Swindon’s Canal: past, present and future
Sheppard Street Underpass, Sheppard Street/ Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5DB
The "Wilts & Berks" canal construction started from Semington near Melksham in 1795 and finished at Abingdon in 1810.
Boats first arrived at Swindon's wharf in 1804, initially bring stone and bricks.
The "North Wilts" canal construction started from Swindon in 1814 and finished at Latton near Cricklade where it connected to the Thames & Severn canal, this connection brought in coal from the Forest of Dean.
The "Wilts & Berks" canal was prosperous until the railway came to Swindon in 1841, after which the canal declined and was formally abandoned in 1914.
In this tour we will start by walking along the infilled canal, stopping at lost and surviving bridges and then join the original towpath of a watered section of the canal stopping at stone & brick bridges and an aqueduct.
This guided tour is about 2 miles / 3.2km long and mainly flat, at the end you can stop for coffee or lunch at either the H&W restaurant or the Waitrose supermarket. Bus stops are close by for returning back to the start.
To see a Google Earth virtual tour Click here
Timings
- Sunday 13 September:
- Tour 11:00-13:00
- Sunday 20 September:
- Tour 11:00-13:00
Location & directions
Sheppard Street Underpass, Sheppard Street/ Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5DB
- Directions:
- Meet at the south entrance to the Sheppard Street underpass. Google Map and what3words
- Contact on day:
- Gary Kenyon
- Telephone number:
- +447853085113
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Email name & date to Gary Kenyon
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
Accessibility details
Parking at Sheppard Street car park and Bristol Street car park
Additional information
- Max number of people:
- 15
- Estimated duration:
- 2 hour(s)
