Caen Hill Locks

Caen Hill locks, at Devizes, provides an insight into the engineering needed to build and maintain the canal. These 16 locks at Caen Hill form part of the Devizes flight of 29 locks. The total rise is 237 feet (72 m) in 2 miles (3.2 km) or a 1 in 30 gradient. Because a large volume of water is needed for the locks to operate a back pump was installed at Foxhangers in 1996, capable of returning 32 million litres (7 million imperial gallons) of water per day to the top of the flight, equivalent to one lockful every 11 minutes. Because of the steepness of the terrain there was no space to use the normal arrangement of water pounds between the locks. As a result, the 16 locks utilise unusually large side ponds to store the water needed to operate. The locks take 5–6 hours to travel in a boat, and lock 41 is the narrowest on the canal.

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A impressive piece of waterways engineering in the UK. A complex of 16 Locks, part of the 29-lock flight at Devizes.

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Overview of the most popular walking and hiking routes near Caen Hill Locks

Running Route 4

4.8 km | Language: EN |

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Running Route 3

5.14 km | Language: EN |

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Running Route

3.87 km | Language: EN |

A quick and easy 2.5 mile run   More info

Overview of the most popular cycle routes near Caen Hill Locks

76 km training ride

75.9 km | Language: EN |

Melksham to Pewsey and return via Devizes. Points of interest, village of Keevil and its D day airfield and for the Arnham a bridge to…   More info

TRAINING RIDE AT THE FOOT OF SALISBURY PLAIN

57.9 km | Language: EN |

Fast training ride with 3 main hills as hard as you want it to be, good views from above market lavington   More info

CHIPPENHAM AND DISTRICT WHEELERS Sailbury plain via Wyelie valley and Bishops Cannings

113 km | Language: EN |

Start in Notton/Lacock south to warminster down thE wylie valley over sailsbury plain to urchfont to bishops cannings to stockley and bowden hill to lacock…   More info

Overview of the most popular car and motorcycle routes near Caen Hill Locks