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The canal
was built primary for the use of the lime trade, conveying stone
from the quarries at Loudwells to Tiverton Lime Kilns for firing
and producing lime for farming and house building. In 1838 the
Canal was extended from Loudwells to Taunton, which had seven
lifts and an incline plane.
At the beginning
of the nineteenth century the Horse-drawn Barge was one of the
cheapest and fastest means of commercial transport and the Canal
worked commercially for 130 years. However the Canal also witnessed
the intrusion of the Railways with the building of the Aqueduct
and then the opening of the Tiverton Branch Line in 1838, which,
resulted in the Canal's decline whereupon it was sold to GWR.
The last steam train on this line was the "Tivvy Bumper"
now preserved at Tiverton Museum.
The section
of 14 miles from Loudwells to Taunton is now dry. The remaining
11 miles runs through some of the prettiest country in Devon,
with the Canal's survival due to the fresh water springs that
naturally feed it, where it provides a home for an abundance of
wildlife including a large variety of fish, and the ever constant
Mallard patrol! It's banks are a natural habitat for dragon flies,
swans, herons and butterflies and the area is enriched with the
native kingfisher, yellow water iris and water lilies.
There are
varied walks to be enjoyed along the canal, including the unrestored
sections with the historical remains of James Green's tub boat
lifts. Course fishing is a popular pastime along the canal, with
many a story to be told of the catch. A Canal permit and rod license
is required and there is plenty of perch, roach, pike, for all.
You can bring your own boat to catch that fish, or perhaps take
a picnic trip. You can also travel along this beautiful Canal
on a traditionally painted Horse-drawn Barge, the only one in
the West Country.
The Canal
Country Park has something for everyone.
If you would
like more information on British Canals in general, check out
the British Waterways at www.britishwaterways.co.uk
and Inland Navigation at www.aina.org.uk
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