Kennet & Avon Canal: Devizes to Honey Street Paddle Trail

2-3 hours

Duration

8 miles

Distance

One Way

Easy

Difficulty

SN10 1EB

Start Postcode

SN9 5PS

End Postcode

A. Put in from The Wharf and turn right. This area is famous as the start of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race, which has taken place every year since the 1960’s.

B. From the Wharf you are very quickly out into the countryside once you are past the Devizes Marina. This is a peaceful paddle through mainly open chalk downland.

C. At 2.6 miles you will pass under Horton Road bridge. Here The Bridge Inn has moorings should you wish to pay a visit.

D. As you reach the end of your route you will see the Alton Barnes White Horse to the North.

E. Look out also for crop circles near your finish point at the Barge Inn. This area is well known for its crop circles - time of year dependent.

F. At a little under 8 miles The Barge Inn appears on your right. This is the finish of your journey.

Discover More

This is the first in a series of seven consecutive routes along the Kennet and Avon Canal. The routes take in almost 55 miles of the canal and could be undertaken as a week-long trip.

The Kennet and Avon canal crosses from Reading to Bristol. The canal gives views of many narrowboats, locks, aqueducts, and landscapes, with a level towpath to either walk or cycle on.

Many paddlers know the stretch from Devizes (west of this route) to London, through taking part in the annual Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, run every year since the 1960s. The charming historic market town of Devizes lies at the very heart of Wiltshire. Founded in Norman times at the boundaries (the Latin ‘ad Divisas’) of surrounding villages, the town grew up around the castle. The outline of the town walls shows in the ‘D’ shape of the centre which retains its medieval street plan. The town is compact and, being on the level, easy to walk around so do take the opportunity to visit the town too.

This trail does have some swing bridges and we would advise that you ensure you have considered the craft you are in, the river levels, and the potential need to portage. If you do go under these bridges, please look out for any nuts and bolts protruding below the bridge.

Further information can be found on the following websites:

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Canal & River Trust, and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

(some low bridges)

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.