Wiltshire Walks

Kennet & Avon Canal Walk

Kennett and Avon Canal walk, Wiltshire
Kennett and Avon Canal · Photo: Christine Johnstone

These walks explore the beautiful countryside around the Kennet and Avon Canal, combining peaceful towpaths, open farmland, woodland trails and rewarding hilltop views.

Whether you fancy a gentle waterside stroll or a longer day with tougher climbs and wider scenery, the walks offer a great mix of calm canal paths and more adventurous stretches.

All of the routes finish back near the waterfront in Pewsey, where The Waterfront Bar & Bistro makes a welcoming stop for food or a well-earned drink beside the canal.

Download the Wiltshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Wiltshire Walks app.

Walk information

Kennett and Avon Canal Walk 1

Walk distance
4½ miles
Time
2.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This relaxed circular route combines open countryside with a peaceful stretch along the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The waterside section brings a calm, unhurried feel, with narrowboats, towpaths and quiet rural scenery shaping the character of the walk.

Away from the canal, the route passes through gentle farmland and includes a short section along a quiet lane, adding a touch of variety to the outing.

It’s an easy going long walk with a pleasant mix of waterside and countryside views and a pub at the end, ideal for a few peaceful hours outdoors.

Walk information

Kennett and Avon Canal Walk 2

Walk distance
5 miles
Time
2.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This more energetic canal-side route mixes peaceful towpath walking with open countryside and a tougher climb for those wanting a bit more of a workout. The waterside stretches bring a calm, rural feel, with quiet scenery and occasional boat traffic adding interest along the way.

Away from the canal, the route rises up a strenuous hill called the 'Giant's Grave', rewarding the effort with wide views across the surrounding landscape.

It’s a longer, more challenging walk that balances gentle waterside paths with a satisfying burst of hilltop scenery before getting back to the start where a welcoming waterside pub awaits you for refreshments.

Walk information

Kennett and Avon Canal Walk 3

Walk distance
8½ miles
Time
4.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This epic canal-side and hill climbing adventure is a wonderfully varied long-distance walk through open countryside, quiet woodland and high ground with sweeping views.

A peaceful stretch along the Kennet and Avon Canal brings a gentler feel to parts of the route, with still water, towpaths and rural scenery adding contrast to the more energetic sections.

Elsewhere, the route climbs into higher countryside and passes through Gopher Wood, giving the walk a more strenuous, adventurous character.

It’s a demanding but rewarding outing, ideal for a full day of fresh air, big views and varied landscapes. There's also a waterside pub at the end of the route for well-earned refreshments.

Refreshments:

The Waterfront Bar & Bistro, Pewsey

These Kennett and Avon Canal walks start at coordinates: 51.348464, -1.774918

Navigate the walks

Wiltshire Walks App

Follow the Kennett and Avon Canal walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Wiltshire Walks app.

Wiltshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 300 Wiltshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Kennett and Avon Canal Walk 1, a 4.5 mile circular walk in Wiltshire