Image shared for Devizes Wharf and Caen Hill Lock Flight Towpath Walk
Canal / Riverside Out & back

Devizes Wharf and Caen Hill Lock Flight Towpath Walk

Wiltshire

Distance
3.9 mi
Est. time
2h 15m
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the public Wharf pay-and-display car park in Devizes, reached from Wharf Street. Walk through the car park towards the canal museum, cross Couch Lane Bridge 140 and turn left along the towpath. Follow the north bank past the wartime pillbox to Northgate Street. Use the bridge pavement and the short steps to reach the towpath on the other bank, then continue west beside the locks.

Beyond the upper locks, the canal descends the main Caen Hill flight beside its large side ponds. Continue to Lock 29 near Marsh Lane Bridge, the turning point for this walk. Retrace the same towpath and bridge crossings to the Wharf car park. The route stays beside the canal rather than entering the woodland or marina.

Allow about 2 hours 15 minutes for the walk and brief stops. Expect surfaced and gravel towpaths, short steps at Northgate Bridge and a steady uphill return. Take care beside open water and working locks, share narrow sections with cyclists and keep dogs under control. There are refreshments at Devizes and the Caen Hill cafe; opening times vary. Pay for enough parking time and check the current tariff signs.

At the check on 4 October 2026, low water levels restricted boat passage through the main flight to 10am to 2pm. This was a navigation restriction, with the towpath remaining open. Check current notices before travelling.

Route and access information: Canal & River Trust Caen Hill and Devizes Wharf maps, https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/caen-hill-locks ; current notices https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/01a0d3ce-81b1-7a19-acca-653d231126fd ; Devizes Town Council parking information https://www.devizes.org.uk/index.php/component/content/article/parking?catid=8 .

Walk details

County
Wiltshire
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Canal / Riverside
Distance
3.9 mi (6.3 km)
Est. time
2h 15m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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