The title of this post is probably a bit incorrect, as we had already past the actual town of Devizes, but the Foxhangers moorings at the bottom of the Caen Hill Flight is still technically in Devizes.

My friends Wyn and Donna continued to help me move the boat the last stretch. They actually walked most of it, though Wyn did handle the boat through 2 or 3 locks. It was also made easier by the Canal and River Trust volunteers who help man the locks most days.

There are only a few reasons to tackle this lock flight – either because you have to, or it is a challenge/on your bucket list!

We actually had some hire boaters the other day who went up AND down the flight in the same day!!

Moonrake Lock is one of the Caen Hill flight locks. Most of the locks have dedication names. People who live in Wiltshire are often called Moonrakers. This name comes from the tales about whiskey smugglers who hid their contraband in ponds. One night they were caught collecting the swag with nets, and foiled the authorities by saying the were raking in the refection of the moon on the water!

On the Caen Hill Flight

If you are like me you probably prefer to look at relevant pics than read a whole lot of waffle!

So here are some of pics of our trip down the flight.

Final stage

After the last lock of the flight, there are still 7 more locks till our final destination.

It was an active day. Once clear of the last lock, we moored u at the Foxhangers Wharf where we did a much needed pumpout, as well as putting up the wheelhouse. And then we moved over to what would be our long term permanent mooring.

Stats for the day

Distance – 2 miles

Locks – 26

Time – 5 hours

From the Devizes town down to Foxhangers is a total of 29 locks, with the actual flight being the 16 in the middle.

We had done the first three locks the previous day.

Above pic is from the K and A guide.

Now of course the hard work starts to make all the improvements we want to do. But she is entirely liveable and we love it!

Will keep you posted.