INTRODUCTION

The Grand Western Canal Country Park is located in the heart of Devon. The canal is 11 and a quarter miles long, with an accessible and level towpath following the whole length. There are no locks because it was constructed to follow the contours of the landscape. The man-made and historical features to be found along the canal are twenty-four bridges, two old limekilns and nine milestones.

The canal was originally built in 1814 to transport limestone and coal. An extension was added in 1838 to link Tiverton with Taunton and the River Tone. The limekilns along the canal were used to burn limestone from nearby quarries into quicklime. This was used as fertiliser and for building houses. The Grand Western Canal was a working waterway from its construction until 1924 when a large leak near Halberton caused the canal to split in two and all trade ceased. The Railways had already taken over most of the business from the canal.

The restored section of the Grand Western Canal, running from Tiverton to Lowdwells, is situated in amongst beautiful Devon countryside and provides an ideal habitat for many plants and animals. Birds such as Kingfishers are a regular sight feeding along the canal and otters are making a comeback to the area. There is an abundance of plant life in the Country Park, flowering from early spring to late autumn, providing food and shelter for many insects. These features alone provide a tempting attraction.

FACILITIES

The Country Park is popular with walkers because the wildlife is abundant and the towpath is easily accessible for all users. The canal towpath links to several other public rights of way, some of which feature in self-guided trail publications, available from Tiverton Tourist Information Centre. Their phone number is 01884 255827.

The towpath is now accessible for cyclists. It forms part of the National Cycle Route 3. Cycle hire is available from Abbotshood Cyclehire, Greenway Bridge, Halberton, Nr Tiverton.

Boating is encouraged along the canal. Rowing boats, canoes and small-motorised craft can all use the waterway. Boats can also be hired from the Horseboat Company. Permits must be obtained before entering the canal. These are available from the Rangers office, Horseboat Company and the Grand Western Canal website. There is a new boat-launching slipway near Boehill bridge for larger boats to enter the water.

Fishing is a popular activity along the canal. Permits are sold by Tiverton and District Angling Club. They can be purchased from Minnows Caravan Park, call them on 01884 821770. There are also disabled fishing platforms in a number of locations along the canal.

The towpath is flat, well surfaced in most areas and accessible from numerous points along the whole canal.

There are car parks at Tiverton basin, Manley bridge, Tiverton Road Bridge, Sampford Peverell, Large carpark at Greenway Bridge and also at Fossend bridge near Burlescombe and the beech car park near Whipcott bridge. Picnic sites are provided at Tiverton basin, Crownhill bridge and Sampford Peverell.

Refreshments are available from the Tea Rooms at the end of the car park in Tiverton basin, and there are local pubs in Halberton and Sampford Peverell. Public toilets are accessible at Tiverton Basin and Sampford Peverell.

ADMISSION

The Canal is owned by Devon County Council and has Free access all year round.

DIRECTIONS

The canal is located very near the M5. For access to the central section of the canal leave the M5 at junction 27 and follow the A361North Devon Link Road, take either the exit to Sampford Peverell or carry on and follow the exit to Tiverton. The main car park is at Tiverton Basin, and is signposted from the A361 North Devon Link Road with the brown tourist signs. To access the northern end of the canal leave the M5 on junction 27, follow the A38 to Wellington and follow signs to Burlescombe.

Tiverton Parkway Railway Station is only a short walk or cycle ride form Boehill Bridge, which carries the A361 over the canal, and is seven miles away from the Tiverton Basin. Cycle hire is available at the driving range along the road leading from the station. The Stagecoach Bus runs from the railway station to Tiverton via the villages of Sampford Peverell and Halberton.