99 miles in length, the Kennet and Avon Canal cycling holiday takes you through a leafy part of the country on riverbanks and canal towpaths, with plenty of places to grab lunch along the way.

The character of this leisurely ride is based hugely on the canal, past and present. You’ll cycle alongside the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks outside Devizes, cut into the historic towns that grew steadily around the waterways, and enjoy the boundless creativity that goes into all the narrowboat homes that trundle by along the water.

Expect to stop and explore regularly throughout: the architecture around Bath is particularly beautiful, as too are the limestone aqueducts that support the canal in places, and watching the rise of water in any of the route’s 102 locks is a great experience. Time your holiday right and you can visit Crofton Pumping Station as its great beam engines are steaming. The trail departs the canal to include a ride through the Vale of Pewsley, too, where you’ll enjoy views of the Pewsley White Horse.

What Bike?

The Kennet and Avon Canal Ride won’t demand much of your suspension, but parts of the towpath will be challenging for road wheels and tyres. Most bikes will be fine with suitable rubber; a gravel or hybrid bike will be ideal.