Take a Luxury Canal Cruising Holiday with Bywater Holiday Cruises!

Bywater Canal Cruising Holiday Route Descriptions

Cruise 1 - Oxford to Warwick - Thursday 16th June - 7 nights
64 miles, 64 locks, 1 aqueduct
South Oxford Canal, Oxford, Thrupp, River Cherwell, Somerton Deep Lock, Cropredy,
Oxford Canal summit, Napton locks, Grand Union, Warwick

Starting where the Oxford canal begins we leave the wonderful spires of Oxford behind as we cruise through the wealthy suburbs of North Oxford. Past water meadows and woodland, the River Cherwell accompanies the canal on its journey, never far away. We pass through the traditional boatman’s stopover of Thrupp, past our base at Heyford Wharf and negotiate a few infrequent locks including Somerton Lock, one of the deepest on the system with open views across the meadows and farmland which surround it, covered at this time of year with the bright yellow colour of rapeseed crops. We reach the medieval market town of Banbury. The town that marked the start point for Rolt’s epic cruise round the system which led to the creation of the Inland Waterways Association and the salvation of the canals. We travel up to and through the pretty little
village of Cropredy and through, the now roofless, Fenny Compton ‘Tunnel’. The summit level of the Oxford Canal provides clear views over the surrounding fields of various colours and hues as it twists and turns following the contours of a timeless landscape, till finally submitting to its descent to the Grand Union at Marston Doles Lock and the flight of 9 locks at Napton. We can see the white Windmill at Napton, on the hill ahead, clear against the blue sky on sunny days before we join The Grand Union. Built in the early 19th Century to provide a quicker route to London, it provides us with very pleasant scenery as we pass through its many wide locks. The flight of locks at Stockton brings us through a tree lined section down towards a collection of interesting boats, both old and new, at Warwickshire Fly boats before we arrive at the staircase lock at Bascote in it’s lovely rural setting. We pass through intermittent locks which take us under the Foss Way and towards the suburbs of the Regency town of Royal Leamington Spa, we pass over the River Avon by aqueduct and reach Warwick with its fantastic medieval castle.

A wonderfully rural cruise for much of its route. This should take in the best of early summer. A great cruise for relaxed walking where the intermittent locks provide regular opportunities for a wander to the next.

Railway Station - Arrive - Oxford (5 min walk), Depart - Warwick Parkway or Town (short taxi ride)
Parking - secure parking available at Warwick

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Cruise 2 - Warwick to Worcester - Friday 24th June - 7 nights
45 miles, 99 locks, 5 tunnels of 2.5 miles in total, 3 small aqueducts
Warwick, The Grand Union Canal, Hatton flight, Kingwood Junction, Lapworth flight, Guillotine Lock, Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Wasthills Tunnel, Tardebigge Flight, Worcester

We leave our secluded mooring at The Saltisford Arm in Warwick and almost immediately begin our ascent of the 21 broad locks at Hatton. The climb will take somewhere around 2 hours and gives great views from behind of Warwick and the countryside below. At Kingswood Junction we turn on to the Stratford Canal turning up The Lapworth flight which keeps crew and willing guests busy for a few hours. We meander closer to England’s second city eventually reaching the guillotine lock, built to protect the waters of one canal company from those of the other, but no longer in use. This marks our arrival onto the Birmingham and Worcester Canal, a waterway filled with tunnels and locks. We turn left here and skirt away from Birmingham before the first feature we come across at Wasthills tunnel, a 2726yd long tunnel that brings us out into open countryside. This is then closely followed by Shortwood and Tardebigge tunnels before reaching the top of the 29 locks of Tardebigge. As we make our way down the flight we have good views out over Worcestershire below. A short breather before we tackle the six locks of Stoke and then the seven of Astwood and we find ourselves 300ft lower in just five miles. We pass coppices, woods and farmland, skirting the town of Droitwich and the junction with the old Droitwich Canal, due to be reopened in 2011. A flat open section of land brings us to the last tunnel of this cruise, Dunhampstead, where we emerge into a wooded cutting. We then lock down the flight of six at Offerton before making our final descent into Worcester, the towns skyline dominated by the large tower of the cathedral.

