Full list of best spots in Wiltshire named by Canal Trust

The Canal & River Trust recently published ‘Places to Visit in the South West’, providing information about visitor facilities and free activities in the region.

The Trust said that last year, more than 10 million people visited the UK’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers to take part in activities.

It compiled the list to give a clearer understanding of what is on offer at some of the canal network’s most popular spots.

Ben Cottam, Canal & River Trust’s director for South West, says: “The Canal & River Trust cares for 162 miles of canals in the South West, providing free to visit outdoor open spaces, and the chance to connect with nature and the region’s rich canal history. Every year, millions of people visit our waterways to be active, relax and to enjoy the scenic landscapes our canals offer.

“Our canals provide free and low-cost family-friendly days out by the water, and the chance to have some fabulous waterside experiences this summer.

“Even in city centres, people can spot a variety of birds, animals, insects and plants along our canals and rivers. And from locks and bridges, to tunnels and aqueducts, there are hundreds of historic structures to marvel at.

Caen Hill locks. (Image: Canal and River Trust)

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“We want to encourage more people to visit our canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks so they can experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by water and find out more about the work of our charity to care for the nation’s world-famous historic network.”

List of key canals in Wiltshire and surrounding areas

Bath Locks, Sydney Road, Bath: “Visitors to Bath Locks can take a walk along the towpath to Bath Deep lock, the second deepest lock in the country and watch canal boats passing through, relax by the canal at Sydney Gardens and listen to audio trails between Halfpenny Bridge and Darlington Wharf.”

Bathampton, Mill Lane, Bath: “Once a busy wharf, today Bathampton is an idyllic spot to enjoy a peaceful walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal.”

Dundas Aqueduct, Brassknocker Basin, Monkton Combe: “Regarded as canal engineer John Rennie’s finest architectural achievement, the Grade I listed and scheduled ancient monument Dundas Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon.

Avoncliff Aqueduct: “The Grade II* listed Avoncliff Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the Avon Valley and is one of the most impressive structures on Britain’s waterways.

Bradford on Avon Wharf: “In the 19th century, Bradford on Avon Wharf was the busiest on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Seend Locks, Seend Cleeve: “Once crammed with canal barges laden with iron ore from local quarries, today Seend Locks are a great place to start exploring the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal.

Dundas Aqueduct. (Image: Canal and River Trust)

Caen Hill Locks, Devizes: “The 16 locks that form the steepest part of the flight at Caen Hill on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes, are a scheduled monument and one of the seven wonders of the waterways.

“In total the Caen Hill flight has 29 locks across two miles (3.2 kilometres) which lower (or raise) the canal by 237ft (72 metres).”

Devizes Wharf: “Once a place for loading and unloading goods, today Devizes Wharf is a great place to start exploring the Kennet & Avon Canal.”

Crofton Pumping Station: “A major feat of engineering, Crofton Pumping Station is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the country.  Now owned by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, Crofton Pumping Station houses two steam pumps that can draw water from nearby Wilton Water to top up the canal summit.”

Canal spots in Somerset, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire were also recommended by the Trust.