The canal is one of the few places in Britain where you can still experience a horse-drawn barge trip.
The waterway was never connected to the national canal network, making it a self-contained, isolated section.
The lime kilns at Tiverton Basin were historically vital for processing limestone transported by barge to improve acidic local soil.
The canal features a 'water staircase' of locks, though many parts of the original intended route were abandoned before completion.
It is a protected Local Nature Reserve, home to the rare water vole and various species of orchid.
The Tiverton Canal Co. barge relies on heavy draft horses to pull the vessel, mimicking the primary mode of transit from the early 19th century.
The Grand Western Canal Country Park is an 11-mile restored waterway running through mid-Devon, offering a tranquil environment for walking, cycling, and boating. Originally authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1796, it was designed to link the Bristol and English Channels but remained unfinished as a cross-country route. Today, the canal is managed as a Local Nature Reserve and Country Park, hosting a diverse range of wildlife including kingfishers, dragonflies, and rare aquatic plants. It features the Tiverton Canal Co., which operates the last remaining horse-drawn barge in regular service in England. The towpath provides a flat, accessible trail that spans the entirety of the park’s length from Tiverton to Lowderman. Visitors can explore the historic lime kilns situated along the route, which stand as remnants of the canal's industrial past. The park is designated as a County Wildlife Site due to its importance for protected species and habitats.
The Tiverton Basin, where the horse-drawn barge is typically moored, framed by the stone bridges and greenery.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to traverse the gravel towpaths, as they can become muddy after rainfall.
Carry binoculars if interested in birdwatching, as the quiet water stretches are prime spots for spotting waterfowl and kingfishers.
Check the local weather forecast specifically for wind speeds if you intend to hire a rowing boat or canoe.
Do not attempt to swim in the canal, as hidden underwater hazards and cold temperatures pose significant safety risks.
Horse-drawn barge trips operate seasonally from spring through late autumn and do not run during winter months.
Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on the towpath; keep dogs under control to protect local wildlife.
