The Wilts & Berks Canal

The main line of the Wilts & Berks Canal runs for 52 miles between the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington and the River Thames at Abingdon.

The original canal ran through what is now central Swindon, where there was a junction to the eight-mile North Wilts Canal - connecting it to the Thames and Severn Canal at Cricklade.

There were also branches at Chippenham, Calne, Longcot and Wantage.

The canal was officially abandoned in 1914, but work continues on what is thought to be the longest restoration project in Britain.

Several miles of the waterway have been returned to water, thanks to the dedication and extraordinary efforts of volunteers, and the enabling works of the Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership.

Numerous features, including bridges, locks and lengths of towpath, have been restored or are being restored.

The Partnership is aiming to complete the restoration of this important recreational and wildlife resource by 2025.

Restoration in the Swindon Area

Swindon Borough Council is a key member of the Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership and assists with the restoration of the canal through the provision of financial contributions and technical assistance.

The restoration of the North Wilts branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal is part of a separate multi-partner project to create the Cricklade Country Way. This will connect Swindon to Cricklade, the Cotswold Water Park and the River Thames - using the restored canal, railway, cycleways, bridleways and footpaths.

Mouldon Hill

The Council is currently creating a new access from Thamesdown Drive to Mouldon Hill Country Park which will be the gateway to the Cricklade Country Way. Much of the canal around Mouldon Hill has already been restored by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

For further information please see the Wiltshire Council website: Cricklade Country Way (www.wiltshire.gov.uk/crickladecountrywayproject).

Rushey Platt and Wichelstowe

Swindon Borough Council was a partner in the Millennium Commission-financed project to restore the canal and wetlands habitat at Rushey Platt, near Kingshill, in 2000.

This area is a much loved and well used section of the canal, which leads to the current area of restoration around Wichelstowe.

Over 3km (1.8 miles) of canal, and bridges and locks are being constructed in tandem with the Wichelstowe development.

For further information please see the Wichelstowe website (www.wichelstowe.co.uk).

Moredon

Not all of the original line of the canal is currently accessible, but significant sections have towpath access. A new section of towpath is being opened in August 2009 at Moredon as part of the scheme.

Further details can be found on the BBC Breathing Places website (www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces).

Central Swindon

Proposals exist to re-route the restored canal through the centre of Swindon (as shown in the artist's impression, below).

The proposals are included in the Central Area Action Plan. The feasibility report and further details about the route are also available on the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust website: Swindon Canals (www.swindoncanals.co.uk).

Further Information

Full details about the canal and the restoration project in Swindon, Wiltshire and Oxforshire, plus details of how you can get involved, are available on the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust website (www.wilts-berks-canal.org.uk).