Enough locks spread through several flights to keep crew and willing guests happy, but also nice long stretches of scenery and canal features which offer interest in between.

Railway Station - Arrive - Warwick Parkway or Town (short taxi rides) Depart - Worcester Shrub Hill or Foregate Street
Parking - Secure parking available at Warwick

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Cruise 3 - Worcester to Worcester - Saturday 2nd July - 9 nights
81 miles, 112 locks, 9 tunnels and 13 small aqueducts
Worcester & Birmingham canal, Tardebigge, Wast Hills Tunnel, Gas Street, New Main Line, Old Main Line, Black Country Museum, Netherton Tunnel, Dudley no.1 and no.2 canals, Stourbridge Canal, Staffordshire & Worcetsershire Canal, Kinver, Stourport, Worcester

We leave Diglis Basin and begin climbing our way out of Worcester on The Worcester & Birmingham Canal as it winds its way up infrequent locks. A flight of 6 locks at Offerton takes us to a wooded cutting and brings us up to our first tunnel of many at Dunhampstead. We pass coppices, woods and farmland, passing the junction with the Droitwich Canal which is due to reopen in 2011. After climbing the seven locks at Astwood and the 6 locks at Stoke we have a short break before the 29 locks of Tardebigge. We find ourselves 300ft higher up in just five miles, with good views out over Worcetsershire from the top. Tardebigge and Shortwood Tunnels take us through open countryside before the 2726yd long tunnel at Wasthills. Cruising towards Birmingham we eventually arrive at Gas Street Basin. Once a hive of activity for working boats loading and off loading goods for transport all over the network. In recent years this area has been completely rejuvenated and now offers an attractive and trendy place to spend a bit of time exploring. From Gas Street the Main Line Canal takes us along it’s straight and speedy route through the city until we reach Smethwick junction and, having climbed 3 locks onto the old Main line which winds us through older industrial heritage. We spend the night in the secure seclusion of the Black Country Museum where we have a morning to look around this fascinating living museum before setting off for Netherton Tunnel. Passage through this 3000yd cavernous tunnel with high ceilings and brickwork, is rather more interesting than your average tunnel. At the other end we emerge into a relatively green landscape, which belies the fact that we remain in the heart of Britains Second largest city. The Dudley no. 2 canal winds its way along and we cruise past Lodge Farm Reservoir and through surprisingly green surroundings before reaching Parkhead locks. Locks aplenty await us as we set off in the morning. A flight of 8 at Delph locks and a further 16 before we emerge out of Birmingham into a pretty wooded section of canal. A few more miles through farmland and a flight of 4 locks bring us to Stourton Junction with the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal at which we turn south. The scene is set for this outstandingly pretty canal, with intermittent locks set into or under tall red sandstone cliff faces and long sections of wooded or hanging foliage which cast shadows and create beautiful scenes as we cruise along. Kinver is a lovely old village with an attractive high street and boutique shops. The other side of Kidderminster is the scenic setting of Falling Sands Lock, again where tall red stone cliffs stand proud next to this quaint lock. The basin at Stourport on Severn is a maze of water with 2 routes down to the river, one narrow, one wide, both overlooked by the once grand Tontine Hotel. A few hours cruising down the River Severn brings us under the shadow of the Cathedral and 2 wide locks off the river return us to our starting point at Worcester and Diglis Basin.

A cruising ring with many contrasts, this route abounds with pretty scenery which stands out as all the more pleasant against the industry of Birmingham. It overflows with locks, tunnels and industrial heritage – a good one for the enthusiast.

