Take a Luxury Canal Cruising Holiday with Bywater Holiday Cruises!

Bywater Canal Cruising Holiday Route Descriptions

Cruise 1 - Warwick to Warwick - Thursday 5th April - 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, Warwick

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

Back to Schedule

Cruise 2 - Warwick to Worcester - Saturday 14th April - 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

Back to Schedule

Cruise 3 - Worcester to Worcester – Mon 23rd April – 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 & Worcestershire Canal, Kinver, Stourport, The River Severn, Diglis Basin, 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 – We have been unable to arrange secure parking for Worcester, however there are long stay car parks and on road parking near the basin.

Back to Schedule

Cruise 4 - Worcester to Nantwich - Thursday 3rd May - 8 nights
79 miles, 3 river locks, 74 narrow locks, 2 tunnels, 2 aqueducts
Worcester, River Severn, Stourport Basin, Staffordshire and Worcester Canal, The Bratch, Shropshire Union Canal, Woodseaves cutting, Audlem flight, Nantwich

Leaving Diglis basin we lock down onto the River Severn, and head upstream past Worcester Cathedral, the cricket ground, the race course and under a fine stone arched bridge, which connects the two halves of the city. After several miles and a couple of large river locks we rejoin the canals at Stourport, and lock back up through the historic basin, which still retains several interesting features such as the clock tower, workshops and the Tontine hotel. We swiftly pass through Kidderminster and having risen up through two locks find ourselves on a beautiful winding path through constricted and rocky sections where the canal was literally cut out of the rock and green foliage hangs off the encroaching cliffs over the canal creating beautiful dappled effects in sunny weather. These secluded surroundings continue into Staffordshire as the valley narrows again beyond Cookley tunnel and on towards Kinver. The stunning scenery continues as we pass the junction with the Stourbridge Canal and continue northwards, winding our way through pretty and remote countryside. The staircase locks at Botterham mark the beginning of Wombourne where we make our way up the delightful triple staircase The Bratch. Flat farmland surrounds us now for several miles until we reach the edge of Wolverhampton, which barely encroaches on the canal which remains surprisingly secluded. Turning left at Autherly junction we arrive on The Shropshire Union Canal a delightfully rural waterway which is characterised along its route by the alternating cuttings and embankments which enable it to maintain it’s relatively straight and lock free course to Market Drayton. The flight of 5 locks at Tyrley brings us down into rocky cuttings and narrow sections before we descend the longer flight through the pretty Cheshire town of Audlem. The last stretch of our journey is through open fertile farmland before we arrive in Nantwich on a raised embankment which overlooks the town a few minutes walk away.

This route is full of individual character and charm, with deep wooded cuttings, long open embankments and rocky overhangs there are many stand out features on this picturesque route.

Railway Station – Arrival – Worcester (5 min by car)
Departure – Nantwich (5 min by car) or Crewe (15 min by car)
Parking - is available at Nantwich

Back to Schedule

Cruise 5 - Nantwich to Llangollen - Saturday 12th May - 7 nights
61 miles, 31 locks, 3 tunnels, 2 aqueducts
Nantwich, Shropshire Union Canal, Llangollen Canal, Meres at Ellesmere, Chirk Aqueduct and tunnel, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen

 We leave Nantwich basin for a short boat through flat Cheshire countryside and ascend the flight of four locks of Hurleston to arrive on The Llangollen. We cruise through farmland, and infrequent locks and liftbridges to the flight at Grindley Brook and its steep three lock staircase where the lockkeepers ensure the smooth flow of traffic. We pass through gentle countryside, and wooden lift bridges, of a design more typical in Holland. We cruise alongside Wixhall Moss, Britains 3rd largest upland bog and have pretty views out across Shropshires Lake District before mooring in the adorable small town of Ellesmere. Beyond we cruise along sections of canal with views far out over rural farmland and pass the staircase lock at Frankton and the junction with The Montgomery Canal. North of here we pass through the last locks at New Martin. The aqueduct at Chirk marks the beginning of some spectacular scenery and our last entry, of many, into Wales. Through the long Chirk Tunnel we eventually reach the climax of this cruise. The famous landmark of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct stands 120ft and crosses the expanse of the Dee Valley to lead us up the pretty, narrow and shallow stretch along the side of the valley to the tourist town of Llangollen itself. There is time to explore, maybe take a trip on the steam railway or sit and enjoy a drink looking out over the white waters of the Dee river.

