The Grand Western Canal Country Park meanders through beautiful mid-Devon countryside and quiet villages between Tiverton and Lowdwells (near the Somerset border). Declared a Country Park in 1971 and a Local Nature Reserve in 2005, the canal is owned and managed by Devon County Council, in partnership with Mid Devon District Council.

The Country Park is managed for recreation, wildlife and historic interest and appeals both to local communities and visitors alike. Extending for eleven and a quarter miles, the Country Park provides a wonderful location to enjoy walking, cycling, boating, fishing and picnics.

The Canal Basin in Tiverton is well signposted from the M5 and provides car parking, public toilets, a small visitor centre, Tea Gardens and a floating shop/café. It is also home to the much-loved horse-drawn barge that has been taking passengers for trips along the canal since 1974.

Other smaller car parks, picnic sites and canal related businesses are dotted along the length of the canal, for their locations please see the Grand Western Canal Map (149KB - pdf help).

The Country Park is managed by the Grand Western Canal Country Park Ranger Service, who are based in the Canal Basin in Tiverton. In addition to all the vegetation and habitat management, and maintenance of the site fabric, they run an annual programme of events; a volunteer ranger service; lead healthy walks; and provide an education service for schools.

The Canal Ranger Service produces a Visitor Information Guide (1.53MB - pdf help) which can be downloaded.

Also on devon.gov.uk

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