Railway Station - Arrive & Depart- Worcester Shrub Hill or Foregate Street (short taxi rides)
Parking -

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Cruise 4 - Worcester to Stratford - Tuesday 12th July - 7 nights
50 miles, 112 narrow locks, 5 tunnels of 2.5 miles in total, 2 aqueducts
Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Worcester, Tardebigge Flight, Wasthills Tunnel, Guillotine Lock, Stratford Canal, Lapworth Flight, Wilmcote Flight, Stratford on Avon

We leave our mooring at Diglis Basin and begin climbing our way out of the Cathedral city of Worcester on The Worcester & Birmingham Canal as it winds its way up infrequent locks. A flight of 6 locks at Offerton takes us to a wooded cutting and brings us up to our first tunnel at Dunhampstead, the first of several on this route. We pass coppices, woods and farmland, passing the junction with the Droitwich Canal which is currently under restoration and due to be reopened in 2011. After climbing the seven locks at Astwood and the 6 locks at Stoke we have a short break before the 29 locks of Tardebigge. We find ourselves 300ft higher up in just five miles, with good views out over Worcestershire from the top. Tardebigge and Shortwood Tunnels take us through open countryside before the 2726yd long tunnel at Wasthills which brings us to skirt Birmingham briefly before turning onto the rural Stratford Canal at Kings Norton and passing under the now disused guillotine lock, built to protect the waters of one canal company from those of the other. The Stratford Canal is full of character with cast iron aqueducts, barrel roofed cottages, split bridges, pretty scenery and attractive old villages. Frequent but intermittent locks as well as the flights at Lapworth and Wilmcote bring us down into the Avon valley and although a helping hand is always welcome, you are free to sit back and enjoy the scenery, or walking between locks provides good opportunities to stretch your legs. Our final destination is Bancroft Basin in the heart of historic Stratford and overlooked by the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre we come to Journeys end.

A classic cruise. Again with plenty of locks but positively overflowing with character and scenery along both of these very pretty canals with perfect stretches for walking alongside the boats at leisurely pace.

Railway Station - Arrive - Worcester Shrub Hill or Foregate Street (short taxi ride) Depart - Stratford on Avon (short taxi ride/10 min walk)
Parking -

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Cruise 5 - Stratford to Banbury - Wednesday 20th July - 8 nights
58 miles, 103 locks, 3 aqueducts, 1 tunnel
Stratford on Avon, Wilmcote Flight, Lapworth Flight, Grand Union Canal, Hatton Flight, South Oxford Canal, Napton Flight, The Oxford Canal summit, Cropredy

Having soaked up the atmosphere of Stratford we travel up the canal with its cast iron aqueducts, barrel roofed cottages, and split bridges. Pretty scenery accompanies us through a selection of exclusive Warwickshire villages, such as Wilmcote, location of Mary Arden’s House and the Forest of Arden. Many and frequent locks provide good opportunities for stretching your legs and although a helping hand is always welcome there is no obligation to help as the crew take the boats through the narrow locks. At Kingswood junction, just before the full flight of Lapworth we turn on to The Grand Union Canal and head towards Warwick. After a short time in open farmland we make our way through the short Shrewley Tunnel and continue to the 21 wide locks of Hatton. As we descend we have views over the town and countryside below. The Grand Union canal is wide and a good depth, having been the motorway to Lonodn in its heyday and we swiftly cruise through Leamington Spa and rise up The Foss locks crossing under the well known Roman road. The flights at Stockton and Calcutt bring us to Napton junction where we can see the windmill of Napton Hill for the first time. We ascend the flight of nine locks at Napton and once on the summit the canal slowly meanders its way across the rolling patchwork countryside with the best views to be had from the towpath. Eventually the canal submits to the landscape and drops down the five locks at Claydon to the pretty village of Cropredy. Passing under a rather unsafe looking ladder bridge at Wormleighton before we reach the medieval market town of Banbury.

A great cruise for both lock enthusiast and scenery lover alike. The Stratford Canal is simply stunning and contrasts beautifully with the broader speed of the Grand Union and the open views of The South Oxford to Banbury.

