A map of the Kennet & Avon Canal
The map displays a range of services available on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Simply click the box next to any service being displayed in the Map Key on the left of your screen.
Map Key
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A brief history of the Kennet & Avon Canal
| Canal length : | 86.9 miles |
| Locks : | 105 |
| Boat Length : | 70ft |
| Height : | 7ft 10ins |
| Width : | 13ft 8ins |
| Draught : | 4ft 1ins |
The Kennet and Avon Canal is made up of three different sections - two navigable rivers and one man made canal. The name is often used to describe all three sections whereas strictly it is the section that links the River Avon at Newbury and then to Reading on the River Thames. The canal starts in Bristol and ends at Reading.
Whilst the river sections were in use in the early 18th century, the construction of the canal section was not started until 1794 and completed in 1810. As with many other canals, the advent of the railways lead to a gradual decline. Fortunately after years of effort, largely by volunteers, the canal re-opened in1990.
For more detailed information, follow the links below: