Highlight • Rest Area
Hiking
4.9
(61)
Denham Deep Lock is a significant facility nestled within the picturesque Denham Country Park in Buckinghamshire, just west of London. Standing at an elevation of 84 meters, this historic lock is a key feature of the Grand Union Canal, renowned for being the deepest lock along its entire length, with a fall of nearly 3.5 meters (11 feet). It forms part of the expansive Colne Valley Regional Park, where the canal gracefully crosses over Fray's River via an aqueduct, a…
Tips
September 6, 2022
Hiking
September 22, 2019
Hiking
March 26, 2022
Hiking
Nearby routes
Best routes near Denham Deep Lock
4.3
(7)
87
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
49
hikers
19.2km
04:55
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(8)
43
hikers
27.5km
07:07
160m
160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 80 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Thursday 12 March
13°C
5°C
71 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 34.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Yes, there are several circular walking routes that can be started from Denham Deep Lock, utilizing the Grand Union Canal towpath and paths within Denham Country Park. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering options for a leisurely stroll or a longer hike. Many visitors enjoy combining the canal path with trails through the park's woodlands and meadows.
Denham Deep Lock is accessible via public transport, though it may require a combination of train and bus or a longer walk. The nearest train station is Denham, which is served by Chiltern Railways. From Denham station, you can typically find local bus services or enjoy a walk to Denham Country Park and the lock. It's advisable to check current bus routes and schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you can fish and boat on the Grand Union Canal. However, both activities require appropriate permits. For fishing, you will need a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence and potentially a permit from the local angling club that manages the stretch of canal. For boating, you'll need a boat licence from the Canal & River Trust. It's important to secure these permits before engaging in either activity.
Denham Deep Lock and Denham Country Park are rich in wildlife year-round. In spring, you might spot nesting birds and emerging damselflies. Summer brings vibrant dragonflies, kingfishers, and a variety of water birds like geese, swans, coots, and moorhens. Autumn offers opportunities to see migrating birds and the changing colours of the foliage. In winter, the area is still active with resident waterfowl, and you might catch sight of herons or even red kites soaring overhead.
Denham Country Park, where Denham Deep Lock is located, is very family-friendly. The paths around the lock and within the park are generally easy and suitable for buggies. While Fran's Tearooms offers snacks, the main visitor centre, about 500m from the lock, provides toilet facilities. The park itself offers open spaces for children to play and opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it a great day out for families.
Denham Deep Lock and the surrounding Denham Country Park are very dog-friendly, with numerous trails suitable for walks. Dogs are generally welcome on the canal towpath and within the park, provided they are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. While there are no specific dog water access points, the canal itself offers opportunities for dogs to drink. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own waste bags, as dog waste bins may be limited.
Yes, there are several accommodation options ranging from hotels to guesthouses in the vicinity of Denham Deep Lock and Denham Country Park. The nearby picturesque village of Old Denham, about a mile away, offers some choices, and there are also various hotels in the wider Buckinghamshire and West London area, catering to different budgets and preferences. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Parking is available at Denham Country Park, which provides the most convenient access to Denham Deep Lock. While entry to the site is free, parking typically incurs a charge. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends or during good weather, as the car park can fill up quickly. There is access to the park from Denham Court Drive.
The duration of a walk along the canal path from Denham Deep Lock can vary greatly depending on your chosen route and pace. A short stroll to the nearby aqueduct and back might take 30-60 minutes. For longer excursions, you can walk for several hours in either direction along the Grand Union Canal, exploring different sections of Denham Country Park or even venturing towards Uxbridge or Rickmansworth. Many visitors enjoy a leisurely 1-2 hour walk.
Fran's Tearooms, located by Denham Deep Lock, does not have its own toilet facilities. The nearest public toilets are situated at the visitor centre within Denham Country Park, which is approximately 500 meters away from the lock. It's a short walk, but good to know in advance for planning your visit.
The paths around Denham Deep Lock and within Denham Country Park are generally considered easy and suitable for many visitors. While the canal towpath is relatively flat, some sections within the wider park might have uneven surfaces. It's best to check specific trail conditions if you require full wheelchair accessibility, but the immediate area around the lock and Fran's Tearooms is usually manageable.