clinging to the side of the Avon Valley. Among the attractions are the Claverton Pumping Station, Dundas Aqueduct - where the Somerset Coal Canal once began - and Avoncliff Aqueduct. Bradford-on-Avon is a good place to rest for a while, with fine Georgian architecture and all facilities. There are railway stations at Freshford, Avoncliff and Bradford.
Easting: 385959, Northing: 160084
This is a quiet, rural section of towpath. The canal crosses over the Semington bypass on a brand-new aqueduct of very different construction to those at Dundas and Avoncliff.
Easting: 394495, Northing: 160345
Other stages
Kennet & Avon Cycle Route 1
