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
Starting from Sydney Wharf
Sydney Wharf, on Bathwick Hill near Sydney Gardens, sits right on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath. From there you can cruise out through Somerset and Wiltshire. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City, with Roman baths, Georgian crescents, artisan shops and riverside restaurants all a short walk from the canal.
Boats range from a 48ft Weir Class narrowboat for two up to a 69ft Bond Class that sleeps 12. In between are Premium Firth and Bond Class boats and Luxury 65ft Constellation and Admiral Class boats, which sleep up to four. There's plenty of storage on board, and the base can advise you on what to pack.
Short breaks and mid-week cruises
A short break gives you time to work up the Bath flight of six locks in the city centre, close to Pulteney Bridge. Another short-break option is the cruise to the market town of Bradford on Avon and back, crossing the Bath stone Dundas Aqueduct and the Avoncliff Aqueduct on the way. Along this stretch you pass stone cottages and waterside pubs, and it suits first-time boaters.
On a four-night mid-week break you can cruise through the Bath Valley and the Wiltshire countryside to the foot of the Caen Hill flight at Devizes, then turn back. A separate four-night route takes you through Bath onto the Bristol Avon and into Bristol Floating Harbour. It's only open to boaters who have travelled with Anglo Welsh at least five times before.
Caen Hill and the longer routes
The Caen Hill flight near Devizes has 29 locks. A week-long break takes you up the flight and on through the Vale of Pewsey before you head back.
With 10 days, 11 days or a fortnight you can go through the Vale of Pewsey and Savernake Forest to Great Bedwyn or Hungerford and back. An 11-day or two-week break reaches Newbury. With a full fortnight you can carry on through Newbury to Reading and the River Thames.
Pubs along the way
Canalside pubs to stop at include the George at Bathampton and the Barge Inn at Seend.
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.
