How to get there - Devizes Wharf is (unsurprisingly) to be found in Wharf Street, which is off New Park Street in the centre of Devizes. Zoom in or out on the map for more or less detail.
For those with SatNav the postcode is SN10 1EB.
Get a map with driving directions to
start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - The Wharf is now a large public car park right next to the canal.
General
Description - The Wharf is also the home of the Canal Centre and shop run by the Kennet & Avon Trust and the start of the annual Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race which takes place at Easter each year. The record for the 125 mile trip with 77 portages is an incredible 15 hours and 34 minutes!! We had more modest aspirations which can be summed up as `to the nearest pub and a bit further".
So our version of the Devizes challenge is seven miles with no locks.
Set off right from the wharf, under two bridges and along a straight cutting. In a mile or so you will pass a marina on the left. Here we found a very aggressive swan and an inexperienced boat hirer who attempted a pincer movement on us, fortunately without success.
A mile further on is Horton Bridge and, to the left, moorings for the canalside Bridge Inn. The next bridge is Bishops Cannings Swing Bridge - you may get under with care (see photo).
This section of the canal is completly lock free so you can do as much as you want before turning round.
I didn't take any photos for this trip. If you have some that would apply to this section please email them to me. A number of photos are by courtesy of Chris Franklin. Others have been supplied courtesy of Martin Norgate. You can see more of his pictures at http://www.envf.port.ac.uk/kacanal/html/kacmainf.htm
