The classic Easter canoe marathon from Devizes Wharf to Westminster Bridge: canal, non-tidal Thames, then the tideway.
About
The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race (DW) runs about 125 miles with around 77 portages. The course follows the Kennet and Avon Canal from Devizes to Reading, then the River Thames downstream through Henley, Marlow, Windsor and Kingston to Teddington Lock, finishing on the tidal Thames at Westminster Bridge.
Senior Doubles race non-stop. Other classes run a four-day stage race with overnight stops. This map route follows the published Senior Doubles line to Westminster. Race organisers may shorten or finish early when the tideway is unsafe.
History
The idea of paddling Devizes to Westminster grew out of a 1947 attempt along the Avon. In Easter 1948 four Devizes Scouts completed the course in under 100 hours, carrying kit in the boats. Frank Luzmore of Richmond Canoe Club organised the first official race in 1950. Military crews dominated for two decades until support-team rules were relaxed in 1971. Women were barred for years; classes and trophies for ladies and mixed crews followed later. The non-stop record now stands at 15 hours 19 minutes (2023).
Stages
- Devizes Wharf to Newbury (34.5 mi)
- Newbury to Marlow (35.5 mi)
- Marlow to Teddington (37.5 mi)
- Teddington to Westminster Bridge (17.5 mi)