Your floating hotel on the Canals and Rivers of the UK

Our guide to the waterways of the UK in detail.

Pictures of the Kennet& Avon Canal.

Bath to Bristol.

The Kennet and Avon is one of the most splendid lengths of artificial waterway in the UK. It is a broad canal cutting across Southern England from the Thames at Reading to the Bristol Channel at Bristol. It's generous dimensions and fine architecture fit in with the rolling downs and open plains it goes through. The navigation was built in three sections.

This page is about one section the River Avon. The West end of the navigation the fast flowing River Avon in its gorge connecting Bath to the docks at Bristol. The river Avon is first navigable in the centre of the spectacular Georgian city of Bath. There are a few moorings right in the city centre, there are however ample moorings just half a mile out. All boats however, even if unable to moor here should cruise right into the city centre.

The first three miles and the first lock are within the outskirts of Bath. The next eight miles and five locks are set in the country. At Hanham lock the canalised section of the river ends and it becomes tidal for the next four miles as it enters the outskirts of Bristol. At Netham Lock you leave the tidal river and climb into a canal which takes you the last three miles right into the heart of Bristol. The final moorings are in the Floating Harbour right in the centre of the historic sea docks of Bristol.

Bath.
The River Avon.

More pictures of this canal?

Reading to Devizes. / Devizes to Bath

A history of this canal. / General information on the canal.

Find our information about other canals on the canal index page.

If you have any questions then do ring us on 07977 229103
or email us at martinreed@reedboats.co.uk