Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 48 on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Routes from this base

Your holiday isn't tied to a specific route. You simply hire a boat for the time you choose, then explore the canals however you like. Our short-break, week, and two week routes are just ideas to help you plan your ideal canal holiday.

Short break routes (3 - 4 nights)

Bath Top Lock and Return

16 miles • 2 locks • 5 hours

Cruising west from Bradford on Avon, the canal clings to the side of the Avon Valley, passing two splendid aqueducts and a unique restored water pump at Claverdon. At Bath, moor by the top lock for easy access to the World Heritage site of Bath with its Georgian crescents, Roman Baths and elegant streets. It is another 6 locks each way to the world famous Pulteney Bridge and weir, which you can moor close by.

Saltford Lock and Return

30 miles • 16 locks • 15 hours

Head west down the locks to Bath City Centre and Pulteney lock, to Saltford lock which marks the last turning point before the no-waiting section to Bristol.

Foxhanger Wharf and Return

22 miles • 16 locks • 14 hours

East beyond Bradford on Avon head into the countryside towards Devizes, turning before the Caen Hill flight of locks. Perhaps walk or cycle to the charming canalside market town of Devizes, home to the superb Victorian Wadworth Brewery and its horse-drawn deliveries.

One week routes

Bristol and Return

54 miles • 28 locks • 24 hours

Beyond Bath is the city of Bristol and its Floating Harbour in the centre of the city. This is a fascinating place with the magnificent SS Great Britain in its dry dock in the Harbour and, not far away, Telford’s engineering masterpiece – the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Pewsey and Return

50 miles • 72 locks • 34 hours

Continue further east along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Devizes, this time ascending the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks (timed opening) through the Vale of the White Horse to Pewsey. This is the home of Crop Circles with the canal meandering lazily through the countryside interspersed by thatched villages and country pubs. Return down the Caen Hill locks.

Two week routes

Hungerford, Newbury or Reading and Return

76/94/134 miles • 120/142/186 locks • 54/64/90 hours

East of Pewsey follow the Kennet and Avon through a mixture of locks, swing and lift bridges to the summit deep in the heart of Savernake Forest. Crofton and its famous steam-pump marks the beginning of a long descent along the pretty Kennet Valley through Hungerford, Newbury and Thatcham before joining the River Thames at Reading.

Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 48 on the Kennet and Avon Canal

About the location

Routes from this base

Short break routes (3 - 4 nights)

Bath Top Lock and Return

Saltford Lock and Return

Foxhanger Wharf and Return

One week routes

Bristol and Return

Pewsey and Return

Two week routes

Hungerford, Newbury or Reading and Return