Grand Western Canal: Tiverton Canal Basin to Manley Bridge
Devon
The Grand Western Canal was planned in the eighteenth century to link the Bristol and English Channels, but only the section from Tiverton to the limestone quarries at Westleigh opened, in 1814, and its country park rules ask for a dog to stay under control and away from the waterbirds. It has been a Devon County Council country park since 1971, running 11 miles to Lowdwells. This 3.8km circular walk starts at the Canal Basin, where Grade II listed limekilns line the wall below the wharf and a horse-drawn barge still carries passengers, and follows the towpath east past the wide loop the canal makes to avoid Tidcombe Hall. It continues under round-arched stone bridges and through the oaks of Snakes Wood to Manley Bridge, then returns along a quiet lane and the tree-lined track of the old Tiverton branch railway. The route is almost entirely level, on a resurfaced towpath and firm tracks.
This is a dog friendly walk, but it is a lead walk more than a run. The country park asks for dogs to be kept under control at all times, kept out of the farmland beside the canal, and kept away from waterbirds, especially in the spring and early summer nesting season. Swans, moorhens and kingfishers live along the canal, cyclists share the towpath and the barge horse has priority, so a short lead is best. Swimming is banned under the park byelaws. The Canal Basin has a pay and display car park, toilets and two cafes, the Canal Tea Rooms and the floating Duck Ditty.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.8 km (2.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 5 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Canal Tea Rooms, Duck Ditty floating cafe, visitor centre and toilets at the Canal Basin. Dog policies not confirmed.
- Parking
- Canal Basin car park, Devon County Council, pay and display (cash, card or RingGo).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Grand Western Canal: Tiverton Canal Basin to Manley Bridge, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in DevonFrequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Western Canal: Tiverton Canal Basin to Manley Bridge dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It is flat, short and easy for any dog, with cafes and toilets at the start and dog bins along the way. The score reflects the rules that keep dogs under control, out of the adjacent farmland and away from the canal's swans and other waterbirds, which make it mostly a lead walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Grand Western Canal: Tiverton Canal Basin to Manley Bridge?
Not really. The country park asks for dogs to be under control at all times and kept away from waterbirds, and swans, ducks and moorhens nest along the canal in spring and early summer. Cyclists share the towpath and the horse-drawn barge has priority on this stretch. A short lead is the practical choice, with a little more freedom on the old railway track.
What should I know before visiting Grand Western Canal: Tiverton Canal Basin to Manley Bridge with my dog?
The walk is level and firm underfoot, suitable for older dogs and puppies. Swimming is prohibited under the country park byelaws, and dogs must be kept out of the farmland beside the canal. Dog fouling is patrolled by Mid Devon District Council wardens. The Canal Basin car park is pay and display, and has toilets and two cafes.
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