Caen Hill Locks, located on the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal in Wiltshire, England, is an engineering marvel and a tranquil escape for nature lovers as well. This remarkable set of 29 locks, situated just outside the town of Devizes, captivates visitors with its lush surroundings and fascinating history.
It is a sight to behold for sure, these 29 locks take you up 237 feet in 2 miles (72 metres in 3.2 km). If you are on a boat it sure looks a lot of work ahead.
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast, a walker, a cyclist, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful day out, Caen Hill Locks offers something for everyone.
We were staying at Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club site which is perfectly situated by the canal only a couple of miles away. A perfect opportunity to walk along the towpath to take in the locks and the surroundings yet again.
History of Caen Hill Locks
Construction and Development
Caen Hill Locks were constructed during the early 19th century, part of the efforts to link the River Thames with the Bristol Channel.
The entire Kennet and Avon Canal was completed in 1801, except for the Caen Hill section. These locks took another 9 years and were completed in 1810.
John Rennie, the designer and engineer took the route this way via Devizes to help with water supply for the canal. This engineering masterpiece with locks though was needed to navigate down and up the hill to save a huge diversion.
Whilst the locks were being built the canal was being navigated but at the Caen Hill section goods had to be taken off and pulled up a horse drawn tramway beside the canal.. As you walk the canal towpath today you can see the remnants of this with the archways under the road bridges to allow all the tracks, horses and goods through.
The locks, which rise 237 feet over a distance of just under two miles, were a significant engineering achievement of their time, showcasing the remarkable skill and ingenuity of early canal builders.
16 of these locks descend in a straight line close together straight down the hill making a great sight.
Each lock chamber is meticulously crafted to ensure smooth passage for boats, and the entire system operates using simple yet effective hydraulic principles. Because of the unusual nature of ths line of locks you will see a huge pond of water extending out beside each of the top 16, called pounds. This was to store the water to keep the locks running smoothly.
Due to these locks and the canal the transportation of goods from London to Bath was down to 3 and a half days, faster than by road and the tolls charged made it much cheaper too.
Through the Years
During the early 19th century, the canal was a bustling trade route for goods such as coal, timber, and agricultural products. However, the advent of rail transport led to a decline in canal traffic.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) created a line from London to Bath in 1841 and serously affected the canal. In fact, ironically, the reason the canal did so well during the 1830s was due to the amount of cargo required for building the railway.
The locks and canal fell into disrepair as commercial traffic dwindled, and by the mid-20th century, they were nearly forgotten. However, a renewed interest in heritage and leisure activities in the 1960s sparked efforts to restore the locks.
Restoration
Restoration efforts at Caen Hill Locks began in earnest in the 1960s and have continued to this day. Through a lot of hard work, volunteers and organizations worked tirelessly to maintain the locks and improve the surrounding landscape.
Eventually, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth reopened the canal in August 1990. The restoration not only safeguards the locks but also enhances the visitor experience.
Today, Caen Hill Locks is recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, ensuring its protection for future generations. The efforts to preserve this engineering wonder highlight the importance of maintaining historical sites and the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Back-Pumping Station
As part of the whole restoration a Back-Pumping Station was built down at the bottom of the locks. It was completed in 1996. Ths building helps to pump the water way back up to the top of the locks and helps to keep the water where required.
Navigating The Locks
Now then, 29 locks in succession, a hill and lots of water to organise. If you are to take on Caen Hill Locks by boat then be prepared for lots of patience and work.
It can take on average about 5 hours to traverse your way through them. Check opening times as the volunteers from the Canal & River Trust will tirelessly help to organise the water and the boats going up and down as easily as possible.
There are moorings for waiting at the top and bottom. As you can imagine it is not fast 2 way traffic.
Caen Hill Cafe
At the top of the locks there is a lovely opportunity for a break with refreshments. Caen Hill Cafe is perfectly placed so you can look all the way down the locks and watch the boats as you sip your coffee/tea or enjoy a cream tea, soup or sandwich etc.
They are recommended for their wonderful cakes too.
Diamond Jubilee Wood
For those wanting to extend their walk or to explore further I would highly recommend a walk around the adjacent Diamond Jubilee Wood. It is right by the locks and car park too.
In 2012, 60 new woods were created throughout the country to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. 60 being her years on the throne in that year.
This wood at Caen Hill is one of them. The site and trees have now been growing over a decade and is becoming a real haven for nature and wildlife. There are paths amongst the young trees in every direction so you can relax or walk for any distance you like.
With the wood being on a hill you get the views over the wonderful Wiltshire countryside and into the distance.
We used the woods and all its trails to provide a great variety of scenes on the walk and to get us back to the bottom of the locks before back along the towpath with the dogs.
Wildlife
Beyond the locks, beyond the woodland, if you look closer there is a huge amount of wildlife that can be discovered at Caen Hill Locks.
Each of those pounds that holds the water for each lock is a haven for not just fish but a huge amount of insects, mammals and birds. The fact that fishing is forbidden in them has made them a real oasis for wildlife.
Whilst I was there I saw herons, damselflies as well as a whole load of dragonflies. In the grasses look out for water voles and plenty of butterflies dancing from leaf to leaf.
By the canal itself you find a few swans that have made this lovely little part of the planet their home.
How to Get There
Caen Hill Locks are conveniently located near Devizes, making it easily accessible by various means of transport. If you’re traveling by car, the locks are just off the A361, with ample parking available nearby. The area is well-signposted, ensuring visitors can find their way without hassle.
For those using public transport, Devizes is served by regular bus routes from nearby towns. From the town centre of Devizes, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk to reach the locks, allowing visitors to soak in the canal scenes and picturesque surroundings as they make their way to this iconic site.
We ourselves had taken the lovely walk on the towpath from the opposite way to Devizes. A lovely way to approach the locks from the bottom too as a change.
Conclusion
Caen Hill Locks is more than just a set of locks; it is a testament to human ingenuity and a beautiful example of how engineering can harmonize with nature. The rich history, stunning landscapes, and lovely atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Kennet and Avon Canal and this part of the county of Wiltshire.
FAQs
What are the opening hours of Caen Hill Locks?
Caen Hill Locks are accessible to the public year-round. However, specific facilities like the cafe may have limited hours, especially during off-peak seasons.
Is there an entry fee to visit the locks?
Visiting Caen Hill Locks is free of charge. However if you drive and park there then the cost is £3 to park.
Can I take my dog with me?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Caen Hill Locks as long as they are kept on a lead. The surrounding walking paths are also dog-friendly. Please be aware that bins have been removed from the canal now so you will have to carry any dog waste away with you.
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