At a glance
Short Route
- Distance
- 1.25 miles
- Estimated time
- 30 mins
- Route type
- Circular
- GPS app guided
- Yes
- Parking
- Paid parking at start 51.35343, -2.02085
- Characteristics
- Water
Wiltshire Walks
Caen Hill Locks Walk & Route Map
This walk follows the iconic Caen Hill Locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, where a striking staircase of 29 locks climbs steadily up the hillside at Devizes.
It’s one of the most impressive lock flights in the country, designed to lift boats over a significant change in elevation in a relatively short distance.
The towpath provides an easy-going waterside route past working lock gates, overflows and moored narrowboats, offering a close-up view of a remarkable piece of canal engineering that has shaped travel and trade since the early 19th century.
Download the Wiltshire Walks App to follow this route with real-time GPS navigation.
The walk
Short Route
This short route explores the famous Caen Hill Locks, one of the most impressive stretches of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
The flight of 29 locks climbs the hillside in a dramatic staircase of water, giving the walk a strong sense of history and engineering interest.
It’s a gentle outing along the canal, with towpaths, narrowboats and peaceful waterside scenery creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Based on 11 user ratings
Community feedback
Overall rating4.6
An outstanding walk
Dog heaven
Clear and easy
Mostly buggy friendly
Partly accessible
Some facilities
Quite good
Accurate
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Wiltshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
User reviews
Walker review
Nice short walk with facilities en route, but the route was a bit off around the café.
Walker review
Lovely walk along the incredible locks unfortunately the cafe/toilets were closed due to Covid , but very pleasant indeed!
Walker review
A lovely walk, beautiful views and a cafe at the top with plenty of picnic benches. A great walk for the whole family and lots of beautiful wildlife to be seen.
Comments from walkers who have completed the Caen Hill Locks walk.
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Wiltshire Walks App
Follow the Caen Hill Locks walk with GPS guidance
The easiest way to follow this route is with the Wiltshire Walks app. Choose the walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you can see you're on the right path.
The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.
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- Works without a phone signal
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Explore the area
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2.75 miles
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Seend Cleeve Walks
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Avon Valley Walk Walks
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Yatesbury Walks
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