WALKERS looking for new ways to enjoy their physical exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic are invited to learn more about the local history on their doorstep.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has updated its popular leaflet which retraces the route of the former waterway through Melksham.

Volunteer Brian Wright said: “The pandemic restrictions mean people are keen to make the most of local walks, so we hope the canal trail will provide a new route for them to enjoy as well as generating interest in our ongoing restoration campaign.

“Much of the original line through the town has been lost under modern roads and housing so we hope to gain planning permission to utilise the River Avon instead.

“This would help to provide a new link between the Kennet & Avon Canal to the south and the historic line to the north where we’ve already bought some of the land and started clearance work.

“Our ultimate aim is to connect the Melksham stretch with the line which has already been successfully restored between Lacock and Chippenham, providing a major new asset for recreation, wildlife, tourism and employment.”

The illustrated trail, available on the charity’s website at www.wbct.org.uk/walk-leaflets, takes around an hour and includes several sites where the remains of the canal are still visible today.

The walk begins at the southern end of Melksham and follows some of the original towpath next to the canal, which is now buried behind homes in Kenilworth Gardens.

It continues to Spa Road, Sangster Avenue, Pembroke Road, Ruskin Avenue, Lowbourne Bridge, Forest Road, Murray Walk to Methuen Avenue.

The Trust is restoring the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.