The Grand Western Canal

The Grand Western Canal is an attractive stretch of isolated canal that winds its way through the soft rural landscape of Mid Devon. Enjoy a pleasant meander through this beautiful part of the world.

Declared a Country Park in 1971 and a Local Nature Reserve in 2005, the Canal offers a profusion of wildlife and scenic landscape as well as fascinating heritage with many of its original features and buildings still surviving to tell the Canal’s 200 year story.

Extending for eleven and a quarter miles, the Canal is the perfect place for walking, cycling, boating, fishing and picnics.  Bird-watchers can enjoy spotting a range of bird species including waterfowl, kingfishers and hedgerow birds.  The Canal Ranger Service also run bat walks each year and visitors might be lucky enough to spot an Otter!

The Canal Basin in Tiverton provides car parking, public toilets, a visitor centre, boat hire and a floating café/bar.  It is also home to the much-loved horse-drawn barge.