The Kennet and Avon canal passes through lovely countryside and small villages, and at 87 miles long with 105 locks along the route, it’s the perfect canal for those who like a multi-day adventure, or just a really challenging paddle!
The Kennet and Avon canal crosses from Reading to Bristol. The canal gives views of many narrow boats, 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 round so do take the opportunity to visit the town too.
The canal 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.
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