Bradford-on-Avon to Pewsey (5 nights) Sunday 18 June 2023

Alton Barnes White Horse near Pewsey

Join the Wessex Rose at Bradford on Avon , a charming historic Cotswold town boasting a magnificent 14^th Century Tithe Barn alongside the canal and well worth a visit before joining the boat for your cruise.

Leaving Bradford on Avon Wharf, our cruise begins with a lock free journey through the scenic Wiltshire countryside as far as the village of Semington where a cleverly painted wall marks the former junction of the now derelict Wilts & Berks canal with the Kennet & Avon. At Semington we pass through the first locks of our cruise and continue to follow the canal to the charming hamlet of Seend Cleeve. During the late 1800’s, this tiny village was the site of an ironstone quarry and smelting works, and The Barge Inn next to the canal was once home to the ‘Wiltshire Giant’ Fred Kempster.

Beyond Seend Cleeve we head for the delightfully named Foxhanger Wharf where we begin our ascent of the unique and impressive Caen Hill flight of locks with its spectacular views over the Avon Valley, said to be one of the 7 wonders of the waterways.  The 29 locks raise the canal 237 feet in 2 miles and can take a total of 5-6 hours to traverse although we don’t complete the whole flight in one go! You are welcome to help with the locks if you wish but if you prefer, just sit back and watch as we work the boat through the flight! The final lock at the top of the flight opens into the Wharf at Devizes, where we make a stop allowing ample time for guests to explore the town if they wish. This charming historic market town is rich in history and listed buildings, and home to the Wiltshire Museum, the Wadworth Brewery which still uses Shire horses to make local deliveries and the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Museum which occupies a restored canal side warehouse on the Wharf.

Beyond Devizes, the navigation enters the lock free ‘Long Pound’ and follows the stunning Pewsey valley , a beautiful area studded with unspoilt picturesque villages and forming part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to our destination at Pewsey Wharf.

To book please select the required number of cabins below. Our three cabins are identical and can all be configured as either twin or double bedded rooms according to your preference.

Please refer to our terms and conditions before booking. If you have any questions or specific requirements please contact us.

*Price based on 2 people sharing a twin/double cabin. Cabins booked for 1 person incur a single occupancy supplement of 50%.