A pretty set of nine locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, the Crofton Locks were designed by John Rennie to supply water to the western end. Next to the locks, the Crofton Pumping Station has a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.

The area also provides important habitat for wildlife and is home to lots of swans, ducks, moorhens, thrushes and even common lizards and and slow worms.

T1pkp

July 3, 2021

Mountain biking

There is a WWII pill box next to the parking lot. It's part of the defense line along the canal.

pennypost.org.uk/2020/02/the-role-of-pillboxes-along-the-kennet-avon-canal-during-ww2

Jens-Martin Rode

July 8, 2023

Cycling

Crofton Pumping Station advertises that it has the oldest working steam engine in the world. The idea was actually to route the canal through a mountain at a lower altitude using a tunnel. But this project was too expensive and too complex. That's why the pumping station was built. It once reliably filled the canal with water at the geographically highest points of the route.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Crofton Locks and Pumping Station

1. Tidworth & Pewsey Downs loop from Great Bedwyn

78.0km

05:42

690m

This difficult 48.5-mile mountain biking loop from Great Bedwyn offers challenging terrain and panoramic views across the North Wessex Downs

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4.0

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2. Humble Oak – Savernake Forest – Savernake Forest loop from Marlborough

25.2km

02:00

230m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. View from Combe Gibbet – Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down loop from Newbury

56.6km

04:06

420m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 180 m

Weather

Today

Friday 13 March

11°C

1°C

56 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Great Bedwyn, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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Crofton Locks and Pumping Station

1. Tidworth & Pewsey Downs loop from Great Bedwyn

2. Humble Oak – Savernake Forest – Savernake Forest loop from Marlborough

3. View from Combe Gibbet – Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down loop from Newbury

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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