List of locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal Facts for Kids

The amazing flight of 16 locks at Caen Hill, Devizes, part of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The Kennet and Avon Canal is a famous waterway in southern England. It connects the River Kennet near Newbury to the River Avon at Bath. But the whole route actually stretches from the River Thames at Reading all the way to Bristol.

This long waterway is made up of two improved rivers and the canal itself. The River Kennet was made easier to travel on by boats in 1723. The River Avon was also improved for boats by 1727. The main part, the Kennet and Avon Canal, was built between 1794 and 1810 by a clever engineer named John Rennie. It was used by barges to carry all sorts of goods, like coal and food. The canal section is about 57 miles (92 km) long. The entire journey from Bristol to Reading is 87 miles (140 km)!

In the past, the canal wasn't used much because trains became popular. The Great Western Railway even owned it! But from 1970 to 1990, many volunteers worked hard to bring the canal back to life. Today, it's a popular spot for fun activities. People love to go boating, canoeing, fishing, walking, and cycling along its banks. It's also a very important place for wildlife conservation, helping to protect many animals and plants.

There are 105 locks along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bristol to the River Thames. Locks are like water elevators that help boats move up or down hills. Six of these locks are on the River Avon section, and nine are on the River Kennet section. The other 90 locks are on the canal itself. Some famous locks include the beautiful Bath Locks and the incredible Caen Hill Locks near Devizes, which lift boats a huge distance! Special pumps are used to make sure the canal always has enough water. The canal winds through pretty countryside in Wiltshire and Berkshire before joining the River Kennet and then the River Thames.

Locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, showing how boats move up and down.

What are Canal Locks?
Famous Locks and Features
Fun Activities on the Canal
Images for kids
See also

What are Canal Locks?

Canal locks are amazing inventions that help boats travel on water that changes height. Imagine a giant bathtub with gates at both ends. When a boat wants to go uphill, it enters the lock. The bottom gate closes, and water is slowly let into the lock, raising the boat up. Once the water level matches the higher section of the canal, the top gate opens, and the boat can continue its journey.

To go downhill, the process is reversed. The boat enters the lock, the gates close, and water is let out, lowering the boat. It's a clever system that has been used for hundreds of years!

Famous Locks and Features

The Kennet and Avon Canal has some very special locks and features:

Bath Locks: These are a series of locks that help the canal climb up into the city of Bath. One of them, Bath Deep Lock, is extra deep because it combines two older locks into one!
Caen Hill Locks: Near Devizes, this is one of the most impressive parts of the canal. There are 29 locks in total here, with 16 of them built in a straight line up a steep hill. It's a real challenge for boaters but amazing to watch!
Bruce Tunnel: This is a short tunnel that boats travel through. Tunnels are built when the canal needs to go through a hill instead of over it.
Pumping Stations: Because locks use a lot of water, pumping stations are needed to bring water back up to the higher parts of the canal. This keeps the water levels just right for boats.

Fun Activities on the Canal

The Kennet and Avon Canal is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures.

Boating: You can rent a narrowboat and cruise along the canal, experiencing life at a slower pace. It's a great way to see the countryside and learn how to operate locks.
Walking and Cycling: There are lovely paths along the canal banks, perfect for a peaceful walk or a bike ride. You can explore different towns and villages along the way.
Fishing: Many people enjoy fishing in the canal, which is home to various types of fish.
Wildlife Spotting: The canal is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for ducks, swans, kingfishers, dragonflies, and even otters!