The Llangollen certainly has the wow factor and is ideal for anyone’s first canal, or even to do again and again. It is an ideal choice for those wanting to walk or wander the towpath as much as it is for those who like to stay on board.

Railway station – Arrival – Nantwich (5 min by car) or Crewe (15 min by car) Departure – Ruabon (15 min by car/bus)
Parking – is available at Nantwich Canal basin or Llangollen

Back to Schedule

Cruise 6 -  Llangollen to Nantwich - Mon 21st May - 8 nights

Our first morning is spent making our way along the sides of the Dee Valley, down the narrow and shallow upper stretch of this canal. We eventually arrive at Trevor Basin and turn to cross The Pontcysylte Aqueduct. 120ft above the Valley floor on what is possibly Telfords finest piece of Engineering. Continuing along the other side of the Valley before crossing the watershed into the Cerriog valley through Whitehouse tunnel and then the long dark Chirk tunnel. Chirk aqueduct runs parallel to the arches of the viaduct and is our first crossing of the Welsh Border into England. New Martin signals the first locks of this cruise and through the softer contours of England we progress down to Frankton where we join the Montgomery Canal to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this completely rural canal. There are strict limits on the number of boats allowed into this area to ensure the local array of flora and fauna are not disturbed. We can explore the newly opened section of this canal on foot, beyond Maesbury which takes us to within just a few hundred yards of the welsh border and the unrestored miles to Welshpool. We work our way back up to the Llangollen main line and cruise to the small town of Ellesmere and past the meres, formed in the ice age which fringe the canals route. From here we pass through the upland bog of Whixall Moss before passing through several lift bridges of a design more commonly seen in Holland. Gentle, rolling countryside brings us to the triple staircase lock at Grindley Brook with its canal side shop. From here we descend for the last part of the Llangollen Canal through flat Cheshire farmland to Hurleston junction. Here we turn right onto the wider course of The Shropshire Union and travel the short distance to Nantwich.

The Llangollen has it all and this cruise includes one of our favourites, the beautifully secluded Montgomery Canal. This is a great choice for anyone, walkers and watchers alike.

Railway Station – Arrival – Ruabon (15 min by car or bus) - Departure – Nantwich (5 min by car) or Crewe (15 min by car)
Parking – is available at Llangollen or Nantwich Canal basin

Back to Schedule

Cruise 7 - Nantwich to Whaley Bridge - Tuesday 29th May - 7 nights
48 locks, 60 miles, 4 aqueducts,
Nantwich, Shropshire Union, Middlewich Branch, Trent and Mersey, Heartbreak Hill, Macclesfield Canal, Bosley Locks, Upper Peak Forest Canal, Bugsworth Basin

We leave Nantwich basin for a short boat through flat Cheshire countryside as we travel north on The Shropshire Union Canal. At Barbridge we turn on to the Middlewich branch and make our way east towards Middlewich itself. Four infrequent locks bring us through quiet and remote countryside on this scenic link canal. We cross the River Weaver by aqueduct and have superb views of the river and of Winsford Top Flash. At Middlewich we turn right on to The Trent and Mersey. At Wheelock we begin our ascent of the 25 paired locks, known as ‘Heartbreak hill’. Originally all paired most have undergone restoration recently and the butty and motor rise in the locks alongside each other, with ropes linking them up again and towing to the next pair of locks. This brings us to the junction with The Macclesfield Canal where we immediately cross the Trent and Mersey over Poole Aqueduct. On our right is Mow Cop, the first folly castle of its type in England. At Bosley we encounter 12 of the 13 locks on The Macclesfield in a single flight overlooked by a large hill known as the ‘Cloud’. Each lock has a cast iron bridge over the tail which has grooves cut into it from years of boats being hauled out on ropes. Winding along the summit level at 500ft the navigation follows the contours of the upland country crossing several valleys on embankments and aqueducts. There are stretches of canal that have a beautiful isolation to them along our route before Marple marks the end of The Macclesfield Canal. No need to descend the flight of 16 here as we continue along the upper section of the Peak Forest Canal towards Whaley Bridge, taking in the dramatic and mountainous scenery of the Peak District Hills as we go. Clinging to the steep wooded sides of the Goyt Valley for the last leg of our cruise. A short detour down the arm of Bugsworth basin to see the last remaining example of a canal and tramway terminus before we arrive at Whaley Bridge.

