Avoncliff, Wiltshire

Avoncliff Aqueduct

Industrial heritage

Place photograph

6.7

Wildland

Under 1 hour for the aqueduct itself

Time

Free

Cost

Atmospheric

Feel

RiversideHistoricWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.7

A Grade II listed aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal across the River Avon and the adjacent railway, joining canal engineering to a close-up view of the Avon Valley.

This is more than a canal crossing: the aqueduct brings the canal, river and railway together in one compact piece of working industrial history. Its setting makes it worthwhile to slow down, look from above and below, and continue along the waterway.

Atmospheric · Peaceful

Find your way

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Avoncliff, Wiltshire

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The experience

Visit the aqueduct for a close look at its scale and setting, then follow the canal towpath if you want to extend the outing. The supplied official source points to Dundas Aqueduct in one direction and Bradford-on-Avon in the other.

Things to do

See the aqueduct from the canal towpath

Walk across the aqueduct and look along the canal crossing above the River Avon and adjacent railway.

Under 1 hour

Continue towards Dundas Aqueduct

The Canal & River Trust identifies Dundas Aqueduct as a nearby pairing. Check a current map and path conditions before choosing a route.

Walk towards Bradford-on-Avon

The Canal & River Trust notes that Bradford-on-Avon is reachable by walking the other way, passing Barton Farm Country Park.

Look for waterway wildlife

The Canal & River Trust suggests watching for water birds, foxgloves and red clover, and notes that bats may be seen at dusk in the aqueduct’s crevices.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

Quick Escape: Cross the aqueduct

01
Reach Avoncliff Aqueduct by train or use the limited free parking if suitable.
02
Walk onto the aqueduct and take in the canal crossing above the River Avon and railway.
03
Pause to observe the structure and its valley setting, then return the way you came.

Half day · Allow a half day; route distance and duration are not verified

Make a half day of it: Follow the canal

01
Begin at Avoncliff Aqueduct and explore the canal-side setting.
02
Continue along the canal towpath towards Dundas Aqueduct, or walk in the other direction towards Bradford-on-Avon.
03
Plan your return and check the local map, transport and current path conditions before setting out.

Verified history

Avoncliff Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon and the adjacent railway. The Canal & River Trust describes it as a Grade II listed structure, over 100 metres long and 18 metres wide. The supplied sources do not establish a precise completion date or provide a detailed construction history.

Hidden details

Three transport layers in one valley — The aqueduct carries the canal over the River Avon and adjacent railway, bringing three forms of transport infrastructure together in one view.

Bats at dusk — The Canal & River Trust notes that bats living in the aqueduct’s crevices may be seen at dusk.

When to go

· The source row suggests early mornings or weekdays for a quieter visit, but this is not independently verified by the supplied official source.

The supplied official source does not specify a best season. The source row mentions spring flowers and autumn foliage, but these seasonal recommendations remain unverified.

Check the forecast and current towpath conditions before setting out. The source row says some natural terrain may be challenging, but does not provide verified condition updates.

The route

start point: Avoncliff Aqueduct
parking start: Limited free parking; access is down a narrow, steep hill. Avoncliff station is beside the aqueduct.

Kennet & Avon Canal crossing the River Avon
Adjacent railway
Nearby Dundas Aqueduct
Canal route towards Bradford-on-Avon

Worth pairing with

Dundas Aqueduct

The Canal & River Trust recommends Dundas Aqueduct as another nearby waterway landmark.

Bradford-on-Avon

The Canal & River Trust says Bradford-on-Avon can be reached by walking in the other direction, passing Barton Farm Country Park.

What to look for

Notice how the canal crosses above the River Avon and the railway, and compare the aqueduct’s view from the towpath with the river-level setting.

The story

Canal engineering and industrial heritage

Best time to go

Year-round; the source row highlights May–September, spring flowers and autumn foliage, but those seasonal details are not independently confirmed by the supplied official source.

The source row suggests early mornings or weekdays for a quieter visit, but this timing is not independently verified in the supplied official source. Check conditions before travelling.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour for the aqueduct itself; allow longer if combining it with a canal walk.

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

Canal & River Trust lists the aqueduct as a place to visit. It is free to visit. Limited free parking is available down a narrow, steep hill; Avoncliff station is beside the aqueduct. Check current access conditions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Limited free parking; access is down a narrow, steep hill. Avoncliff station is beside the aqueduct.

Toilets

Canal & River Trust lists toilets for customers of the local pub/café; check availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The source row names The Cross Guns pub. The Canal & River Trust notes toilets are for local pub/café customers; check whether the pub is open before relying on it.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current signage and local guidance before visiting with a dog.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row describes the towpath as suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs but also notes natural terrain may be challenging. This accessibility information is not confirmed by the supplied official source; check current conditions before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Free

Water

River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal. No swimming or paddling permission established by the supplied sources.