A stretch of towpath and canal bank on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf has been upgraded, improving the route for everyone walking, wheeling and cycling, and for wildlife too.
The Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath near aldermaston Wharf has been upgraded for safer walking, wheeling and cycling. Credit: Sustrans
The much-needed upgrades to the towpath and canal bank on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf was funded by the Department for Transport as part of our Paths for Everyone programme.
The improvements have been made on a 1.5 mile stretch of National Cycle Network Route 4 from Aldermaston Wharf heading eastwards to Sulhamstead at Ufton Lane.
A safer and more enjoyable route for everyone
The enhancements have helped to create a safer and more enjoyable route for everyone.
The improved towpath surface has been widened, making the popular route suitable for users all year round.
While the bank protection has created habitats for endangered water voles, as well as making it easier for boats to moor.
Making the canal easier to explore
Mark Evans, Canal and River Trust’s regional director, said:
"These improvements have made it easier for us all to explore this section of the canal and enjoy the benefits that being by water can bring for our physical and mental health.
"As a charity, the Canal and River Trust benefits massively from support from partners such as Sustrans, which enables us to continue looking after this special place.
“Improving the canal for both people and wildlife is so important.
"It also increases the resilience of such an old canal against the extreme weather events that are becoming more commonplace, and is part of the mammoth effort of our volunteers, partners and supporters to help keep canals alive.”
The route has been widened and resurfaced, along with upgrades to the bank for mooring canal boats and improving habitat for wildlife. Credit: Sustrans
Helping people and wildlife to thrive along the water’s edge
Sarah Leeming, our director for the south of England, said:
“We’re so pleased to have worked with Canal and River Trust on these much-needed improvements, and to see the route ready to welcome more people walking, wheeling and cycling.
“Choosing to travel under our own steam in green spaces like this is key to creating a happier and healthier lifestyle, and it also means we can help to protect the many species that call it home.
“It’s a pleasure to see this upgraded stretch of National Cycle Network Route 4 helping people and wildlife to thrive along the water’s edge for many more years to come.”
Find out more about our commitment to creating safer and more accessible paths for everyone.
Discover the joys of National Cycle Route 4.