Railway Station - Arrive - Stratford on Avon (short taxi ride/10 min walk) Depart - Banbury (3 min walk)
Parking - There is supervised car parking at Banbury rail station

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Cruise 6 - Banbury to Oxford via Lechlade - Thursday 28th July - 7 nights
88 miles, 40 locks, 7 lift bridges
South Oxford Canal, Somerton Deep Lock, Cherwell River & Valley, Thrupp, The Upper Thames, Spires of Oxford

Cruising from the historic market town of Banbury we head through open farmland and quiet Cotswold countryside. An early canal which twists and turns it gives many opportunities for walking or helping us through the intermittent locks. Upon reaching Duke’s cut just short of Oxford we drop down onto the Thames and leave the dreaming spires in the distance, travelling upstream through ‘wind in the willows’ country. The river winds its way through farmland and reed lined banks, avoiding built up areas. The low bridge of Osney island in Oxford ensures only low, small boats can navigate this part of the river and it is extremely quiet and peaceful. If you are keen eyed you may even be lucky enough to spot the otters which have recently been re-introduced to this area. Having reached Lechlade, the furthest navigable point of the river, we turn and retrace our steps, seeing the scenery afresh and giving ourselves a second chance to spot those elusive otters and kingfisher. Carried swiftly downstream we arrive back in the heart of Oxford, giving you a chance to explore this most famous of cities.

The Upper Thames is truly beautiful. Quiet, winding, scenic, untouched and wild with an abundance of wildlife. Not a great cruise for walking though.

Railway Station - Arrive - Banbury (3 min walk) Depart - Oxford (3 min walk)
Parking - There is supervised car parking at Banbury rail station

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Cruise 7 - Reading to Bath - Monday 8th August - 9 nights
75 miles, 89 wide locks, 6 aqueducts, 2 tunnels, 25 swing/lift bridges
The Kennet and Avon Canal and Navigation, Newbury, Hungerford, Crofton Flight, Devizes, Caen Hill Flight, Bradford-on-Avon, Dundas Aqueduct, Avon Valley, Bath.

We soon leave the urban areas of Reading after cruising through the heart of the newly redeveloped shopping centre, The Oracle. Beyond the city we can take in the varied scenery of woodland and water meadows as the waterway switches between canal cuts and meandering river. There are frequent swing bridges, some rural and others electric where roads cross the waterway. The locks are infrequent and vary in dimensions and appearance making each one of unique interest and the towpath on this stretch to Newbury provides many opportunities for a gentle stroll. Leaving Newbury behind us, we move quickly into water meadows and woodland. Frequent locks bring us steadily up to higher ground over the course of a day, making this a good day for walking. Travelling through the Vale of Pewsey the River Kennet is never far away and several of southern England’s most picturesque villages can be explored. We lock up Crofton locks past the historic beam pumping engine, built to pump water up to the canals summit level, before entering Bruce tunnel. A long lock free section and a night moored in Devizes gives us time to rest before tackling the 29 locks of the Caen Hill flight where we descend 230ft in just 2 miles. The largest flight on the system, it not only keeps the crew busy, but offers up some superb views over the surrounding area and down the flight itself. We travel past many attractive villages overlooking the canal before arriving at the architecturally rich, but compact town of Bradford-on-Avon. The canal follows the Avon valley, clinging high to the valley sides and occasionally crosses the rivers course high on two aqueducts. The old stone feature of Dundas aqueduct is best explored off the boat as the view of the valley is limited by its high walls.As we approach journeys end the Spires of Bath, now a World Heritage Site, can be seen across the valley. This cruise gives a full overview of the varying character of the entire Kennet & Avon navigation and canal, from modern Reading to majestic Bath through winding river courses and ambitious canal cuts.

A great cruise for anybody.

