The Canal Around Swindon

Significant sections of the Canal in water may be walked from Templars Firs in Royal Wootton Bassett towards the garden centre near junction 16 of the M4 - see the route on maps elsewhere on this web site. The Trust is in discussions with Highways England about a Canal tunnel under the M4 near the road tunnel currently under construction. As Wichelstowe develops, the Canal from the tunnel will be joined to the section in water south of Waitrose and will also be joined to the section at East Wichel. Details about the trip boat and the water leaks at East Wichel are covered elsewhere on this web site under general news.

Plans are in hand for an extension eastwards from East Wichel with a new lock before going under Croft Road. The Canal will then travel eastwards north of the M4 passed Coate Water Reservoir which was built for the original Canal in the early 1800s. The Trust is in discussions with Swindon Council and developers of the New Eastern Villages, north of Wanborough, with a view of the Canal route passing under the A419 near junction 15 of the M4 and connecting with the original route between South Marston and Shrivenham.

The Mouldon Hill Country Park in north west Swindon is open for walks. The Canal towpath forms the western edge of the Park and, although the Canal itself is overgrown, it is a wildlife haven.

Update taken from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Facebook page:

There is a brand new section being built right now within Swindon. It's between Foxham Way and Mill Lane. This is not a restored canal, this is brand new! The canal in Wichelstowe creates many positive benefits for the Swindon community. By creating a blue and green linear park we build a space that actually fits in with many of the new Swindon Borough Council pledges!
To build a greener Swindon. The ecological benefits of a canal are huge!
To build a fairer Swindon. We give access to a useful free park space, as well as joining up of these park spaces, by providing a tow path, used by walkers, dog walkers, joggers, cyclists etc. Eventually you will have an uninterrupted route from Royal Wootton Bassett to Shrivenham all in South Swindon, and going north via the town centre up to Cricklade. Imagine this beautiful asset.

Is it a dream... NO. it's in planning. We successfully secured the canal within 2023/2024 in the call for sites future plan, securing the future of the Wilts & Berks for generations to come.
The width and route of the North Wilts Canal, a separate canal that joined the W&B to The Cotswold Canal was still being worked on, hence the fight with Seven Capital to save this historic but relevant future route.

The near future...

A road bridge will be built near Waitrose to allow the canal under south towards the M4.
Mill Lane will be adapted to form a bridge over the new Canal. These 2 bridges are within planning and have been future funded by the Joint Venture development Wichelstowe.
The Canal will be built and joined together within the next 5 years and we really look forward to the grand opening of miles of canal.

The Future.

The Trust is working closely with the councils and Highways England on going under the M4. Our Engineering team is formulating design work to tunnel under a higher west section of M4 which is a more affordable option and less disruptive. This would be funded by a heritage section of highways budget, as similar in recent times on the Cotswold Canal. This channel would connect the then completed Wichelstowe development to the Royal Wootton Bassett side, of which structures are already in place, just to the side of the newly built roundabout, future proofing and having in place the allowance of the canal crossing. Most do not know already the channel passes under the new roundabout, but yes it is there.

The temporary closure at Westleaze.

Unfortunately the farmer land owner just north of Beavans bridge, closed the water access of the canal some time back.
This was due to an historic covenant that he believes causes an insurance issue.
The Trust has worked tirelessly on behalf of the land owner (especially this year) in researching and discussing this covenant.
We are satisfied with the results of many hours of donated work by professionals and now await the farmers response. We hope this channel of canal can be re-opened soon and remain optimistic.

Towards Kingshill, during 2025, a large scheme of bank repairs will be happening, future proofing and ecology improving this mile stretch. You can see already an example in place. Work on surveys and planning continues towards the town centre and updates provided to the membership regularly.

This is just one section...
There is work happening on all 70 miles.
The Carpenters workshop at Pewsham, the drydock, the lock renovations. The Melksham link. A new boat at Royal Wootton Bassett.
The Shrivenham canal park. Uffington Gorse woodland park, and much more and did we mention we have a pub.