This cruise has some wonderful scenery on its way into the peak district along a predominantly rural route. Featuring 2 of our favourite lock flights, Heartbreak Hill and Bosley, there are snippets of the canals’ heritage to be seen all over as well as a lot of enjoyment.

Railway Station - Arrival – Nantwich (5 min by car) or Crewe (15 min by car) - Departure – Whaley Bridge (2 min walk)
Parking – is available at Nantwich Canal Basin

Back to Schedule

Cruise 8 - Whaley Bridge to Huddersfield - Wed 6th June - 8 nights
36 miles, 89 narrow locks, 7 tunnels, 9 aqueducts
Bugsworth Basin, The Peak District, Goyt Valley, Marple Flight, The Upper & Lower Peak Forest Canal, The Huddersfield Canal, Standedge Tunnel, The Pennines.

We leave our secluded mooring at Bugsworth Basin the old transhipment terminus which has been carefully restored with its many alcoves and wharves. We cruise along a winding route towards the junction with The Macclesfield Canal at Marple. The 16 locks begin their descent from here and we slowly progress through these deep locks. Once on the Lower Peak Forest Canal we cruise towards Manchester and through Portland Basin near the Canal museum. The 73 locks of the Huddersfield Canal begin just round the corner and our slow ascent into the Pennines. Beyond Stalybridge we emerge into rural scenery, which appears as if from nowhere in stark contrast to the town before. A short tunnel prepares us for what is to come later in the cruise. More locks take us higher and we cruise through the 'quintessentially Pennine' villages of Dobcross and Diggle with their distinctive grey stone buildings. As we travel up the flight at Diggle we are surrounded by scenery that is unlike any other canal we cruise with hills all around. A short way from the top we enter Standedge Tunnel, having waited our turn in the queue. At 5686yards this is the longest tunnel on the canal network as well as the deepest and highest. We must take it very slowly through as it's narrow in places, before emerging out the other end at Marston. At Marston we have time to explore the exhibition here and learn about the number of men who died during the digging of the tunnel and the methods used to literally blow their way through the rock in this impressive feat of engineering. From here it's all downhill as we descend through more locks towards Huddersfield. We cruise through pretty villages like Slaithwaite, through tree lined glades and under stone bridges and past the remains of textile Mills, the reasons for the existence of this canal, originally. Finally we arrive at the basin where we end this cruise.

Please note – British Waterways require that all persons cruising through Standedge Tunnel must be able enough to climb a ladder out of the tunnel unaided in the very unlikely event of an emergency evacuation of the tunnel. There is the option of travelling overland and meeting the boats on the other side, if agility is an issue.

Adventurous Route! This is our second attempt to make it all the way along this canal, in 2010 we didn’t make it. We always undertake to give you the best cruise possible, but there is a chance that an alternative route or start/end location may have to be used.

Railway station – Arrival – Whaley bridge (2 mins walk) - Departure – Huddersfield
Parking - Parking may be available at Huddersfield

Back to Schedule

Cruise 9 - Huddersfield to Manchester - Friday 15th June - 7 nights
26 miles, 92 locks
Huddersfield Narrow Canal, The Penines, Standedge Tunnel, Diggle flight

Leaving the basin in Huddersfield we pass under 2 factory tunnels and up several locks into attractive tree lined glades with pretty stone bridges. Rising up from a broad valley bottom we pass the remains of textile mills, through the pretty village of Slaithwaite. As we climb the regular locks we pass near Sparth reservoir and the infant river of Colne winds, not too far away. Standedge Tunnel takes us through the peak of The Penines and at 5686yrds long is the longest tunnel on the canal network, as well as the deepest and highest. It consists of several different materials and construction and is in places, literally, cut out of the rock. It is sobering to think of the men who worked to build such an impressive waterway. On the other side we begin our descent down the diggle flight surrounded by peaks and beyond through pretty villages such as Dobcross, described as ‘quintessentially Pennine’. There is more scenery and plenty of greenery before a short tunnel and a section of canal literally built under the legs of a pilon. We navigate our way through Stalybridge and arrive back on the Ashton Canal passing and back towards Manchester where we end this cruise close to Piccadilly Station.

