for more information). Between Bath and Bristol, cyclists should follow the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.
The whole length of the canal can be cycled over a two- or three-day period. A typical three-day itinerary might be:
Day 1 – Reading to Hungerford: 45.6km (28¼ miles) via the towpath; add 3.1km (2 miles) via NCR4
Day 2 – Hungerford to Bradford-on-Avon: 62.2km (38¾ miles) via the towpath; add 6.5km (4 miles) via NCR4
Day 3 – Bradford-on-Avon to Bristol: 44.3km (27½ miles) via the towpath to Bath (which is also NCR4) and then following the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, which forms part of NCR4
When cycling along the towpath, please be courteous to walkers and other users, cycle more slowly, use a bell when approaching others and at bridges (proceed with caution) and dismount when passing through tunnels. Note that there is no towpath through the Bruce Tunnel, here the route diverts over the top of the tunnel.
Cycling along the canal between the aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas (Stage 6, Walk 17)
Maps
The Ordnance Survey (OS) offer two series of maps: the 1:50,000 (2cm to 1km) Landranger series and the more detailed 1:25,000 (4cm to 1km) Explorer series. The OS maps covering the canal and surrounding walks are:
Landranger: 172, 173, 174 and 175
Explorer: 155, 156, 157, 158 and 159
Other maps include Heron Maps: Kennet & Avon Canal and River Avon at 1:50,000 with detailed town plans at 1:12,500 (also shows National Cycle Route 4). This is only of use for walking the length of the canal, not for the 20 circular walks.
This guide features extracts from the OS 1:50,000 Landranger series of maps, with overlays showing the route along with any detours or shortcuts. It is advisable to always carry the relevant Explorer map with you when walking as these show much greater detail as to the routing of rights of way.
Waymarking, access and rights of way
The rights of way are typically well signposted using a mix of fingerposts, marker posts and waymarks on fences and gateposts; the towpath is very well signposted. The descriptions in this guide, in combination with the map extracts and the signage on the ground, should make route-finding straightforward; however, it is still advisable to carry a compass and the relevant OS Explorer map.
The routes in this guide follow official rights of way: footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways, and byways. Some routes also pass areas of open access land (marked on OS Explorer maps) where you can freely roam. Rights of way are marked as follows:
Footpaths Yellow arrow – walkers only
Bridleways Blue arrow – walkers, cyclists and horse riders
Restricted byways Purple arrow – walkers, cyclists, horse riders and carriage drivers
Byways Red arrow – same as for a restricted byway plus motorcycles and motorised vehicles
Rights of way are usually well signposted
Protecting the countryside
When out walking, please respect the countryside and follow the Countryside Code:
Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs.
Leave gates and property as you find them.
Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home.
Keep dogs under close control.
Consider other people.
Many of the walks pass through fields where cattle may be present. Follow the latest advice: do not walk between cows and young calves; if you feel threatened, move away calmly; do not panic or make sudden noises; and if possible find an alternative route.
Finally, always take extra care when either crossing or walking along roads, or when crossing railway lines.
Using this guide
The descriptions in this guidebook all follow the same format. For the long route, an information box at the start of each stage description gives the start and finish locations accompanied by grid references; stage distance (km/miles) and cumulative distance; ascent in metres (m); minimum time required to complete the stage (hours); relevant maps; places that offer refreshments (pubs, cafés and shops) and accommodation; brief public transport information; and a suggestion of where the stage may be split. Some of the places suggested for refreshments, accommodation and public transport may be a short distance off the main route; for details, see the itinerary planner in Appendix B.
The information boxes for the 20 short walks provide similar details to those of the stages, including brief details of where to park.
Each information box is followed by a short introduction to the stage or the walk, identifying any major points of interest, including villages. The route is then described in detail, with background information given for places of interest encountered along the way.
The map extracts are from the 1:50,000 OS Landranger series. Features shown on the map that are mentioned in the route are highlighted in bold text to help you follow the route.
The distances quoted for each walk (metric first, with approximate imperial conversions rounded to the nearest ¼, ½, ¾ or whole number) have been measured from OS Explorer maps: note that the heights quoted on the maps are in metres and the grid lines are spaced at intervals of 1km. The walking time for each walk has been worked out using a walking speed of 4km/hour (2½ miles/hour), plus 10 minutes for every 100m of ascent. This should be treated as the absolute minimum amount of walking time required to undertake the walk and does not include any time for rests, photography, consulting the map or guidebook, or simply admiring the view – all of which can add substantially to the day’s activity.
Following the canal back to Avoncliff (Stage 17)
WALKING THE CANAL FROM READING TO BRISTOL
Dunmill Lock (75), just east of Hungerford (Stage 2)
STAGE 1
Reading to Woolhampton
| Start | Kennet Mouth, Reading (SU 730 738) |
| Finish | Woolhampton Bridge (SU 572 665) |
| Distance | 20.7km (12¾ miles); cumulative 20.7km (12¾ miles) |
| Total ascent | 100m |
| Time | 5½hr |
| Map | OS Explorer 159; Heron Maps: Kennet & Avon Canal |
| Refreshments | Reading, Burghfield Bridge, Theale, Tyle Mill, Aldermaston Wharf, Aldermaston, Woolhampton |
| Public transport | Railway stations at Reading, Theale, Aldermaston Wharf (Aldermaston station), Woolhampton
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