Rivers linked by a canal. The name refers to the entire navigable length. From Bristol the way is the Avon. The canal is from Bath to Newbury. From there to Reading the way is the Kennet. 53 locks to Summit Pound (150 m asl) and 54 down to Reading.
OSM map layer · LineString
51.41, -1.24 · rel 8345184
51.41, -1.24 · rel 8345184
Kennet and Avon Canal Trail
50,2 km from River Avon at Bristol to River Thames at Reading through urban area.
River Avon at Bristol
→
River Thames at Reading
linear
50,2km
Distance
multi-day
Climb · estimate
moderate
Difficulty · estimate
linear
Shape
42
views
1
Viewpoints
01 · Character of the route
Is this one for you?
Urban Area
1× viewpoint
Castle or ruins
Remote
Uncrowded
compiled from map data (OSM) and points of interest along the route — no editorial layer
02 · The story
What makes this route special
03 · 19 points along the route
What will you encounter?
1× Attraction
3× ruins
14× monument
1× viewpoint
Kennet & Avon Visitors' Centre
Attraction ·
on the route
50,2 km
100%
Goods Yard Crane
ruins ·
on the route
50,2 km
100%
Kintbury
ruins ·
34 m off route
50,2 km
100%
War Memorial
monument ·
44 m off route
50,2 km
100%
War Memorial
monument ·
155 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Kintbury War Memorial
monument ·
174 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Simeon Monument
monument ·
187 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Jubilee Fountain
monument ·
215 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Queen Victoria (and Lions)
monument ·
251 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Fred Potts
monument ·
263 m off route
50,2 km
100%
War Memorial
monument ·
266 m off route
50,2 km
100%
In Memoriam The Berkshire Yeomanry
monument ·
266 m off route
50,2 km
100%
In Memory of Henry West
monument ·
291 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Henry I Memorial Cross
monument ·
294 m off route
50,2 km
100%
International Brigade Memorial
monument ·
297 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Queen Victoria
monument ·
301 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Thatcham, Berkshire
ruins ·
334 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Burma Star Memorial
monument ·
335 m off route
50,2 km
100%
Lower Farm Gravel Pit bird hide
viewpoint ·
405 m off route
50,2 km
100%
04 · Landmarks
Steady waypoints
Start
Quarter of the way
Halfway
Three quarters
Finish
05 · Intersecting routes
Where you meet other trails
06 · From the trail
Through the eyes of hikers
No photos of this route yet
Are you the first to walk it? Your photo will appear here — with credit.
Share the first photo
07 ·
no reports yet
What hikers experienced
Log completion · Start your adventure
Have you walked it?
Sign in to log your hike — it will appear on your profile too.
08 · Before you go
Answers to common questions
Kennet and Avon Canal Trail is 50.2 km long.
At an average walking pace, Kennet and Avon Canal Trail takes approximately 12h 30min to complete.
No, Kennet and Avon Canal Trail is a linear (point-to-point) trail. It runs from River Avon at Bristol to River Thames at Reading. Plan ahead for return transport.
Kennet and Avon Canal Trail starts at River Avon at Bristol.
Kennet and Avon Canal Trail is a strenuous hike requiring excellent fitness and prior hiking experience.
Kennet and Avon Canal Trail is maintained and managed by Canal River Trust.