Grand Western Canal Country Park

About this route

Offering wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, the Grand Western Canal runs for 11 miles between Tiverton and Holcombe Rogus, near the Somerset border. A wealth of wildlife has colonised the canal as it has matured since its opening in 1814. In the spring and summer, the water’s edge is alive with wildflowers such as yellow loosestrife and meadowsweet, with the impressive white water-lily gracing the main channel.

Many birds use the site, moorhens and mute swans are frequent, and kingfishers are a regular sight. Sedge and reed warblers may be seen in the section between Halberton and Sampford Peverell. In addition, many butterflies and dragonflies can be seen along the canal, including red-eyed damselflies (near Halberton) and the scarce chaser (near Westleigh). Otters are active in the park.

Getting Around

By foot: the canal towpath links with a number of circular walking routes.
By bike: the National Cycle Network Route 3 runs along part of the canal.
By train: Tiverton Parkway Railway Station is a short walk or cycle from Boehill Bridge, Sampford Peverell on the canal.
By bus: Services run to Tiverton from many Devon towns and villages, plan your route using the Travel Devon website.
By road: Car parking is available at the canal basin in Tiverton and on the road between Tiverton and Halberton.

 

Facilities
The public toilets in the Basin car park and at Sampford Peverell include a toilet for disabled users, accessed with a RADAR key. Four fishing platforms for anglers in wheelchairs have been installed at Crownhill Bridge, Tiverton Road Bridge, Greenway Bridge and Ebear Bridge.
Terrain
The Country Park provides good access for wheelchair and mobility buggy users. The towpath is largely flat and even and is surfaced with compacted limestone chippings and dust. However, care is needed when passing under bridges and tunnels.
Accessibility
Explore more, click to download pdf
Download

Interesting information

The Grand Western Canal Country Park is managed by Devon County Council, it is a designated Local Nature Reserve.

Reed Bunting copyright Natural England Michael Hammett

You can explore more in this area

Photo of flowers and grassy banks alongside the Grand Western Canal and tow path
9miles/
14kms

Grand Western Canal

This is a lovely, peaceful cycle route, often along the towpath, beside a tranquil stretch of the Grand Western Canal.
Photo of the Grand Western Canal with walkers on the tow path
16miles/
26kms

Grand Western Canal Walk

The Grand Western Canal Country Park is a popular place to enjoy a flat, easy walk in the countryside, with
Photo of a quiet lane between trees on the Exe Valley Way
45miles/
72kms

Exe Valley Way

The Exe Valley Way is a long-distance route for walkers exploring the length of this beautiful river valley. The trail
Photo of the Grand Western Canal with walkers on the tow path
3miles/
4.8kms

Grand Western Canal Short Walk

The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve meanders through beautiful mid-Devon countryside and quiet villages between Tiverton