The Kennet & Avon Canal — an Industrial Revolution hydraulic engineering marvel begun in 1794, stretching 87 miles, one of Britain's best-preserved canal waterways. Starting from Bath Top Lock beside Bath railway station, 6 locks raise boats 65 feet in just 500 metres, narrowboats gliding slowly beneath Georgian stone bridges and wrought iron railings, with wildflowers swaying on both banks and kingfishers skimming the water. The canal passes through the ancient tunnel of Sydney Gardens, crosses the River Avon on the Dundas Aqueduct, and eventually reaches the tranquil village of Bathampton. This is Bath locals' favourite "secret walking route" — a half-day stroll takes in the symphony of 200 years of canal civilisation and natural countryside.
From the hydraulic wonder of Bath Locks to the Georgian stonework of Dundas Aqueduct, walk along the century-old canal towpath and experience the poetic collision of Industrial Revolution heritage and English countryside
Starting from Pulteney Bridge beside Bath railway station in the morning, walk 5 minutes east along the south bank of the River Avon to reach Bath Top Lock — the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath, where 6 locks raise boats 65 feet in just 500 metres, one lock being 12 feet deep, the second deepest lock in England. Head south along the flat towpath, passing the old coal warehouse buildings of Sydney Wharf, entering the Sydney Gardens section — here the canal passes through two wrought iron pedestrian bridges and two tunnels, the exquisite "Chinese Chippendale" style wrought iron railings being the masterpiece of engineer John Rennie. Continue about 3 miles to reach the magnificent Dundas Aqueduct, a 137-metre three-tier arched bridge built of golden Bath stone, spanning the River Avon and the Great Western Railway line. Take a break at the Brass Knocker Basin café, then stroll to the tranquil village of Bathampton, enjoy an English lunch at The George Inn, watching narrowboats glide slowly past the door — completing a canal journey through 200 years of time.
Located at the Somerset Coal Canal heritage site beside Dundas Aqueduct, the most popular rest stop on the canal walking route. Signature items are homemade cakes and freshly brewed coffee; in summer, sit on the riverside terrace and watch narrowboats glide from the aqueduct into the coal canal branch. Also a bicycle hire point, where you can rent a bike to continue exploring the canal. Average spend: £8-£15.
A historic inn in the centre of Bathampton village, a resting place for canal boatmen since the 18th century, already famous in Jane Austen's time. Low timber beams, open fireplace and real-fire roasting create an authentic English pub atmosphere, with signature Sunday Roast and local Bath craft beer. The garden terrace borders the canal, perfect for watching narrowboats glide past on summer afternoons. Average spend: £15-£30.
A riverside boutique hotel restaurant in Bradford-on-Avon, about a 10-minute walk from the canal. Converted from an 18th-century woollen mill, retaining the original stone walls and timber beam structure, the menu focuses on local ingredients and modern British cuisine. Recommended: roast lamb with Yorkshire pudding, and desserts made with Wiltshire honey. The riverside terrace overlooks the junction of the River Avon and the canal. Average spend: £25-£45.
A stone-built inn dating from the 16th century, situated at the foot of Avoncliff Aqueduct, about a 45-minute walk from Dundas Aqueduct along the canal. The huge garden terrace faces the aqueduct and the Avon valley gorge, offering the best dining location along the canal. Signature dishes include locally sourced burgers and applewood-smoked spare ribs; nothing beats a hot mulled cider by the fireside in winter. Average spend: £12-£25.