Grand Western Canal
The Grand Western Canal is one of the hidden gems of the Mid Devon countryside. The Tiverton Canal as it is informally known to locals, is owned and run by Devon County Council as a Country Park & Local Nature Reserve for its' full 11 miles.
Besides our own dogs and horses, which spend much of their time on or near the towpath, the Grand Western Canal is a local nature reserve filled with wildlife and offers plenty to do and see.
With free access to the canal all year round, walkers, cyclists, anglers and boat enthusiasts can enjoy 11 miles of quiet and unspoilt waterway that will lead you through Devon's beautiful countryside. Make sure that you don't forget your camera!
The canal winds its' way majestically from the Canal Basin in Tiverton, going under numerous bridges including East Manley and Tiverton Road Bridge, over the aquaduct, past Ayshford Chapel, Samford Peverell and Greenwood bridge picnic site among other local landmarks as it snakes its' way to end at Lowdwells Lock. (We have created a 'not to scale' downloadable Grand Western Canal Map PDF if it helps)
We have also compiled a history of the Grand Western Canal.
For more Grand Western Canal visitors information, see the Devon County Council canal visitors information page.
Is it the Grand Western Canal or the Great Western Canal?
While the canal is certainly 'Great', it's official name is the 'Grand Western Canal', but we can understand why some would call it the Great Western Canal by mistake!
It is a confusion that is totally understandable considering the Great Western Railway runs through Devon nearby and is a great way to get to us. It's probably one of the reasons why locals simply call it the Tiverton Canal instead,
Get the latest news and photos on the friends of the GWC Facebook Group.
Devon Boat Hire: Canadian Canoes and Rowing Boats
One of the best (if not the very best) ways to explore the Grand Western Canal is by hiring one of our boats (Canadian Canoes or Rowing Boats) or taking a Horse-Drawn barge trip.
Find out how you can hire rowing boats or canadian canoes on Tiverton Canal.
For more info about boating on the Devon County Council website.
Wildlife on the Grand Western Canal
From ducks, swans, badgers and foxes to fish, insects and plant life, the Grand Western Canal is a fascinating place to observe and experience wildlife and nature first hand.
Angling/Fishing on the Tiverton Canal
As the canal is fed by freshwater springs, there is a world of life beneath the surface of the water and plenty of freshwater fish that thrive here: trench, perch, rudd, roach, breem and pike.
Walking the Tiverton Canal
Enjoy 11 miles of towpath and unspoilt waterway on foot, winding through the Mid Devon countryside.
Cycling along the Grand Western Canal
Explore the fasinating wildlife and history that the canal towpath has to offer on a bike with family friends or in your own company.
Tiverton Canal Map:
Download the Grand Western Canal Map (PDF)
Looking for things to do in Devon?
See our recent articles 'Things to do in Tiverton' and '5 More Mid Devon Attractions' for more holiday day trip ideas!
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