Circular walk in Taunton

Canal: Bridgwater & Taunton Canal

Start and end: Canal car park at Bathpool, Dyers Lane, Taunton, TA2 8BZ

Distance: 3.6 miles/5.7kms

Estimated time: 1hr 45mins

Travel and access

Bus routes 21 & 21A pass via Bathpool, close to the canal (information accurate as of January 2026)

This walk can be completed in the opposite direction starting at Firepool Lock from point 4 to point 6 to Bathpool and returning to Firepool Lock via the towpath from point 1 to point 3. 

Unfortunately, the circular walk is not suitable for wheelchair users. However, the route between Bathpool to Firepool along the towpath is wheelchair-friendly in both directions.

Route instructions

1. From the car park, cross over the canal via the swing bridge and turn right along the towpath.

2. Bathpool Marina is on the opposite bank to the towpath. Here you will see some smaller traditional narrow boats and other craft. 

This semi-rural location gives way to residential development and subsequently the canal cuts through a modern industrial estate.

3. Continue to follow the towpath to Firepool Lock at the start of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.  

The locks on the B&T have an unusual mechanism not found anywhere else on our inland waterways. The paddles are lifted with the help of a large cast iron ball weight hung on a chain. 

The large brick building overlooking the canal is the Grade 2 listed Firepool Pumping Station. 

There were two lime kilns on this site in the early 1840s. It was later expanded with a hot air engine built c1866, and a water tank in 1877, eventuality becoming a pumping station for the Bristol & Exeter Railway in 1889. 

Enjoy a short break here before starting the route back to Bathpool. Retrace your steps across the bridge over the canal. On your left is the point where, in 1837, the Great Western Canal from Tiverton was linked to this canal.

4. Take the path to your right, away from the towpath and towards the River Tone.

5. Cross over the cycle/footpath and continue straight ahead through a lightly wooded area. Follow the path until it joins the cycle path that runs parallel to the River Tone. 

As the River Tone cascades downstream you will see a variety of fauna and flora.

6. At this point cross over the bridge and bear left on a slight incline to join the Bridgwater Road. Turn left along the pavement and take the second turning on the left into Swingbridge. 

Following this lane returns you to the swing bridge at the start of the walk and the car park across the canal.