Kennet and Avon Canal
Follow the Kennet and Avon Canal Walk at your own pace on a self-guided holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
Kennet and Avon Canal
https://www.contours.co.uk/kennet-and-avon-canal
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A walk through changing landscapes and charming settlements, following alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal.
From £441 per person
The Kennet and Avon Canal Walk travels 96 miles from Reading to Bristol across the South of England. On this self-guided walking holiday, you'll walk alongside a major water transport route, built over 200 years ago during the heyday of the British canals.
The trail passes through the chalk hills of the North Wessex Downs in the east and southern fringes of the Cotswolds in the west. This largely rural walk features rolling fields, quiet woodlands and pretty valleys, and the changing landscape offers plenty of opportunities to spot wonderful plants and wildlife.
Along the way you will also visit picturesque villages and bustling towns. Among the most exciting places are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bath and the vibrant harbour town of Bristol.
We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.
Cyclists may enjoy our self-guided cycling holidays along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.
From £882 per person
The Kennet and Avon Canal Walk enjoys 95 miles of gentle canal towpaths and easy paths. The route stays close to the River Avon as it meanders through the North Wessex Downs from Reading to Bristol.
Along the way, you will find plenty of beautiful scenery, as well unique insights into England’s industrial history. The walk passes the Caen Hill flight of locks and the ornate aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas, to name a few enticing sites. The route also visits the iconic Roman city of Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Bristol’s vibrant floating harbour.
With all this and more to discover along the way, this trail has something for everyone to enjoy.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAC1 | From Reading to Bristol | 5 days walking | £882 | |
| KAC2 | From Reading to Bristol | 7 days walking | £1166 | |
| KAC3 | From Reading to Bristol | 9 days walking | £1455 | |
| KAC4 | From Reading to Bristol | 13 days walking | £2032 |
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“It was very well organised and efficient - made the walking easy and stress free.”Mr Cook, UK
“Great countryside and interesting engineering of canals. Baggage and B&B all worked well.”Mr Styles, UK
“We had a lovely time, always perfect weather! It was perfect for us, to choose the daily distances. We already recommended the holiday to others, many times.”Mrs Schneider, Switzerland
“I only have praise for the excellent organization of the three walks by Contours. Everything went well. Everything, including my earliest enquiries from home in Australia, the payments, the delivery of tour information by email and by post, the walk information and accommodation was handled professionally and punctually. Thank you for doing a great job.”Mr Such, Australia, UK
“From picking this holiday on the website, the personal attention given to our booking, the very complete holiday pack, all the b&b's and hotels we stayed in, the way the luggage transport is handled; this is the most relaxed way I can imagine booking a holiday and be sure our interests are in capable and caring hands.”Mrs Sanders, Netherlands
“Lovely gentle walk in good weather. Well organised.”Ms Mackay, UK
“All logistical aspects worked perfectly (taxi and luggage transfers, bookings etc.), and when an issue came up which we needed help with, it was resolved within the hour to our satisfaction. We thank you for that! Also, all breakfast options along the route were excellent - tasty and plentiful, which is important before a long day of hiking. The travel kit and the book+map were very helpful and clear.”Dr Albelda, Israel
“The walk was challenging but so much fun. We often walked for hours without seeing anyone; just us, the ducks/geese/swans (and their babies) and the birds. Perfect. The walk was everything we wanted and more. Some of the route involved an almost non-existent path; nothing more than the canal bank. That added to the adventure. Would absolutely recommend, especially if someone wants an off-the-beaten-path experience.”Ms Burda, USA
“This was an easy, relaxed walk with lots to see along the way.”Ms Matthews, USA
