Kennet and Avon Canal

Kennet and Avon Canal

A walk through changing landscapes and charming settlements, following alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal.

3 to 14 nights
23-96 miles
Easy / Moderate to Moderate

From £420 per person

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About the trail

The Kennet and Avon Canal Walk travels 96 miles from Reading to Bristol across the South of England. On this self-guided walking holiday, you'll walk alongside a major water transport route, built over 200 years ago during the heyday of the British canals.

The trail passes through the chalk hills of the North Wessex Downs in the east and southern fringes of the Cotswolds in the west. The changing landscape offers plenty of opportunities to spot wonderful plants and wildlife. This largely rural walk features rolling fields, quiet woodlands and pretty valleys. Along the way you will also visit picturesque villages and bustling towns. Among the most exciting places are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bath and the vibrant harbour town of Bristol.

Choose your route

  • Kennet and Avon Canal
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Kennet and Avon Canal - Stile-Free

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

About this route

6 to 14 nights
96 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £840 per person

Kennet and Avon Canal

The Kennet and Avon Canal Walk enjoys 95 miles of gentle canal towpaths and easy paths. The route stays close to the River Avon as it meanders through the North Wessex Downs from Reading to Bristol. Along the way you will find plenty of beautiful scenery, as well unique insights into England’s industrial history. The walk passes the Caen Hill flight of locks and the ornate aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas, to name a few enticing sites. The route also visits the iconic Roman city of Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Bristol’s vibrant floating harbour. With all this and more to discover along the way, this trail has something for everyone to enjoy.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
KAC1 From Reading to Bristol 6 nights, 5 days walking Demanding £840
KAC2 From Reading to Bristol 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1110
KAC3 From Reading to Bristol 10 nights, 9 days walking Moderate £1385
KAC4 From Reading to Bristol 14 nights, 13 days walking Easy / Moderate £1935
"Pulteney Bridge, Bath" by Jeffrey Dell (2024) "Pulteney Bridge, Bath" by Jeffrey Dell (2024)
"Boats on the Canal" by Carmen Matthews (2018) "Boats on the Canal" by Carmen Matthews (2018)
"West of Lock 15" by Carmen Matthews (2018) "West of Lock 15" by Carmen Matthews (2018)
"Great Bedwyn" by Carmen Matthews (2018) "Great Bedwyn" by Carmen Matthews (2018)
"Caen Hill Locks" by Carmen Matthews (2018) "Caen Hill Locks" by Carmen Matthews (2018)
"Balance" by Hannah Vernon (2018) "Balance" by Hannah Vernon (2018)
"Bradford on Avon Canal" by Claire Renard (2018) "Bradford on Avon Canal" by Claire Renard (2018)
"Vintage Steam Train" by Claire Renard (2018) "Vintage Steam Train" by Claire Renard (2018)
"Red Barge in the Sun" by Claire Renard (2018) "Red Barge in the Sun" by Claire Renard (2018)
"Bradford on Avon Canal" by Claire Renard (2018) "Bradford on Avon Canal" by Claire Renard (2018)

Customer reviews from the Kennet and Avon Canal

“Lovely gentle walk in good weather. Well organised.”
Ms Mackay, UK
“I had yet another excellent holiday experience with Contours, thank you!”
Ms Dabiri, Sweden
“Great countryside and interesting engineering of canals. Baggage and B&B all worked well.”
Mr Styles, UK
“All logistical aspects worked perfectly (taxi and luggage transfers, bookings etc.), and when an issue came up which we needed help with, it was resolved within the hour to our satisfaction. We thank you for that! Also, all breakfast options along the route were excellent - tasty and plentiful, which is important before a long day of hiking. The travel kit and the book+map were very helpful and clear.”
Dr Albelda, Israel
“As well as the changing scenery as we walked from Reading-Bristol, we enjoyed visiting the many towns en route. e.g we will definitely go back to Newbury. Great B&Bs, plenty of places to eat and choose from and excellent luggage transfers.”
Mrs Watts, UK
“It was very well organised and efficient - made the walking easy and stress free.”
Mr Cook, UK
“Just so grateful to all the hosts - wonderful memories...and gorgeous breakfasts! Thank you so much for making the organisation of this trip so easy. We felt welcome all the way”
Mr Sharrad Jones, Australia
“We had a lovely time, always perfect weather! It was perfect for us, to choose the daily distances. We already recommended the holiday to others, many times.”
Mrs Schneider, Switzerland
“Very well organised and instructions easy to follow. We are intending to book another walk with you next May.”
Mr Farrington, UK
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