Wilts and Berks Canal

Please tell us what you think about our website, we welcome your feedback.

The Wilts & Berks Canal was abandoned in 1914 and is thought currently to be the longest restoration project in Britain.  Restoration is happening due to the dedication and amazing efforts of volunteers, and the works of the Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership.  Several miles of the waterway have been returned to water with many structures, including bridges, locks and lengths of towpath, restored or in the process of restoration.  The Partnership is aiming to complete restoration of this important recreational and wildlife resource by 2025.

The main line of the canal runs for 52 miles between the Kennet & Avon Canal at Semington and the River Thames at Abingdon, with the 8 mile North Wilts branch connecting to the Thames & Severn Canal at Cricklade; there are a further four branches at Chippenham, Calne, Longcot, and Wantage.

The Wilts & Berks Canal in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council is a key member of the Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership and assists with the restoration of the canal through the giving of financial contributions and technical assistance, and the hosting of a Canal Officer in the Countryside Team.

Restoration of the North Wilts branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal is part of a separate multi-partner project to create the Cricklade Country Way project connecting Swindon to Cricklade, the Cotswold Water Park and the River Thames using the restored canal, railway, cycleways, bridleways and footpaths.

Other important restoration projects are taking place at Pewsham near Chippenham, Tockenham near Lyneham, Wootton Bassett, and at Melksham.

Not all of the original line of the canal is currently accessible, but significant sections have towpath access.  Details of most of these sections can be found on the BBC Breathing Places website.

If you would like to get involved with this project by volunteering please contact The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

For further information check out the links below:

• Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership
• Waterscape (Wilts & Berks Canal)
• Inland Waterways Association (Wilts & Berks Canal)

Last updated: 14 February 2011