Great Bedwyn to Bradford-on-Avon (7 nights) Saturday 29 April 2023

Bradford on Avon Wharf

This scenic and interesting cruise takes you on a delightful seven night journey from the charming village of Great Bedwyn to the historic Cotswold town of Bradford on Avon.

Leaving Great Bedwyn we head first to Crofton Pumping Station which boasts two beautifully restored working beam engines and overlooks the stunning Wilton Water reservoir, a water feed for the summit pound and a haven for wildlife.

From here the canal climbs to its 450ft summit and passes through the famous Bruce tunnel before descending to the picturesque village of Wootton Rivers with its unique church clock and on to the Vale of Pewsey, a beautiful area studded with unspoilt picturesque villages and forming part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Heading West the canal meanders through the very rural and scenic lock free ‘Long Pound’ to the vibrant market town of Devizes where we make a stop allowing ample time for guests to explore the town if they wish. Rich in history and listed buildings, Devizes is also 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 occupying a restored canal side warehouse on the Wharf.

Leaving Devizes the navigation descends the impressive Caen Hill flight of 29 locks with its spectacular views over the Avon Valley, and said to be one of the 7 wonders of the waterways. The 29 locks lower 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 brings us out at the delightfully named Foxhanger Wharf, and our cruise continues West to the charming village of Seend Cleeve, once home to the ‘Wiltshire Giant’ Fred Kempster. Here we pass through another much smaller flight of five locks and follow the canal to two further locks at Semington where the now derelict Wilts & Berks canal originally joined the Kennet and Avon.

Beyond Semington the canal is lock free and winds through beautifully scenic countryside to our destination at Bradford on Avon. This charming and attractive town described as an ‘architectural treasure chest’ boasts a diverse collection of historical buildings, including a beautifully preserved 14^th century Tithe Barn alongside the canal. We aim to arrive in good time to allow guests the opportunity to visit both the Tithe Barn and Town Centre.

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%.