The 16 locks that form the steepest part of the Devizes flight at Caen Hill are not only a scheduled ancient monument, they are an Olympic-sized challenge every boater must do. This 'wonder of the waterway' is a rite of passage.
Caen Hill (pronounced ‘cane'), is one of the longest continuous flight of locks in the country. With a total of 29 locks with a rise of 237 feet over two miles with a 1-in-44 gradient.
Visit our welcome boat, The Admiral, to meet our volunteers and for activity sheets, local walks and information and stories about the locks before taking a stroll over to our newly planted, Diamond Jubilee Wood.
Where does the water come from?
The flight of 29 Locks at Caen Hill, Devizes, is on the west side of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Because there are no large water sources on this side of the canal, water is pumped into the canal from the Bristol Avon at Claverton, 13 miles away, and then pumped up around each flight of locks.
Feeders (diverted streams) also bring smaller amounts of water into the system.
Crofton Reservoir (Wilton Water) is a small groundwater reservoir from which a generous supply is pumped to the Summit Pound, and may contribute water at the top of Caen Hill.
Each lock uses approximately 123,000 litres of water, and fills and empties over 2,000 times a year.
