WEST COUNTRY DEVIZES, KENNET AND AVON CANAL

DISTANCE: Devizes to Bradford Wharf (12 miles) or Devizes to Bath (22 miles) GRADE: Devizes to Bradford Wharf: easy. Devizes to Bath: moderate. START: The Wharf Centre FINISH: Bradford-on-Avon Wharf or Bath Abbey NEAREST TRAIN STATIONS: Bath Spa and Bradford-on-Avon TERRAIN, GRADIENTS AND ACCESS: Mostly flat. Stony towpath. Some road crossings and short on-road sections. NCN ROUTE NO: 4 THIS effortless ride into the Cotswolds along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal comes to an exquisite finale overlooking Bath. Start at the Wharf Centre in Devizes and follow the towpath west to the Caen Locks, regarded as the UK’s most impressive lock flight. You’ll soon leave the throng for a more tranquil stretch that weaves through the Wiltshire countryside alongside the canal. At Hilperton Marina, a one-mile link route from the towpath leads into Trowbridge, or you can stay on the path for a couple more miles to reach the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust tea rooms at Bradford-on-Avon Wharf. For the more energetic, follow the route all the way to Bath. From Bradford-on-Avon you’ll cycle between the Avon and the canal through the lovely woodland of Barton Farm Country Park. There are great views from the tops of two aqueducts. On the home straight, the sweeping curve of the canal gives way to views of the elegant honey-coloured buildings of Bath, a skyline so perfect it has been protected by the National Trust. Leave the water before the Beckford Road tunnel and ride downhill into the city between the tall Georgian town houses of Great Pulteney Street and across the River Avon to end at magnificent Bath Abbey. STAY: Brooks Guesthouse, Bath, 01225 425543, brooksguesthouse.com; YHA Bath, 0800 0191 700, yha.org.uk EAT AND DRINK: Waterside cafes and pubs

CYCLE HIRE: Roses of Devizes, 01380 21575, rosesofdevizes. co.uk/cycle-hire; Bath Bike Hire, 01225 447276, bathbikehire.com