The Grand Western Canal Country Park is a fabulous publically accessible space and nature reserve offering lots of opportunities for walks and family fun. The canal towpath is great for buggy/wheelchair walks and cycling and recent developments have made short circular routes easier to follow.

The Swans Neck Circular is a great loop walk almost entirely off road, mostly flat and with gorgeous views of the canal and countryside. There is free car parking along the route and Halberton Court Farm Shop is perfectly situated on the way round the 2 1/4 mile loop.

We chose to park at the Greenaway Bridge Car Park, clearly sign posted from the main road through Halberton. The car park is free and provides easy access to the towpath, where the start of the walk is signposted,

Walking the route this way round means that the farm shop comes near to the end and so the promise of refreshments can spur you on. There are a couple of places where the path comes close to the road, and although safety gates are in place, the need to take real care with dogs and children is apparent, as it is a main bus route and traffic goes at speed.

This walk is a great introduction to the area and has left me keen to explore the other circular walks available along the canal.