Railway Station - Arrive - Reading (10-15 min walk or short taxi ride) Depart - Bath (10 min walk or short taxi ride)
Parking - There is secure parking available at Newbury a short train ride from Reading)

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Cruise 8 - Bath to Bath via Bristol & Bradford on Avon - Wednesday 17th August - 7 nights
52 miles, 27 locks, 4 small aqueducts, 6 swing bridges
Bath, The River Avon, Keynsham, Bristol floating harbour, Kennet & Avon Canal, Dundas Aqueduct Bradford on Avon

Bath needs no introduction, its Georgian architecture and Roman history speak for itself. We leave the city from our mooring on the sides of the Avon Valley at Bathwick Hill. Winding our way along we have views across the valley to the Georgian housing which lines the valley sides of this city. At Dundas Wharf we see the junction with the Somersetshire Coal Canal before turning and crossing the valley on the fully restored Dundas Aqueduct, built from local Bath stone. We cruise through wooded slopes before crossing the valley again at Avoncliff aqueduct where the architecturally rich but compact town of Bradford on Avon first comes in to view. Above the lock we turn and head back towards the 2 regal aqueducts of Avoncliffe & Dundas and are welcomed back into Bath by the Spires reaching across the valley to the side of us. Passing our starting point we continue down the flight of Bath locks, down onto The River. Bath Deep Lock is one of the deepest on the network and being a wide lock is cavernous in its dimensions. The river swiftly takes us away from Bath and winds its way through gentle countryside with the occasional lock and opportunities for stretching your legs in between. The locks along here have stone sides, again in the local limestone and Swineford lock is particularly attractive. Beyond Keynsham there are pretty wooded sections and sightings of Kingfishers can be common, so keep your eyes peeled. When we leave Hanham lock just beyond Keynsham we cruise along the tidal section of the river, don’t worry the tide only reaches above the weir at high spring tide and outside of these dates this stretch is as peaceful as any other on the river. Our arrival at bristols floating harbour is through the flood gates which keep the spring tides at bay and protect the harbour waters from its effects. We cruise under Temple Meads station, and further into the harbour pass many varied and interesting boats en route. There are large ships, dutch barges, fishing boats, many of which have been converted for living on and offer some great contrasts to the small narrowboats which navigate the canal network. We eventually pass the imposing feature of SS Great Britain which is permanently docked in the harbour and tie up just round the corner. Our journey back upstream towards Bath brings us fresh opportunities to catch glimpses of those elusive kingfisher as well as all the other abundant wildlife on this river, before we arrive back at this wonderful World Heritage City.

A tale of 2 halves if you like, River and Canal, with Bath being the main story and deservedly so, as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Not a great choice for keen walkers though.

Railway Station - Arrive & Depart - Bath (10 min walk or short taxi ride)
Parking - We regret we have no car parking facility in or near Bath.

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Cruise 9 - Bath to Newbury - Thursday 25th August - 7 nights
57 miles, 79 wide locks, 2 tunnels, 14 swing/lift bridges
Bath, Kennet and Avon Canal, Avon Valley, Dundas Aqueduct, Bradford on Avon, Caen Hill Flight, Crofton Flight, Hungerford

The Kennet and Avon canal leaves the Roman spa town of Bath, with its beautiful limestone buildings and bustling centre, crossing the River Avon over two grand aqueducts made of the local limestone, to reach the architecturally rich town of Bradford-on-Avon with its array of tea rooms and boutique shops. Past here there are many attractive villages overlooking the canal before we arrive at the bottom of the Caen hill flight. Covering just 2 miles over several hours, we rise up 230ft to the top and there are great views over the area and a real sense of achievement, knowing the longest flight on the canal system is done. There is then a long lock free section which takes us through the charming village of Honey Street before the 4 locks at Wooton Rivers bring us up to the canals short summit pound. Bruce Tunnel and just 2 miles lie before we descend the flight at Crofton locks, past the old beam pumping engine, once used to pump water to the summit level of this canal but now only in stem a few days a year for enthusiasts. We have views of the river Kennet for much of this journey as we travel through the vale of Pewsey and there are many picturesque villages on our route, including Great & Little Bedwyn and Hungerford. Around Kintbury we will pass the horsedrawn trip boat that still plies this course, one of only 5 remaining in the UK. Our final day gives us regular locks and a good day for walking as we approach the town of Newbury.

