Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff Aqueduct Circular
Somerset
This 8 km circular from Bradford on Avon pairs the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath with a quieter countryside return through fields and lanes above the Avon valley. The outward leg follows the canal towards Avoncliff, where the aqueduct carries the waterway high above the river and railway in one of the most impressive feats of canal engineering in the country. The return climbs gently through farmland with views across the valley before dropping back into the town. The 197 m of climbing is concentrated on the inland return, giving the walk two distinct characters: flat, easy towpath on the way out and rolling countryside on the way back.
Dogs get a well-rounded dog friendly walk here with excellent variety. The canal towpath is rich with waterside scent, and the still water attracts birdlife and carries the damp, weedy smell that keeps dogs engaged along the bank. The inland section provides a change of pace with open fields, hedgerow scent and higher ground. Off-lead potential is moderate, with the towpath requiring awareness of other walkers and cyclists, and the farmland return crossing fields where livestock may be present. The aqueduct at Avoncliff makes a natural stopping point, with a dog-welcoming pub right at the crossing. The mix of easy canal walking and gently hilly countryside makes this a satisfying half-day that suits most dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- River, Canal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cross Guns pub at Avoncliff
- Parking
- Bradford-on-Avon Station car park
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff Aqueduct Circular dog friendly?
This walk scores a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's easy to see why. The route combines a scent-rich canal towpath with open fields and hedgerow-lined lanes, giving dogs a good variety of terrain and sniffing opportunities across the 8 km circuit. There's also a dog-welcoming pub, the Cross Guns, right at the Avoncliff Aqueduct midpoint , a great spot to stop and recharge.
Can dogs be off lead at Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff Aqueduct Circular?
Off-lead potential here is moderate rather than unlimited. The canal towpath section sees other walkers and cyclists, so it's worth keeping dogs under closer control there, and the inland return crosses farmland where livestock may be present. That said, there are stretches where a well-recalled dog can enjoy some freedom, particularly on the higher ground with open views across the Avon valley.
What should I know before visiting Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff Aqueduct Circular with my dog?
The walk is 8 km in total, with most of the 197 m of climbing concentrated on the return leg through farmland , so expect an easy, flat outward stretch along the canal and a more varied, gently hilly return. Parking is available at Bradford-on-Avon Station car park, and the Cross Guns pub at Avoncliff is a welcome midpoint stop. Be prepared to keep your dog on the lead around livestock on the inland section, and stay aware of cyclists sharing the towpath.
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