Hereford and Gloucester Canal
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The Hereford and Gloucester Canal runs 34 miles from Hereford through Ledbury, Dymock and Newent to Gloucester. Completed in 1845 the canal has 22 locks and 3 tunnels.
The canal cost far more to build than was originally planned with the final cost coming out at £141,436 against an initial estimate of £69,997. Due to the late date of the canal's completion, it was never as successful as hoped due to competition from the railways.
The canal closed in 1881 to allow for the building of the Ledbury to Gloucester railway. It is now undergoing restoration by the Hereford and Gloucester Canal Trust. Since 1983 the Trust has pursued its aim to fully restore the 34 miles of canal and locks which will once again link Hereford with Ledbury, Dymock, Newent and the rest of the inland waterway system at Gloucester.
Since 1991 the local council authorities in Herefordshire have set aside land for development as a canal route. The planning department has approved projects with the canal in mind, and has taken action against those trying to build on the proposed route of the canal.