Let’s Start at the Beginning
In the Vale of Pewsey, in the historic and very pretty village of the same name. Or rather, just outside of it at Pewsey Wharf. Located on the Kennet & Avon Canal, the wharf in a former life was a place where grain, timber and gravel would be unloaded. Today it’s a tranquil spot and the starting point for a very pleasant canal side walk.
There is plenty of parking available, use postcode SN9 5NU. Pay and display payable by cash or via app. Adjacent to the parking area find The Waterfront pub and bistro.
The Actual Walking Bit
Onto the canal side and left, under the bridge and along the canal as far as you feel like going. It’s another there-and-back-again walk. The route traces along the old tow path. You do occasionally need to cross where a road passes over, but it isn’t busy and you pick up the waterside route again very easily.
The path gets a little muddy in wet weather, especially as you walk further away from the car park and the landscape becomes more rural, so sturdy boots or wellies aren’t a bad shout in wetter seasons. It’s a flat walk and can be as long or short as you feel like so a good one for just about everyone.
Expect to See…
Pretty views along the canal and across the surrounding countryside. Wiltshire really is a beautiful place.
Canal boats, with intriguing names and of a style ranging from pretty and traditional to what could kindly be described as practical. The canal boat community here is mixed, made up of full time boat dwellers and recreational users, but it seems to have a nice community feel.
Boats might be the way to move about on the canal, but two wheels is the preferred method for covering the towpath distance to and from the boats. Expect to dodge the occasional bike, but you do get a cheery ‘hello’ as they pass.
Beautiful canal side houses. There aren’t many homes along the way other than the floating kind, but the ones you do come across are eye catching. From a brick built, canal side residence that looks like it dates back to the days when Pewsey was a working wharf to a fairy tale cottage tucked away just off the main canal side route. I love finding beautiful and characterful homes.
Facilities?
At the car park, or in the village of Pewsey which would be about a 10/15 minute walk from the wharf. Nothing along the route… not as far as I’ve walked, anyway!
Dog Friendly?
Yes, absolutely! It’s a great dog walk. Best kept on a lead if you have a chaser or less than reliable recall though, and no dogs allowed in the canal. You might think I’m stating the obvious, but once away from the wharf the canal takes on a much more informal, river like pattern with shallow edges and gently sloped banks. Easy and tempting for a dog to get in and out. But not safe or practical with other canal users, water birds and floating traffic.
Not a problem for this boy who, despite looking like a big bad wolf , is actually wary of everything. Including water. Even when his best stick of the day goes in there.
The Wolf loves this walk, although it does confuse him to see dogs on passing canal boats. Let the howling/barking commence.
And at the End of it All…
Turn round and head back. Can’t go wrong. Stop for a bite to eat and a drink at The Waterfront or extend the walk and head into Pewsey village. Or just go home, put your feet up with a cuppa and then end the day with a massive roast dinner.
This one is a regular Sunday walk for me, and that’s what I like to do best.
Sending warm, positive and happy Sunday thoughts from my home to yours,
Helen x
Lovely! I do like a canalside. Just had mince and dumplings so I’ll forgo the roast till next time, thanks, Helen!
Canal side walks are very rewarding – and easy too, being flat and towpathed. Thanks for taking me to explore a new one on me.
Thanks Margaret, glad you enjoyed the post 😊
The Wolf looks like a nice guy! 🙂
Thanks Pit, he keeps me busy but I wouldn’t be without him!
Give him a nice scratch behind his ears from me, please. 🙂
I love a walk along a canal bank especially the K & though I’ve yet to visit Pewsey. The wolf has such a beautiful shiny coat Helen. I enjoyed the short video clip.
That’s a perfect spot for a Sunday walk – or any day! And your dog is beautiful 😀
Thank you, he’s a bit of a hand full but I adore him!
I have done parts of this walk with my friend who lives near Calne but that was quite a while ago! Zeph had a nasty experience in the Canal du Midi when he jumped in but couldn’t get out and had to be hauled up the bank. Now he won’t go out of his depth! Love the video, walking beside canals and a Sunday roast!
It’s a lovely walk in all seasons! Poor Zeph, I’m glad he was O.K. It’s only a matter of time before the Wolf needs rescuing from something or somewhere,Im sure 🤦🏼♀️
How old is the Wolf?!
He’s three
Looks like we are sharing the Kennet and Avon for our walks Helen. Been to Pewsey a few times and its a lovely little town with nice canal walks. Keep thinking we would like to walk the whole length of the canal in different stages somehow.
The stretch through Pewsey is one of my regular walks. Walking the length would be a challenge, but good fun. It would make a smashing blog series!
I love a canal walk. A great idea for an upcoming post. I always have to keep our Labrador on the lead by canals though, he would definitely jump in!
There’s something very calming about canal side walking. Every Labrador I’ve met seems quite bold!
Maybe stupid Is the word when it comes to Hugo. 🙂
I love to walk on trails near the water. Thanks for giving me a new place to consider.
You are welcome, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. It makes my day!
How beautiful is that area, thank you for adding yet another Destination to our DO list
It is a beautiful area, in every season, Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
Your dog is beautiful 😍. I like canal walk unfortunately we don’t have a lot here in Cumbria. Those boats are very nice, I could see myself living on one of those.
Thank you, he’s a bit of a hand full but we do love him! Some gorgeous scenery in Cumbria though to make up for the lack of canals. I love the idea of life on a canal boat, although I’ve probably totally romanticized it.