Route News

Before you start, check here for route disruptions, special attractions, and more.

Route disruption in Chapter 5: Canal until 19 June

Sorry about this, folks, but a chunk of the canal towpath is closed for resurfacing until 19 June 2026.

It disrupts a 440-yard (480m) section between Horseshoe Bridge and Bathwick Hill Bridge.

You can start and finish the chapter as described but, for this stretch in the middle, you’ll need to divert onto the road running parallel.

Here’s what to do.

Start the chapter.

After I explain how locks work, you’ll start walking along the canal’s towpath. Enjoy!

At around 5 minutes 45 seconds into the narration, some 205 yards or 190m from the lock where we stopped, you’ll see a path leading down to the left.

At this point, you’ll see the closed Horseshoe Bridge up ahead.

I’ll probably be talking about how the canal brought the price of coal for heating down when you see the path down to the left.

Take the path – you can still listen to the narration – and turn right, north, on Pulteney Road, the A36.

In 10 to 12 minutes you’ll come to a roundabout.

Take the first right up the hill – Raby Place leading to Bathwick Hill.

In about 4 minutes – 260 yards or 240m – you’ll pass a Tesco Express.

Continue over Bathwick Hill Bridge, cross the road at the zebra crossing, and take the cobbled path down to the towpath, now on the other side of the canal.

Here’s how to re-synch with the story.

The diversion is longer than the narration.

So, listen out for when I’m talking about the canal bridges designed by John Rennie. That part comes at Bathwick Hill Bridge.

I’ll ask you to pause me while you go up the steps to cross over the road. Do that.

Then, when you’ve climbed the hill on the road, passed the Tesco Express, and are on the cobbled path down to the towpath, turn me back on and you’ll be in synch again.