Home / Things To Do in Devon / Grand Western Canal Country Park
Grand Western Canal Country Park
Once used largely for the carriage of limestone, the canal is now a tranquil recreational waterway for walking, cycling, boating and fishing (permits are required for the latter 2 activities). Meandering through 11 miles of pleasant mid- Devon landscape from Tiverton to Lowdswells, just south of the Somerset border, the scenery is constantly changing and there is a wealth of wildlife, including swans and kingfishers. Excellent for birdwatchers and botanists as well as all lovers of canals and countryside.
Facilities for boaters have been improved in recent years, with the construction of a new slipway and landing stage. Minnows Caravan Park (near Sampford Peverell) provides all the services boaters require and Mid Devon Hire Boats and Moorings (near Halberton) provides long-term mooring and has a narrow boat for hire.
The Grand Western Horseboat Company run horse-drawn barge trips for the public from Tiverton between Easter and November and also hire out rowing boats and electric launches.
Cycle hire is available from Abbotshood Cycle Hire in Halberton, and the owners are happy to deliver/collect bikes anywhere along the canal.
Road Directions
To the main canal car park on Canal Hill. Smaller car parks and access points can be reached from the minor roads connecting Tiverton, Halberton, Sampford Peverell, Burlescombe and Holcombe Rogus.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest station is Tiverton Parkway station, half a mile from Sampford Peverell. Go out of the station, up the lane and take the track on the right 100 yards before the t-junction. Cross the road and go up the track just opposite marked with a public footpath sign and the canal is at the top of the track. A bus service operates between Tiverton, Halberton and Sampford Peverell. Check with Traveline for bus times (0870 6082608).
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Facilities
Provider Preferences
- In countryside
- Outdoor Attraction
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (charge)
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant - Operated by the Grand Western Horseboat Company during the summer season in the Basin. Also tea gardens in the basin car park.
- Picnic Site
Payment Methods
- Groups Accepted - None
Establishment Features
- Toilets
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
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