A favourite canal with many of our guests, The Kennet & Avon takes us through some of Southern England’s finest scenery and prettiest villages. There are many highlights on this cruise, much to explore and a great choice for anyone.

Railway Station - Arrive - Bath (10 min walk or short taxi ride) Depart - Newbury (10 min walk or short taxi ride)
Parking - There may be secure car parking available at Newbury

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Cruise 10 - Newbury to Oxford - Thursday 1st September - 7 nights
72 miles, 43 wide locks
Kennet Navigation, The Oracle, River Thames, Oxford

We make our way along the Kennet Navigation out of Newbury taking in the varied scenery of woodland and water meadows as the waterway switches between canal cuts and meandering river. There are frequent swing bridges, some rural and others electric where roads cross the waterway. The locks are infrequent and vary in dimensions and appearance making each one of unique interest and the towpath on this stretch to Reading provides many opportunities for a stroll. Turning onto the Thames at Reading and travelling upstream we begin our journey through the Chiltern hills, passing through Goring Gap. There are many wonderful lawns and gardens which stretch down from grand houses to the waters edge with boathouses and row boats making the views very different to anything on the canals. We cruise through Pangbourne, past Dorchester’s 7th Century monastery, up through the charming towns of Wallingford and Abingdon. We shall pass many varied river craft and be welcomed by lockkeepers at every lock as we go. Eventually spires appear ahead and Christchurch meadows greets our arrival in Oxford. We make our way to our central yet peaceful mooring spot at Osney island, avoiding punts and row boats as we go. A tale of 2 rivers. The Kennet is an intimate canalised river with infrequent but interesting locks.

The Thames is an altogether different waterway with grand houses and grounds reaching down to the waters edge and many different types of boats and wildlife.

Railway Station - Arrive - Newbury (10 min walk or short taxi ride) Depart - Oxford (3 min walk)
Parking – secure parking may be available at Newbury

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Cruise 11 - Oxford to Rugby - Friday 9th September - 7 nights
65 miles, 42 narrow locks, 2 aqueducts, 1 tunnel
The Oxford Canal, City of Oxford, Thrupp, Cherwell valley & river, Somerton Deep lock, Cropredy, Claydon locks, The Oxford Summit, Napton, Braunston, Hill Morton Locks

Starting at the southernmost point of the Oxford canal we leave the wonderful spires of Oxford behind as we cruise through the wealthy suburbs of North Oxford. Past water meadows and woodland, the distinct Cotswold image of limestone villages line the horizon and the River Cherwell accompanies the canal on its journey, never far away. We pass through the traditional boatman’s stopover of Thrupp, past our base at Heyford Wharf and negotiate a few infrequent locks including Somerton Deep lock, one of the deepest on the system. We finally reach the medieval market town of Banbury. A town of character, it marked the start point for Rolt’s epic cruise round the system which led to the creation of the Inland Waterways Association and the salvation of the canals. Continuing out of Banbury, we pass under the rather unsafe looking feature of the ladder bridge at Wormleighton before rising up to the summit level through the flights at Cropredy and Claydon. Following a meandering course along the contours of the land, so typical of an early James Brindley canal, we are provided views of the Napton Hill windmill from many different angles, for several hours. The North Oxford canal begins at the bottom of the Napton flight and it is this section which is used by the Grand Union as its link. It has several large marinas here, showing testament to how popular boating has become. The canal town of Braunston is arguably the spiritual home of canal boating, having had many a historic cruise begin here. It is situated at the junction with the Grand Union as it continues its course to London, however staying on the Oxford Canal we continue North through peaceful countryside following the waterway along the straightened section where its length was considerably reduced late in its life, to increase efficiency.

