Kennet & Avon canal

The construction of the Kennet & Avon Canal was an exceptional achievement of its time. Opened in 1810, it enters Wiltshire just north of Limpley Stoke and leaves just west of Hungerford.  In its heyday it transported coal timber, stone and brick and brought much prosperity to 19th century Devizes. One of the canal's most famous features is the flight of 29 locks at Caen Hill. The original route planned would have avoided such a steep gradient, but opposition from a local landowner meant that a different path had to be taken which involved lifting the canal 237ft from the Avon valley to the town of Devizes in just 2.5 miles. Overall, engineer John Rennie used three million bricks. By the time it opened it had cost £950,000. Unfortunately, the canal was quickly surpassed by an even greater feat of engineering - the railway that runs past Green Farm

Thankfully, the canal has been restored to its former glory by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust who have rebuilt the locks and dredged the waterway, allowing it to be reopened by the Queen for pleasure boating in 1990.

The canal is a haven for wildlife and passes through some of England's most beautiful countryside.  You might consider a one day trip down the canal (not westward!) or possibly visiting the trust's museum and shop in Devizes (01380 721279).
Narrow boats can be hired by the day. Devizes marina runs a small fleet of boats.  If you like the idea of being on the water but prefer to leave the navigation to others you might like to consider the Kennet Horse boat Company (01488 658866) in Newbury who operate horse drawn narrow boats.

The Lock inn (01225 867187) has Canadian canoes available for half day or full day hire.
I would recommend taking a cycle to the many pubs along the canal such as the Barge Inn (01225 863404) or the Beef and Barge (01225 862004) both at Bradford on Avon or closer to hand the Bridge Inn at Devizes (01380 860273).