.The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is a canal in South West England. It links the two towns of Bridgwater and Taunton and measures 14.5 miles long and has 7 locks.
Built in 1827, the grand idea for the canal to be part of a plan to link the Bristol and English Channels fell short. The growth of the railway just a few years later put the nail in the coffin. The Bridgwater and Taunton canal was meant for commercial use.
However, the canal is fully restored and is considered a linear country park. It is bursting with flora and fauna along the whole stretch.
Some later additions make this canal much more exciting. This includes swing bridges erected during World War II for security purposes, and the Somerset Space Walk.
Space walk along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
Now if you’ve never heard of the Space Walk, it’s an interesting paddle through the solar system.
As you paddle either side of Maunsel Lock you might notice some big, round sphere shapes in different colours and sizes.
This is the work of local man Pip Youngman. The installation is a scale model of the sun and planets, set 6 miles either side of the lock.
It’s an interesting and hands on way to learn more about the solar system while enjoying a paddle outdoors in all that nature has to offer. You won’t get that opportunity on many other waterways!