I’ve had friends visiting for the weekend for my birthday and this morning we headed out to Dundas Aqueduct for a paddle to clear our post party heads. There’s something magical about being down on the river and immersed in nature. Today there was just a breath of air and the river was calm. We paddled in the clear water, through the overhanging trees and thick reeds, past swans and dancing dragonflies. We chatted and caught up on life as we paddled, with a refreshing swim at the end by the pontoon.
We hired paddle boards from LiveFree Adventures who opened their doors just yesterday. They’re based at the boathouse on the river, underneath the aqueduct, accessed down a steep stairs, one set on each side of the canal. They offer SUPs, kayaks and canoes for hire. They’ve also got a handy changing area, secure storage, refreshments, and all the guidance needed. They’ve got a pretty good spot, the dramatic backdrop of the aqueduct is very special.
It gets busy with families, dog walkers and groups of friends having a dip but I’ve always found the atmosphere down by the river friendly.
The SUP Hire. LiveFree Adventures is an outdoor education and activity provider offering teaching, guiding and hire for adventurous activities on land, in water and through the air.
The Dundas Aqueduct. The Dundas aqueduct is an incredible feat of engineering, designed to carry the canal over the River Avon and railway to avoid the steep sides of the river valley. Completed in 1805, it’s 150 yards long and the three arches are built of Bath stone with Doric pilasters and balustrades at each end. The Kennet and Avon canal crosses back over the river and railway at the Avoncliff aqueduct. Due to leaks in the aqueduct the canal was dry for some time in the 60’s and 70’s but was restored and reopened in 1984.
The Cafe. At the the Dundas basin follow the path that runs alongside the Somerset Coal Canal along to the Brassknocker Basin where you will find the Angelfish cafe a handy for a pitstop for lunch or an ice-cream and toilets.
The Walks.
Browne’s Folly Circular A 13km, 8mile, circular walk, steep beginning, then undulating and downhill. Take in views of Bath from the lofty heights of Browne’s Folly, then walk along the ridge through shady ancient woodland and back along open valley via the Dundas Aqueduct. The route has easy to follow footpaths and quiet roads taking in spectacular views and finish with a pint in The Crown.
Bristol Barkers has a great 4 mile circular walk starting at the Dundas Aqueduct and obviously dog friendly.
Outdoor Active have a hearty 10 mile circular heading out to picturesque Bradford-on-Avon.
You can also follow the river along the Limestone Link Footpath (ammonite waymarker) to Warleigh Weir, another popular swimming spot downstream.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- PARKING: Map There’s metered parking at Brassknocker Basin Car Park. There’s a layby here on the A36 Warminster Road where you can park for free and there’s a path leading down to the canal path.
- WHEELS FRIENDLY: No. There are steep steps that lead down from the canal path down to the river and not other access points that I could see.
- DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
- TOILETS: Free toilets by the Angel Fish Cafe