PADDLING TRAIL Kennet & Avon Canal: Devizes to Honey Street

Key Information This linear canal route passes through lovely countryside and small villages, and finishes at the highest point of the Kennet and Avon canal. Start: Carpark at the Portages: 0 (some low bridges) For more Wharf, Wharf Street, Time: 2-4 hours information Devizes, SN10 1EB Distance: 8 Miles scan the QR Finish: The Barge Inn, OS Map: Explorer 157 code or visit Honey Street, Pewsey, Marlborough & Savernake Forest bit.ly/2ZbKs3J SN9 5PS (Please check with pub that it is ok to use their car park)

1. Put in from The Wharf and turn right. This area is famous as the start of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race, which has taken place every year since the 1960’s.

2. From the Wharf you are very quickly out into the countryside once you are past the Devizes Marina. This is a peaceful paddle through mainly open chalk downland.

3. At 2.6 miles you will pass under Horton Road bridge. Here The Bridge Inn has moorings should you wish to pay a visit.

4. As you reach the end of your route you will see the Alton Barnes White Horse to the North.

5. Look out also for crop circles near your finish point at the Barge Inn. This area is well known for its crop circles - time of year dependent.

6. At a little under 8 miles The Barge Inn appears on your right. This is the finish of your journey.

Find out more information at: gopaddling.info Discover More

This is the first in a series of seven consecutive routes along the Kennet and Avon Canal. The routes take in almost 55 miles of the canal and could be undertaken as a week long trip.

The Kennet and Avon canal crosses from Reading to Bristol. The canal gives views of many narrow boats, locks, aqueducts, and landscapes, with a level towpath to either walk or cycle on.

Many paddlers know the stretch from Devizes (west of this route), to London, through taking part in the annual Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, run every year since the 1960s.The charming historic market town of Devizes lies at the very heart of Wiltshire. Founded in Norman times at the boundaries (the Latin 'ad Divisas') of surrounding villages, the town grew up around the castle. The outline of the town walls shows in the 'D' shape of the centre which retains its mediaeval street plan. The town is compact and, being on the level, easy to walk round so do take the opportunity to visit the town too.

This trail does have some swing bridges and we would advise that you ensure you have considered the craft you are in, the river levels and the potential need to portage. If you do go under these bridges please look out for any nuts and bolts protruding below the bridge.

Further information can be found on the following websites: www.britishcanoeing.org.uk www.canalrivertrust.org.uk www.dwrace.co.uk

Licence

We want you to enjoy a safe trip, so here are a few tips for staying safe and paddling responsibly.

Paddle Safe. Be prepared and take the right kit: Paddle Responsibly.Respect the natural environment and other users: • Wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid • Mobile phone – in a waterproof case • Respect other waterway users #sharethespace • Whistle – to attract attention in case of emergency • Be environmentally aware, minimise your impact • Map and / or route description • Ensure you have the correct licence if required • Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions + • Observe navigational rules – keep right and give other spares in a dry bag users space • Food, drink & suncream! • Check, Clean, Dry after every trip!

Licences: The waterways in this trail are managed by the Canal & Rivers Trust and require paddlers to hold a license. British Canoeing membership includes a full annual license for this waterway - please take your membership card with you as this acts as your license. Non-members can either purchase a British Canoeing membership from www.britishcanoeing.org.uk or buy licenses direct from www.canalrivertrust.org.uk