Please note – British Waterways require that all persons cruising through Standedge Tunnel must be able enough to climb a ladder out of the tunnel unaided in the very unlikely event of an emergency evacuation of the tunnel. There is the option of travelling overland and meeting the boats on the other side, if agility is an issue.

Adventurous Route! This is our second attempt to make it all the way along this canal, in 2010 we didn’t make it. We always undertake to give you the best cruise possible, but there is a chance that an alternative route or start/end location may have to be used.

Railway station – Arrival – Manchester Piccadilly (5-10min walk) - Departure – Sowerby Bridge (short taxi ride)
Parking - Parking is available at Sowerby Bridge

Back to Schedule

Cruise 10 - Manchester to Sowerby Bridge - Friday 22nd June - 7 nights
31 miles, 83 locks
The Rochdale Canal, The Pennines, The Calder Valley

Leaving Manchester from our mooring we begin at lock 10 of The Rochdale through cast iron bridges and impressive old cotton mills. The first of 3 Pennine crossings this canal was built to carry payloads of coal, grain, salt, wool and cotton ‘over the top’. It takes 92 locks from its start point at castle Quay in Manchester to its junction with the Calder & Hebble at Sowerby Bridge, most of these only a short distance apart, making this canal slow with little respite. The work however is well worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding hills. As we leave Manchester, Sections of Canal between Failsworth and Littleborough are designated SSSI due to rare aquatic plants and white clawed crayfish. We are soon confronted with a more rural setting and The Pennines come into full view at Slattock. We skirt the town of Rochdale past the derelict arm which once served this town. Leaving Rochdale and the valley bottom behind the canal heads up into open woodland and onto the summit pound, giving very brief respite before descending towards Todmorden with magnificent views in front and behind. Passing Todmorden we travel through ancient deciduous woodland as the canal hugs the narrow Calder valley bottom and over Black Pitt Aqueduct which crosses us over the Hebble & Calder. From Hebden Bridge we cruise through a scene of tiny stone walled fields and stone homesteads down to Sowerby Bridge, our destination for this cruise.

Adventurous Route! We always endeavour to provide the best cruise possible for our guests but we feel it only fair to point out that there is a chance that due to the poor state of repair of this canal we may have to use an alternative route or start/end location.

Railway station – Arrival – Manchester Piccadilly (5-10min walk) - Departure – Sowerby Bridge (short taxi ride)
Parking - Parking is available at Sowerby Bridge

Back to Schedule

Cruise 11 - Sowerby Bridge to Northwich - Saturday 30th June - 9 nights
63miles, 94 locks
The Rochdale Canal, Calder valley, The Pennines, The Bridgewater Canal, The Trent & Mersey Canal, The Anderton Lift, The River Weaver, Northwich

