Take to the water at the Grand Western Canal

Have you caught the SUP bug this summer? Bring your paddle boards or kayaks with you on your break to Mid Devon and enjoy the calm of the Grand Western Canal Country Park from the water.

Head to Spar Wilcombe Stores on Halsbury Road or the Canal Ranger Service on Canal Hill to grab your boating permit for just £5 a day or £12 for the week so that you can explore the 11 ¾ miles of scenic canal at your leisure. Head up to the canal basin; a short walk from any of our town centre hotels and guest houses, such as Angel Guest House, to head out on the water. Parking is available at the canal basin if you don’t fancy carrying your board up the hill!

Once you’re on the water, keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife; you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a kingfisher darting out of the bulrushes but make sure you give the family of swans a wide berth!

Back at the basin dry off and fuel up after your paddle with a delicious afternoon tea or local ice cream at the Canal Tea Rooms.

If you’ve brought the pooch along take a stroll along the towpath to see the water from a different perspective. Check out our Get Outdoors page for suggested routes.
Tiverton Canal Co. may not be running their horse drawn barge trips this season but you can still see the beautiful barges The Tivertonian and the Duck’s Ditty on the bank ready for maintenance work, and their new addition, the historic barge Iona, moored up in the Canal Basin.
Head for a drink at the dog friendly Best Western Tiverton Hotel where dogs are welcome in the lounge area.

Round the day off by booking up for a meal in one of our town centre eateries, like the Parisian bar style Frou Frou, which has an excellent selection of gins and a seasonal menu with local produce.

Note: Be sure to follow the Waterway Code of Conduct when boating on the Canal. You can find this, and more information about enjoying the Canal Country Park safely, on their website.