About this trip.
Kennet & Avon closure in Bath: Closed at Bath No. 1 tunnel, where the canal enters Sydney Gardens, since 9 October 2026, after roadworks above damaged the tunnel arch. The Canal & River Trust says the navigation and towpath stay closed until further notice. Until it reopens, boats can't pass between Sydney Wharf and the Bath locks on one side and Bathampton, Bradford on Avon and Caen Hill on the other. Source
Planning the route? Read our Kennet & Avon Canal guide. Weighing up hire firms? UK narrowboat hire, compared lists 32 firms by canal, dog fees and fuel.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Hilperton Marina, on the Kennet and Avon Canal
Hilperton Marina sits on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Hammond Way, Trowbridge, in Wiltshire. It is ABC Boat Hire's most southerly base, and the canal is often counted among the best waterways in England for natural beauty and wildlife. The marina is a good starting point for the western end of the canal, and it has narrowboats in all sizes. The smallest suit a group of two to four. The largest, the 70ft Swan class, sleeps 12. Before you set off you choose your boat: a cruiser or semi-traditional stern, and a galley at the stern or the bow.
West to Bath and Bristol, or east to Devizes
Heading west, you can cruise to Bath and then perhaps carry on to Bristol and its floating harbour. The Bristol and return route passes through Bradford on Avon, crosses several aqueducts and follows the River Avon before turning back. Heading east, you can take on the 29 locks of the Caen Hill flight and then rest at the market town of Devizes.
For a short break, there are three suggested routes. The first runs to Bath and back, following the River Avon and crossing historic aqueducts along waters lined with local stone. The second suits an easy weekend: you spend a day in Bradford on Avon and another cruising to the bottom of the Devizes flight. Bradford on Avon was once a busy weaving centre, and some of its old buildings remain, though the 14th-century Tithe Barn dominates the canalside. The third is a cruise to Devizes and back.
Getting to the marina
By road, leave the M4 at junction 17 and take the A350 towards Chippenham and on to Melksham. At the roundabout, take the third exit onto the B3107 towards Holt, then turn left immediately after the Toll Gate pub towards Staverton, Hilperton and Trowbridge. From Staverton, follow the brown local signs. The marina is at the junction of the B3105 and B3106. Check in at the glass-walled building on stilts beside the canal.
The nearest railway station is Trowbridge, a short taxi ride from the marina, with trains from London Waterloo or Bath. From Bristol, a taxi takes about 45 minutes. Canal maps and guides from Nicholson, Lockmaster, Pearsons and Geo Projects cover the area.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in England. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