We leave our mooring at Sowerby Bridge nestled in the valley and begin making our way along this canal the first of 3 Pennine crossings built to carry payloads of coal, grain, salt, wool and cotton ‘over the top’. The scenery once beyond Sowerby bridge is of tiny stone walled fields and stone homesteads, so typical for this part of the country, Beyond Hebden Bridge we cross Black Pitt Aqueduct which carries us over the Calder & Hebble before we hug the valley floor and travel through ancient deciduous woodlands towards Todmorden. There are some amazing views of the hills as we emerge from Todmorden, both behind us and ahead. The summit pound gives us a brief respite from the frequent locks, most of which are within a mile of each other, as they snake their way up and over the back bone of England. Progress will be slow on this canal due to the frequency of locks without any flights and that some, although wide or not able to fit both boats side by side. Beyond the summit we cruise through more woodland before reaching the valley bottom and skirting round Rochdale. We pass the derelict arm which used to serve the town. As we leave the Pennines behind we cruise past Slattock and soon the rural setting of these hills gives way to a more urban setting as we approach Manchester, although the canal here has some designated SSSI’s between Failsworth and Littleborough due to the rare aquatic plants and white clawed crayfish which seem to thrive here.Impressive old cotton mills, remind us of the reasons for this canals existence before old cast iron bridges bring us into the heart of Manchester where we descend the final 9 locks of The Rochdale canal and enter Castle Quay. The Bridgewater Canal, the first canal to be built in England, swiftly takes us out of Manchester on one of the longest lock free stretches on the network. Through the pleasant town of Lymm we pass with views of The Manchester Ship Canal to the north of us as the rural scenery opens up once again. 3 tunnels in 7 miles bring us to the top of The Anderton Lift which takes us the 50ft drop to the River Weaver. The cathedral of The Canals this is a must for any canal enthusiast. RThe final leg of this cruise takes us to the salt mining town of Northwich where we moor under the shadow of the town bridge a fine example of a swing bridge still in operation for ships when they occasionally come through.

Adventurous Route! We always endeavour to provide the best cruise possible for our guests but we feel it only fair to point out that there is a chance that due to the poor state of repair of this canal we may have to use an alternative route or start/end location.

Railway station – Arrival – Sowerby Bridge (short taxi ride) - Departure – Northwich, Green bank or Hartford
Parking - Parking is available at Sowerby Bridge and possibly near Northwich.

Back to Schedule

Cruise 12 - Northwich to Stoke - Monday 9th July - 8 nights
73 miles, 71 locks, 4 aqueducts, 1 tunnel
Trent and Mersey Canal, Harecastle Tunnel, Heartbreak Hill, Anderton Lift, River Weaver

From Northwich we quickly arrive at The Anderton Boat Lift, The Cathedral of the Canals, a wrought iron feat of engineering. Built in 1875 to connect the Canal to the Weaver Navigation, 50ft below it is a ‘must see’ for any canal enthusiast. Above and on The Canal we begin our journey South through the relics of the salt mining that dominated this area for centuries and is the reason for the canal’s and Northwich’s development. Open flashes are scattered along the canal at points and this section through what used to be an industrial landscape is surprisingly scenic. We follow the River Dane for a short while before arriving at Middlewich and going up the 4 narrow locks here. Beyond we encounter Heartbreak Hill, 26 locks scattered over 6.5 miles these take us over a day to complete. Originally all were paired locks but as we climb we see that some remain closed. Most, however have recently been restored and our passage through these allows for swift exchanges with other boats. Past the junction with the Macclesfield Canal awaits Harecastle Tunnel. At3000yrds this is one of the longest tunnels on the canal network and certainly one of the lowest. The canal water here is a bright orange from the iron ore in the tunnel. On the other side of the tunnel we begin travelling through Stoke towards Etruria where we turn onto the Caldon Calnal, passing a statue of James Brindley. We ascend the staircase lock here before signs of the pottery industry, such as bottle kilns line our route back out of Stoke. Once out into open countryside the canal splits. The Leek branch crosses the main line on a stone aqueduct and we pass under towards Froghall. We cruise alongside and then on the River Churnet, and the scenery of this section is stunning and unspoilt with thickly wooded valley sides encroaching in close. We boat as far as Consall Forge where we must turn in the last 70ft winding hole. The Leek branch of this canal is so scenic as it winds its way along the hilly contour with views out over the valley to the other side. We travel up beyond the tunnel before turning and making our way back along into Stoke for the end of this cruise.

Messing around with boats! Heartbreak Hill with a pair provides a lot of fun as well as a unique experience and adding in the Anderton lift and the Caldon Canal, where we like to long line, this cruise is for those that really enjoy their boating.

