Introducing Our New Nature Trail!
Discover our brand-new Brass Rubbing Nature Trail at the Grand Western Canal! Perfect for families, children, and anyone who enjoys a hands-on outdoor adventure, this activity invites you to explore the canal while collecting unique impressions from a series of beautifully designed plaques along the route.
The Grand Western Canal Country Park stretches for eleven and a quarter miles between Tiverton and the small hamlet of Lowdwells. Rich in wildlife and surrounded by beautiful scenery, it’s a wonderful place to experience the best of the Mid Devon countryside. The level towpath makes it especially accessible, whether you’re walking with young children, cycling, or simply enjoying a gentle stroll.
To celebrate the plants and animals that live here—and to encourage visitors to look a little closer at their surroundings—we’ve installed 26 rubbing posts along the towpath. Each one features a detailed illustration of a species you may spot nearby, from birds and insects to trees and wildflowers. As you explore, you’ll start to notice just how much there is to see along the canal, making every visit a little different from the last.
Taking part is simple and enjoyable for all ages. The textured plaques are designed so you can create your own impressions using a pencil, crayon, or graphite stick. Just place your paper over the design and gently rub to reveal the image underneath. It’s a satisfying and creative activity that children especially love, but it’s just as enjoyable for adults too.
You’re welcome to bring your own materials, or you can purchase a rubbing kit for a small fee from the Canal Basin gift shop and cafés.. This makes it easy to get started as soon as you arrive, without needing to plan ahead.
The trail is designed to be flexible, so you can enjoy it in a way that suits you. You might choose to collect a few impressions during a relaxed walk, or return over several visits to complete the full set. For those who enjoy a challenge, it’s also possible to find all 26 posts in a single day—particularly if you’re exploring the towpath by bike.
To help guide your journey, a dedicated Grand Western Canal – Nature Trail leaflet is available to download and print, or you can pick one up from the Visitor Information Centre in the Canal Basin. The leaflet includes a clear map showing the location of each rubbing post, along with a checklist where you can record the plants and animals you discover along the way. It’s a great way to track your progress and adds an extra sense of achievement as you go.
Along the route, there are plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the surroundings. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as ducks, swans, moorhens, and dragonflies, as well as seasonal wildflowers that line the towpath. There are also benches and picnic spots where you can stop for a rest or enjoy a bite to eat.
The canal is a peaceful and relaxing environment, making it ideal for a low-cost day out with family and friends. Whether you’re visiting during the school holidays, planning a weekend activity, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors, the trail offers something for everyone.
Whether you aim to complete the full set of rubbings or just enjoy discovering a few along the way, this interactive experience is a fun and memorable way to explore the Grand Western Canal. We hope it encourages you to slow down, look closely, and discover something new each time you visit. It’s an experience you’ll want to return to again and again throughout the year.