The windy, windy Oxford Canal doesn’t go anywhere in a hurry. A perfect cruise to sit back and relax as the scenery unfolds ahead of us.

Railway Station - Arrive - Oxford (3 min walk) Depart - Rugby (short taxi ride)
Parking - There may be car parking at Rugby

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Cruise 12 - Rugby to Market Harborough - Friday 16th September - 6 nights
40 miles, 26 locks, 3 tunnels and 2 small aqueducts
Oxford Canal, Hill Morton locks, Braunston, Grand Union Canal, Braunston Tunnel, Leicester Arm, Watford Staircase Locks, Crick Tunnel,
Welford Arm, Husbands Bosworth Tunnel, Foxton Staircase Locks

From our mooring near Newbold Tunnel we first make our way through Rugby along the North Oxford Canal. Straightened late in its life to considerably reduce its length and efficiency there are long straight sections which contrast with the original winding route, marked by white cast iron bridges which cross the occasional arm, the remnants of the old canal. It takes us through peaceful countryside to the canal town of Braunston and the junction with The Grand Union Canal. Often considered the spiritual heart of the canals this was once a thriving trade point and canal community. From here we lock up Braunston flight, the first broad locks of this cruise and enter Braunston tunnel, 2042yds and about 30mins long and emerge into wooded countryside. Before the flight of 7 locks at Long Buckby we turn onto the Leicester Arm of The Grand Union at Norton Junction. We wind our way to the locks at Watford which include a triple staircase and then we enter Crick tunnel, at 1528yds long. On the other side the canal wanders through rolling, rural countryside as it makes its way northwards in no particular hurry along the contours of its summit level. The open fields backed by wooded hills continue for several hours of cruising effectively avoiding civilisation for much of its length. After negotiating yet another long tunnel at Husbands Bosworth (1166yds) we head towards the famous Foxton locks. Using a combination of 2 sets of 5 locks built as staircases we descend 75ft in total in just a few hundred yards. Whilst here there is time to look around the museum and the site of the old incline plain, that used to be an alternative to the time consuming bottleneck of the staircase locks. There are plans to restore this to working order, although little progress has been made thus far due to difficulties in funding. Our final approach to Market Harborough is a short and lock free 5 mile run.

Railway Station - Arrive - Rugby (short taxi ride) Depart - Market Harborough (short taxi ride)
Parking - There may be car parking available at Rugby or Market Harborough.

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Cruise 13 - Market Harborough to Warwick - Friday 23rd September - 7 nights
52 miles, 48 locks, 3 tunnels and 6 small aqueducts
Grand Union Canal Leicester Arm, Foxton Staircase Locks, Husbands Bosworth Tunnel, Welford Arm, Crick Tunnel, Watford Staircase Locks, Grand Union Canal, Braunston Tunnel, Braunston, Stockton Locks, Bascote Staircase Lock, Warwick

We leave our mooring in the canal basin of Market Harborough and cruise a lock free 5 mile section through to the bottom of the staircase locks at Foxton. Using a combination of 2 sets of 5 locks built as staircases we climb 75ft in just a few hundred yards with views over Leicestershire stretching out behind us. Whilst here there is time to look around the museum and the site of the old incline plain, that used to be an alternative to the time consuming bottleneck of the staircase locks. There are plans to restored this to working order but there has been little progress thus far due to difficulties in funding. From the top of the locks we cruise to and through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel (1166yards) and begin a winding course along the canals summit as it follows the gentle contours of this farming area. For several hours of cruising we there are open fields backed by wooded hills, avoiding civilisation. Crick tunnel (1528yards) marks the end of this winding route and at the triple staircase of Watford we descend from the summit. Shortly after we arrive at Norton Junction and turn left onto The Grand Union, avoiding the flight of 7 locks at Long Buckby, and begin cruising towards Braunston. The other side of Braunston Tunnel (2042yards) we emerge into a cutting and almost immediately arrive at the few locks which take us toward Braunston Turn. Once a bustling centre of the canals, this is often considered the spiritual home of canals.

