The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
Fondly known as the 'K&A', the Kennet & Avon canal is a favourite family weekend escape for locals and a pleasure to discover on a day out for visitors.
At 87 miles long, the K&A links London with the Bristol Channel, and passes through some spectacular landscapes across the Wales & South West region, including Wiltshire and the rolling Cotswolds.
Just a few decades ago we came very close to losing this national treasure, which was only brought back to life thanks to the tireless dedication of volunteers. Today, thousands of visitors enjoy walking and cycling along the peaceful towpaths, and taking to the water by boat.
All you need to know about boating the Kennet & Avon Canal
The K&A is popular for walking, cycling, fishing and nature spotting.
Paddle at your own pace and enjoy the peace and mindfulness this pretty canal has to offer
This two-mile circular walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath features Georgian architecture and many impressive local landmarks
The K&A consistently stands out as having the best fish stocks throughout its length
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the K&A by booking on a boat trip, or hiring one to drive at your leisure
Whether you're a history buff, a nature-lover or simply enjoy being out and about, you will be spoiled for choice with the array of places to visit along this beautiful waterway.
From scheduled ancient monuments and historic wharfs to scenic towpaths and pretty villages, the K&A has something for everyone.
The 16 locks that form the steepest part of the Devizes flight are a scheduled ancient monument
The 16 locks that form the steepest part of the Devizes flight are a scheduled ancient monument
Explore the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Museum, visit the café, or embark on a boat trip
Explore the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Museum, visit the café, or embark on a boat trip
A picture of tranquillity, Aldermaston Wharf is popular with boaters and paddlers
A picture of tranquillity, Aldermaston Wharf is popular with boaters and paddlers
The wharf at Bradford-on-Avon is a great place to discover historic canal features
The wharf at Bradford-on-Avon is a great place to discover historic canal features
This magnificent aqueduct was the first canal structure to be designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1951
This magnificent aqueduct was the first canal structure to be designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1951
At Newbury Wharf, you can see many buildings linked to the canal's history
At Newbury Wharf, you can see many buildings linked to the canal's history
Once a busy industrial canal wharf, the historic Hungerford Wharf is surrounded by nature and wildlife
Once a busy industrial canal wharf, the historic Hungerford Wharf is surrounded by nature and wildlife
County Lock sits in the heart of a busy shopping district – only a stone's throw away from 900 year-old Reading Abbey Ruins
County Lock sits in the heart of a busy shopping district – only a stone's throw away from 900 year-old Reading Abbey Ruins
There are many scenic walking and cycling routes in the surrounding countryside
There are many scenic walking and cycling routes in the surrounding countryside
Take our towpath audio trail to discover some of the fascinating history in and around Bath Locks
Take our towpath audio trail to discover some of the fascinating history in and around Bath Locks
The five locks at Seend were once a hive of activity with trade
The five locks at Seend were once a hive of activity with trade
Go for a bike ride along the towpath, past the water meadows where watercress once thrived in the clear chalk streams
Go for a bike ride along the towpath, past the water meadows where watercress once thrived in the clear chalk streams
Crofton Beam Engines, built in 1812 and 1846, are among the world's oldest working steam beam engines
Crofton Beam Engines, built in 1812 and 1846, are among the world's oldest working steam beam engines
This pretty village is a great starting place for a family day out exploring
This pretty village is a great starting place for a family day out exploring
The Grade II listed Avoncliff Aqueduct is over 100 metres long and 18 metres wide
The Grade II listed Avoncliff Aqueduct is over 100 metres long and 18 metres wide
Discover more about the history of the Kennet & Avon Canal
Watch our video tour of the winter works which took place at our picturesque Grade II listed lock in Hungerford.
Our newsletter is packed full of exciting updates and stories of how our charity keeps canals alive.
The K&A is one of our waterways with Green Flag status
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