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Cotswold CanalsThree great rivers of England, the Severn, the Thames and the Bristol Avon are linked by canals that cross the Cotswolds to form a network of waterways. There are ambitious plans that will eventually see the derelict Stroudwater Canal, Thames and Severn Canal and the North Wilts Canal renovated to create a leisure facility that will generate many jobs and much pleasure.
The Stroudwater Canal was built between 1775 and 1779 and ran from Framilode on the banks of the River Severn to Wallbridge at Stroud and when the Stroudwater Canal Company became profitable looked to extend the waterway eastwards to connect with the River Thames at Lechlade. The first boat left Wallbridge in 1785 to travel as far as Chalford. The canal was eventually finish in 1789. The two canals eventually closed in 1941. The Latton Junction of the Thames and Severn Canal linked up with the North Wilts Canal. This short waterway linked the Thames and Severn Canal to the Wilts & Berks Canal. On the southern tip of the Cotswolds running from Bristol to Reading is the restored Kennet and Avon Canal. Completed in 1810 the navigable waterway winds its way through Bath and Bradford on Avon on its 57 mile journey.
On the northern edge the Oxfordshire Canal runs from the River Thames at Oxford passing through Banbury as it meanders its 77 miles across the Oxfordshire Cotswolds passing Banbury en route to Coventry and the Grand Union Canal
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