Caen Hill Locks

Type: Canal / Waterway / Marina

The flight of 29 locks were engineer John Rennie's solution to climbing the very steep hill in Devizes, and were the last part of the 87 mile route of the Kennet and Avon canal to be completed.

Because of the steepness of the terrain there was not the space to use the normal arrangement of water pounds between the locks. As a result, 16 of the locks utilise unusually large side ponds to store the water needed to operate.

Boaters and walkers alike can recover from the exertions of climbing the flight at the Caen Hill Cafe, delightfully situated at the top of the locks.

NB Stoppage: Caen Hill Locks 22 to 50 & Martinslade Embankment 10 Jan 2011 - 11 Mar 2011
Associated Regional Office: Kennet & Avon Waterways

Stoppage history:
Replacement gates to the Caen Hill locks 24, 25, 26, 27, 35, 39 & 43; embankment stabilisation works at Martinslade. Essential maintenance to fit new gates to the Caen Hill locks 24, 25, 26, 27, 35, 39 & 43; embankment stabilisation works at Martinslade. (Enquiries: 01380 722859 (NL) 07710 175047 (JS). The towpath is also closed.