Kennet & Avon Canal Walks to The Dundas Arms in Kintbury

Accommodation, Lunch And Dinner Near The Kennet & Avon Canal - The Dundas Arms In Berkshire

Set in the heart of the West Berkshire countryside, The Dundas Arms is a characterful canal-side pub in Kintbury, offering walkers, cyclists, and boaters a peaceful stop-off point along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Whether you’re starting in Newbury, Hungerford, or simply hopping off the train at Kintbury Station, this route promises timeless scenery, rich wildlife, and a traditional country pub to reward your efforts at the end.

When your walk is over, enjoy a delightful pub lunch, relishing in the ambience of our traditional inn, before embarking on your journey to explore the stately rooms and manicured grounds that have intrigued millions worldwide. Our warm hospitality and hearty meals make us the perfect stop for those looking to combine culture with cuisine.

 

Unwind with a sumptuous meal at The Dundas Arms. Our menu features locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic taste of the region. Whether you fancy a classic fish and chips or a hearty pie, our offerings cater to all palates. Pair your meal with a pint from Butcombe Brewery, and you’re set for a satisfying feast.

The History Of The Kennet & Avon Canal

Built in the early 19th century to connect Reading with Bristol, the Kennet & Avon Canal is today a beautifully preserved waterway rich with wildlife and heritage. The towpath is level, well-maintained and suitable for walkers of all abilities, making it a favourite for weekend outings, rambles and leisurely cycles.
The canal winds through a landscape of water meadows, woodland, and gently rolling fields, dotted with lock-keepers’ cottages and colourful narrowboats. Depending on your starting point and direction, you may also pass historical gems such as:

  • Crofton Beam Engines – Just west of Hungerford, these impressive working steam engines (built in the early 1800s) are the oldest still operating in their original location. Still capable of pumping water into the canal, they’re an unmissable stop for engineering enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
  • Avoncliff Aqueduct – Further west near Bradford-on-Avon, this stunning Grade I-listed structure carries the canal high above the River Avon. If you’re exploring the wider canal route over a few days, it’s a must-see example of Georgian civil engineering, nestled in a peaceful village setting.

Walk to The Dundas Arms from Newbury

Starting from Newbury Station, the towpath is just a few minutes’ walk away, joining the canal near Victoria Park. From there, head west along the water towards Kintbury—a peaceful 5.5-mile route that winds through open countryside, past woodland, working locks and grazing meadows.
It’s a relatively flat walk that takes around 2 to 2.5 hours at a gentle pace, with benches and picnic spots dotted along the way.
Along the route, keep an eye out for:

West Mills – A charming historic stretch with cobbled bridges and waterside homes.

Hamstead Lock – A lovely spot with sweeping rural views and a good place for a quick rest.

Local Wildlife – Kingfishers, swans, dragonflies, and more thrive along the canal banks.

Walk to The Dundas Arms from Hungerford

If you’d rather start your journey west of Kintbury, Hungerford Station is just as convenient. Within a short walk from the platform, you can join the canal near Hungerford Wharf and follow it east towards Kintbury—a walk of roughly 3 miles.
 This shorter route takes around 1 to 1.5 hours on foot, depending on your pace, and is equally scenic, with rolling countryside and grazing horses lining the route.

Highlights along this stretch include:

  • Hungerford Wharf – A pretty historic spot with moorings and canal features.
  • Cobbler’s Lock – A picturesque lock surrounded by old stonework and shaded paths.
  • Wildflower Meadows – Particularly vibrant in spring and summer.

Getting to Kintbury And The Dundas Arms by Train – Easy Access from Both Directions

Kintbury Station sits directly behind The Dundas Arms, meaning you can step off the train and be sipping a drink by the water in moments.

The next stations along the Great Western Railway line are:

  • Hungerford (westbound) – Approx. 3 minutes by train
  • Newbury (eastbound) – Approx. 10–12 minutes by train

Both Hungerford and Newbury stations are just a short walk from the Kennet & Avon Canal, making them perfect starting points for a canal-side walk to The Dundas Arms. For those less keen on walking the return leg, trains run regularly in both directions, providing a scenic and stress-free way to journey home.

Notable Attractions Along or Near the Canal Route

  • Donnington Castle – Just north of Newbury, this medieval ruin offers panoramic views and a taste of Civil War history.
  • Victoria Park, Newbury – With a boating lake and gardens, it’s a lively spot for families.
  • Hungerford Antiques Arcade – A treasure trove for vintage hunters near the start of the Hungerford route.
  • Freeman’s Marsh Nature Reserve – A short detour from Hungerford’s towpath with wetland walks and birdlife.

The Dundas Arms: Pub Dining Beside the Water

Once you arrive in Kintbury, you’ll find The Dundas Arms waiting right next to both the canal and the railway station, offering unbeatable convenience for walkers and those arriving by train.

Our classic English country inn features:

  • A sunny beer garden overlooking the canal
  • Cosy interiors with log fires in cooler months
  • A seasonal menu of locally sourced dishes
  • A broad selection of ales, wines and non-alcoholic options

Whether you’re staying overnight or just stopping for lunch or a drink, it’s an ideal spot to rest and refuel. Dogs and muddy boots are welcome, making it a favourite among walkers and cyclists.

A Perfect Day Out in Berkshire

Whether you’re in it for the views, the wildlife, the history or just the post-walk pint, a day along the Kennet & Avon Canal leading to The Dundas Arms in Kintbury is a delight from start to finish. With easy rail access, charming canal-side scenery, and one of Berkshire’s best country pubs at your destination, it’s a walk you’ll want to return to again and again.