Dundas Aqueduct — Attraction in Monkton Combe

It was designed by John Rennie and chief engineer John Thomas between 1797 and 1801, and completed in 1805. James McIlquham was appointed contractor. It is named after Charles Dundas, the first chairman of the Kennet and Avon Canal Company. The aqueduct is 150 yards (137.2 m) long with three arches built of Bath Stone, with Doric pilasters, and balustrades at each end. The central semi-circular arch spans 64 feet (19.5 m); the two oval side arches span 20 feet (6.1 m). The canal crosses back across the Avon and the railway on another aqueduct at Avoncliff. This diversion onto the right bank of the Avon avoids the steep sides of the river valley at Limpley Stoke, and the need to cross the Midford Brook and River Frome. It is a Grade I listed building, and was the first canal structure to be designated as a scheduled monument in 1951. Over many years, leaks had developed and the aqueduct was closed in 1954. For a while in the 1960s and 1970s, the canal was dry and it was possible to walk along the bed on each side of the river, as well as through the aqueduct itself. The aqueduct was relined with polythene and concrete and restored, reopening in 1984. Care was taken not to disturb a colony of bats living under the aqueduct. Under the aqueduct there's a great place for a swim or paddle board, the only thing is it's shallowest part is about 4ft, very busy when...

A beautiful junction for walkers and cyclists alike with a lovely view of the Victorian aquaduct together with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. From here one only has to walk a short distance to arrive at the welcoming Angelfish cafe and restaurant by the canal where you can in indulge in coffee and cake or a light lunch. If so inclined you can also hire boats and canoes just outside the Angelfish. Getting back to the Dundas aquaduct, if you are a cyclist then you can take the path that goes over the aquaduct that is just four miles from the historic town of Bradford on Avon, but after three miles you arrive at the Cross Guns pub where there is plenty of outside seating with lovely countryside views below as the pub is quite high up - meals are popular here. Getting back to the Dundas aquaduct again, if you take the left fork which is a little hidden between trees and a hut, the path takes you to Bath - a little bumpy but with nice canal views...

Absolutely stunning setting .we went paddle boarding below the viaduct with live free adventures. What a great day out for any family quite cheap to hire a board or canoe or take your own. Take a picnic or they have some refreshments at the venue. There are lockers you can higher and a place to change. Don't expect the Ritz but it serves it's purpose. If you want a lesson I can recommend Ben . He is fantastic and will get you stood up within no time. He is very thoughtful and will go at your own pace. From a fifty something unfit lady I had the best time. Never laughed so much .. it's worth going just for that ..it's good for the soul to get...