Railway Station - Arrive - Market Harborough (short taxi ride) Depart - Warwick parkway or Town (short taxi rides)
Parking - There is secure car parking at Warwick and may be at Market Harborough.

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Cruise 14 - Warwick to Warwick - Saturday 1st October - 9 nights
99.5 miles, 51 wide locks, 32 narrow locks, 3 tunnels, 7 aqueducts
Grand Union Canal, Stockton Flight, Braunston, North Oxford Canal, Hill Morton paired locks, Sutton Stop, Coventry Canal, Anker Valley, Atherstone Flight, Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, Hatton Flight.

We leave Warwick and make our way towards Leamington Spa. This canal is wide and a good depth and we make good speed as we rise up through the Foss locks crossing under the Roman road. Stockton & Calcutt locks bring us up to the level which takes us all the way through Braunston and peaceful countryside to Hill Morton on The North Oxford Canal. We descend swiftly down Hill Morton’s paired locks before travelling along a straightened section of canal which takes us through Rugby winding its way towards Newbold Tunnel on the outskirts. Here you can see the occasional old iron bridge which marks the original route of the canal, before we reach Hawkesbury Junction, otherwise known as Sutton Stop. A quick pint in the Greyhound pub before we turn under the fine black and white iron bridge and travel up The Coventry Canal towards Atherstone. The canal travels past old quarry’s, some used as far back as Roman times, which have now been transformed into nature reserves and at Harts Hill we have magnificent views across the Anker valley. The flight of locks at Atherstone ease our passage with their original hooks which allow us to use a block to get the butty moving out of the locks and at least one working side pound. At Fazeley junction we turn and head through quiet and attractive open farmland. Flooded gravel pits have attracted much wildlife before we finally reach the outskirts of Birmingham. Through Salford and Bordesley junctions we then head back out of Birmingham on The Grand Union Canal which takes us down towards Knowle. Our final obstacle before we reach Warwick is the flight of 21 at Hatton with views over the castle and city of Warwick from the top and a swift descent through its wide locks.

This cruise has the convenience of being a single centre route with secure car parking facilities. It also has lots of interest and variation with wide and narrow locks, paired locks; Industrial Birmingham contrasted with beautiful Warwickshire countryside.

Railway Station - Arrive & Depart - Warwick Parkway or Town (short taxi rides)
Parking - There is secure car parking available at Warwick

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Cruise 15 - Warwick to Banbury - Monday 10th October - 5 nights
37 miles, 47 locks, 4 small aqueducts
Warwick, Grand Union Canal, Bascote Staircase Lock, Stockton Locks, The South Oxford Canal, Napton Locks, Oxford Summit, Claydon Locks, Cropredy.

Leaving Warwick we are almost immediately faced with the pair of locks at The Cape of Good Hope. The canal beyond skirts the edges of Leamington spa and carries us up the scattered locks leading to The Foss locks. This is a lovely rural section of The Grand Union and the attractive flight at Stockton is easily negotiated with the pair of boats breasted up. Calcutt locks bring us up to meet The Oxford Canal at Napton junction where we climb the flight of 9 locks to The summit of this canal. As it twists and turns round the contours of the land we have views out over the surrounding farmland for many miles. This section is beautifully secluded as we avoid most signs of civilisation. At Claydon the canal submits to its descent and we make our way down towards Banbury, passing through the pretty and historic village of Cropredy on our way. Our destination on the newly renovated canal side at Banbury. A nice shorter break to end our season. If the autumn leaves have started to show the summit level will be a wonderful palette of oranges and burnt reds.

A wonderful time of year for boating and the boats are cosy with the woodstoves lit, but one or two extra layers of clothing might be a good idea for braving the outside.

Railway station - Arrive - Warwick Parkway or Town (short taxi rides) Depart - Banbury (3 min walk)
Parking - There is secure car parking available at Warwick and supervised parking at Banbury Rail station.

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