Caen Hill Locks from the car park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.6km out-and-back route in Devizes offers a unique challenge that perfectly blends flat cruising with a steady, rhythmic climb. Starting from the main car park, you’ll enjoy a fully paved 10.0 grade surface along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath. The initial descent is a runner's dream for finding a fast flow, but don't get too comfortable; the return leg requires you to power back up alongside the lock gates. With a total ascent of 58m, it is a fantastic session for building strength without the technical difficulty of off-road trails, providing a smooth, reliable footing regardless of the British weather.

As you pace alongside the Caen Hill Locks, you are running through a true masterpiece of the industrial age. Completed in 1810, this flight of 29 locks was the final link in the canal connecting Bristol and London. The area is a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument and remains one of the most impressive feats of canal engineering in the world. Runners often share the path with narrowboats navigating the "Long Pond" and local wildlife like herons. Ending your run with a loop toward Bath Road gives you a glimpse of the historic market town charm that makes Devizes a favorite destination for runners in the South West.