Great Western Canal

The Grand Western Canal is a scenic, historic waterway which originally stretched from Tiverton to Taunton where it joined the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal. The first section of the canal was built between 1810 and 1814 and ran between Lowdeswell and Tiverton. This section of canal is eleven and a quarter miles long and as well as offering picturesque views, abundant wildlife and a peaceful atmosphere, it also retains many original features and buildings which provide an insight into its industrial past.

Our walk, which will be approximately 3.5 miles in total, is along a flat, well-made towpath and will explore the section of the canal that runs between Black Bridge and Canals End, Lowdeswell.

We will meet at Beech Car Park near Burlescombe, where we will drop down onto the canal path turning right following the towpath towards Lowdeswell. As we make our way we will have the opportunity to appreciate this inland waterway, some of it’s industrial heritage such as Waytown Lime Kilns and hopefully some of the wildlife which now makes this habitat it’s home. It is not unusual to see Kingfishers, Reed and Sedge Warblers.

At the end of this section of our walk we come to Lowdeswell Lock, the area is better known as Canal End with a bund having been constructed to access a picnic site on the opposite bank. We aim to reach the picnic area at around midday, so why not bring a warm drink/picnic lunch to enjoy before we make our way back to the car park.

Our return to the car park will allow us to continue beyond to Black Bridge where we will be able to see evidence of a disused tramway that serviced Westleigh Quarry and its access to the canal system.