bridgewater to taunton canal path

[Jimbob312]

anyone know what sort of quality the surface is between bridgewater and taunton.
many thanks…..

 

[mark c]

Its a combination of compacted gravel and mud u can avoid the worst bits as minor rds run nearby.

 

[coffeejo]

It's awful. Hate going along there, especially if there's been any rain. And the you have very little room to navigate the bridges at both ends - I've seen one guy and his bike end up in the canal before now.

 

[Peteaud]

As above really, although you can go on the side roads that are quite nice.

Depending on when you go the cafe at the lock is quite good.

 

[Jimbob312]

ok thanks guys, looks like there's our answer……..

 

[coffeejo]

Take the lanes to North Newton, follow the canal for a short stretch, take the first right off the towpath back onto the lanes and aim for Bridgwater.

Or for a longer but prettier route, head out on the lanes to Creech St Michael > North Curry > Stoke St Gregory > Burrow Bridge > Bridgwater.

 

[coffeejo]

Or if you like hills, head to Bridgwater via the Quantocks.

 

[Davidc]

Wot coffeejo says is spot on. The only good bit is Bathpool to Taunton (Firepool Lock). Much of the rest is just unpleasant.

 

[Peteaud]

Take the lanes to North Newton, follow the canal for a short stretch, take the first right off the towpath back onto the lanes and aim for Bridgwater.

Or for a longer but prettier route, head out on the lanes to Creech St Michael > North Curry > Stoke St Gregory > Burrow Bridge > Bridgwater.

Thats (longer route) a really good route, i do it quite often in the summer.

 

[Jimbob312]

thanks for the replies guys, was hoping for a few miles of quality canal path to get away from the roads for a while on our lejog, guess not…….
rode devizes to bristol on the tow path a while back, thats pretty good the whole way as a matter of interest.

 

[mark c]

Its a shame that the towpaths are not improved as they could be a great network for cyclists.

 

[bikepacker]

I first cycled this path about 16 years ago and it was okay. Last year I decided to meander along it when returning from Devon and had to come off it was so bad in parts. Lack of maintenance one would assume.