Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the road at the northern side the complex resembles less a canal basin and more a
railway terminus with its heavy, arched walls, although the two massive buttresses are actu-
ally old limekilns that were supplied with limestone from Burlescombe quarries by barge; a
far cry from the wool and lace on which the town based its early prosperity from Edward III
onwards.
These days the canal basin has neatly mown lawns laid out with picnic tables, planted trees,
Ducks Ditty floating cafe bar, car park, toilets, 2012 visitor centre and the Sea Cadets' TS
Hermes
, all overlooking an immaculate bowling green. The south bank houses the stables,
offices and tack room of the Grand Western Horseboat Company, which takes horse-drawn
barges nearly to the aqueduct.
This is one of those rare canals where there is no sign of modern industry; it mostly passes
through open and scenic countryside and even has attractive surroundings in the built-up sec-
tions, particularly the first kilometre leaving Tiverton where gardens leading down to the
canal are obviously kept with pride. Greater reedmace, water lilies and arrowhead grow in
the water. Oak trees provide sheltered sections to the canal at intervals. There are many ducks
on the canal and swans can be a nuisance.
A wooded section to the east of Tiverton
.
The bridges are all named, the first being William Authers, which is a laminated wood
arch. Views are often good from the water along the canal but almost always only on the
north side. As soon as the houses are left behind, it is possible to see across the Lowman val-
ley to the hills beyond.
