The DUNDAS AQUEDUCT is one of our easy, flat, local walks with the kids and the views are stunning. The path is paved, and though it’s rough in places, it’s fine for the buggy, scooter or a bike ride. There’s a cafe, toilets, and parking. There’s also ducks to feed, trains to spot, wild swimming and water-sports. We tend to just wander along the path and see how far the little ones get, have a snack, then head back, but there’s plenty of options to do a short loop or go further.
There’s a popular wild swimming spot below the aqueduct in the River Avon. Descend the steps just over the aqueduct to access the boat club pontoon. You can also follow the river along the Limestone Link Footpath (ammonite waymarker) to Warleigh Weir, another popular swimming spot (I’ll write more about wild swimming soon).
At the the Dundas basin follow the Somerset Coal Canal along to the Brassknocker Basin where you will find the Angelfish cafe a handy for a pitstop for an ice-cream and free toilets. Here you can also hire a boat, bike, SUP or canoe.
A BIT OF HISTORY
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.
ALTERNATIVE LOCAL WALKS
Bristol Barkers has a great 4 mile circular walk starting at the Dundas Aqueduct and obviously dog friendly.
Outdoor Active have a more hearty 10 mile circular heading out to picturesque Bradford-on-Avon.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
TERRAIN: Paved path, uneven in places, some gravel and mud
PARKING: Metered parking at Brassknocker Basin car park or free park on the main road with steps or sloped access
BUGGY: Ideal for a stroll with the buggy
CAFE: Angelfish cafe is a short walk from the aqueduct
TOILETS: Free toilets beside the Angelfish cafe in the Brassknocker Basin
BIKES: Great for bike rides
DOGS: Popular with dog walkers
