Boating along the Kennet & Avon Canal

After the most famous restoration campaign in canal history, the Kennet & Avon Canal was reopened to boats in 1990. With the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the canal was then brought up to tip-top condition through an extensive programe of repairs and improvements which restored the glory of such historic structures as Dundas Aqueduct.

The result is a canal which is now as welcoming to boaters as any other. More facilities are appearing along the canal every year, helped by the active Association of Canal Enterprises and a vigorous canal trust. You can hire boats from several locations along the canal, with facilities most plentiful at the eastern and western ends - the central section is quieter.

The canal is broad-beam throughout, and now that the Newbury 'Tank Bridge' has been raised, can accommodate quite sizeable barges.

You will need at least a fortnight for an out-and-back cruise covering the entire length of the waterway - ideally more. But you can readily explore a smaller section in a one-week holiday.

Throughout 2005, new reduction gearing was fitted to the Kennet & Avon paddle gearing. If you've used the new equipment, you can give feedback here. Gearing Paddle Feedback Form (Word format)

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.