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Routes from Bath
Newbury & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
14 nights 
111 miles 
69 hours 
142 locks 
All levels
Newbury & back
Cleveland House Soon after leaving Sydney Wharf, you’ll cruise through 2 short tunnels – Cleveland House Tunnel, then Sydney Gardens Tunnel.
Bathampton Less than 1 mile later, you’ll pass the popular canalside George Inn at Bathampton and soon after you’ll meet Bathampton Swing Bridge.
Claverton Just over 1 mile later you’ll reach the village of Claverton, home to the historic Claverton Pumping Station and American Museum in Britain at Claverton Manor.
Dundas Aqueduct Next you’ll pass the entrance to the Somerset Coal Canal and Brassknocker Basin, home of The Angelfish Restaurant. Then you’ll cruise over the magnificent Dundas Aqueduct.
Avoncliff Aqueduct Cruise on east through the beautiful Bath Valley, and just over 2 miles later you’ll cross over the Avoncliff Aqueduct with the No.10 Tea Garden next to it (open Fridays to Sundays).
Bradford on Avon Just over 1 mile later you’ll reach Bradford on Avon Lock. After you’ve gone through the lock, turn the boat around and then go back through the lock and moor up at the visitor moorings. This lovely market town is home to many impressive architectural sites, including English Heritage’s Medieval Tithe Barn. There are many places to eat, drink and shop, including the canalside Barge Inn, Beehive pub and riverside riverside Timbrell’s Yard.
The Boathouse At Bradford on Avon Marina, you’ll pass by the canalside Boathouse pub.
Bliss & Ladydown Aqueducts A mile later you’ll cross Bliss and Ladydown aqueducts. Bliss Aqueduct carries the canal over the River Bliss and Ladydown Aqueduct carries the canal over a railway line.
Hilperton Marina Half a mile later you’ll pass Hilperton Marina.
Semington Swing Bridge Just under two miles later you’ll encounter Semington Swing Bridge and Semington Aqueduct.
Semington Locks The journey continues east through the two locks at Semington.
Newton & Seend Swing Bridges Soon after the locks you’ll reach Newton Swing Bridge and less than half a mile later, Seend Park Swing Bridge.
Seend Locks There are five locks at Seend. You’ll find the Barge Inn just after the second lock and you can moor up opposite.
Foxhanger Wharf There’s another swing bridge just after the locks at Seend and 1.5 miles later you’ll reach Foxhanger Wharf. This is a good place to moor up for the night, ready to make the journey up the Caen Hill flight the next morning.
Caen Hill Flight It takes around five hours to cruise up the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. Canal & River Trust volunteers are on hand to help. The locks are open between 8am and 2pm during the main boating season. There’s more information about boating up or down the Caen Hill flight here.
Devizes The historic market town of Devizes is at the top of the Caen Hill flight, offering a choice of restaurants and pubs including The Bear Hotel and The Peppermill. The Wiltshire Museum at Devizes has Britain’s best Bronze Age archaeology collection, including gold from the time of Stonehenge.
Bishops Cannings Three lock-free miles on you’ll reach Bishops Canning Swing Bridge and there’s a footpath into the village, home of the Crown pub.
Honeystreet 5 lock-free miles and another swing bridge later you’ll reach Honeystreet, home of the canalside Barge Inn. You’re now cruising through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, with views of the chalk White Horse.
Pewsey Wharf 4 lock-free miles later you’ll reach Pewsey Wharf, where you can turn the boat around, follow the Pewsey Vale Trail, visit the Pewsey Heritage Centre and eat at the Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
Wootton Rivers 3 miles on from Pewsey, you’ll reach Wootton Rivers Lock, on the edge of the Savernake Forest. The popular Royal Oak pub is in the village.
Bruce Tunnel Just over 2 miles and 3 locks later you’ll reach the 502-yard long Bruce Tunnel, also known as Savernake Tunnel, marking the highest point of the canal.
Crofton Less than 1 mile after the Bruce Tunnel, you’ll reach Crofton Top Lock. It’s the start of the Crofton flight of 9 locks, taking you downhill and almost to Great Bedwyn. Below Lock 60 on the Crofton Flight you can moor up next to Wilton Water reservoir and the historic Crofton Pumping Station.
Great Bedwyn Soon after Beech Grove Lock, the bottom of the Crofton flight, you go through Church Lock. Soon after, you can then moor up at Great Bedwyn Wharf to explore the village, with its Three Tuns pub and Bedwyn Stone Museum.
Froxfield Just over 2 miles and 6 locks later you’ll reach the Pelican Inn.
Hungerford Just over 2 miles later and another 4 locks you’ll reach Hungerford Town Bridge, where you can moor up to explore this historic town with many antique shops and plenty of pubs to choose from, including the Bear Hotel.
Kintbury 3 miles and 3 locks on from Hungerford you’ll reach the pretty village of Kintbury, with it’s canalside Dundas Arms. Kintbury is also the home of the Kennet Horse Boat Company.
Newbury 6 miles on from Kintbury, you can turn the boat around before Newbury Lock and then moor up to visit the town. There’s a great choice of pubs, including the canalside Lock Stock & Barrel. You can visit the Newbury Museum and Newbury Racecourse. The impressive Highclere Castle, featured in the ITV drama Downton Abbey is a short taxi ride away.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