Railway station – Arrival – Northwich, Greenbank or Hartford - Departure – Stoke
Parking - Parking may be available near Northwich

Back to Schedule

Cruise 13 - Stoke to Stoke - Wednesday 18th July - 5 nights
32 miles, 32 locks, 1 tunnel (twice!), 1 aqueduct
Etruria Industrial Museum, Caldon Canal, Churnet Valley, Leek Branch

From our mooring outside The Etruria Industrial Museum we set off up the staircase locks of Etruria and out of Stoke past old Bottle Kilns and new development. Beyond Milton we emerge into rolling countryside and climb the 5 locks of Stockton Brook which brings us into lovely pleasant farmland. At Hazelhurst junction the canal splits and we descend the 3 locks here and cruise to Cheddleton and past the old flint mill. 2 locks here and a further 3 attractive and isolated locks bring us to the valley floor and we cruise alongside and eventually on The River Churnet. The scenery of this section is stunning and unspoilt with thickly wooded valley sides encroaching to the canal. The Churnet Valley Steam Railway runs alongside the canal and river and at Consall Forge we travel underneath the railway platform for a short distance before we must turn in the last 70ft winding hole at Flint Lock, just 1 mile shy of the terminus at Froghall. We rise back up the locks along this branch and at Hazelhurst junction turn onto The Leek Branch which offers another stunning and secluded canal as we see the Churnet Valley from higher up. As we emerge from Leek Tunnel we are surrounded by rolling countryside and some of the best scenery of the network. From here we must turn and make our way back along the canal into Stoke and our mooring outside the Etruria Museum.

The Caldon Canal is just too good so we decided to do it again! This 5 night break would be ideal for the more time strapped or those keen on a one centre holiday. The location and scenery are again ideal for the keen rambler, ambler or nature lover.

Railway station – Arrival – Stoke - Departure – Stoke
Parking - Parking is available near Stoke at Stone.

Back to Schedule

Cruise 14 - Stoke to Coventry - Monday 23rd July - 7 nights
70 miles, 36 locks
Trent & Mersey Canal, Etruria, Stone, Fradley Junction, Coventry Canal, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, The Tame Valley, Atherstone Flight, Hawkesbury Junction, Coventry

Leaving Etruria and our mooring outside the industrial museum we immediately lock down and begin making our way out of Stoke. We pass various relics of the pottery industry, most notably the large bottle kilns lining the side of the canal, before emerging out into greenery and countryside. This stretch to Stone takes us through 14 locks, all downhill. Beyond Stone we travel with The River Trent, winding it’s own course, never far away. We soon reach Great Haywood and Shugbourough Hall, now owned by the National Trust. We make our way past Cannock Chase, an ancient Norman hunting ground, and if we are lucky, see fallow dear who have grazed this area for centuries. The Town of Rugeley is encountered, with its power station dominating the landscape for several miles. We soon enter quiet countryside heading towards Fradley Junction, an interesting place, set among woods with a famous pub and a boatyard with many interesting boats. Here we turn onto The Coventry Canal passing through flat and open countryside. After several miles a stone marks the point at which the Coventry Canal becomes The Birmingham and Fazely Canal and we follow the course of The River Tame very closely past a delightful wooded stretch. From our vantage point on a side cut embankment we have good views of Tamworth to the east before we pass through it. Passing through a post-industrial landscape where old gravel pits have been filled with water and turned into Nature Reserves. There is a heavily locked section of canal as we pass through the pleasant town of Atherston, climbing a flight of 11. We now enter open rolling country backed by thick woods to the west and, for a time, return to a quarry belt before we pass the junction on with The Ashby Canal. Continuing on we soon arrive at Hawkesbury Junction where we carry on towards Coventry passing many excellent sculptures, part of The Canal Art Trail. Beyond once busy industrial areas we end this cruise at Bishop Street Basin.

This cruise through the East Midlands would be ideal for the keen walker or scenery lover, given the long distances without locks. It is packed by various canal community highlights and traditional boatmans pubs, this area being the real heart of the canal network.

Railway station – Arrival – Stoke - Departure – Coventry
Parking - Parking is available near Stoke at Stone

Back to Schedule

Cruise 15 - Coventry to Rugby - Tuesday 31st July - 7 nights
62 miles, 1 lock
Coventry canal, Coventry, Hawkesbury Junction, The Ashby Canal, Shackerstone, Market Bosworth, The North Oxford Canal

Leaving our mooring at Bishop Street Basin we make our way out through what were once busy industrial areas and past some excellent sculptures which make up the Canal Art Trail, as we leave the city. Our first pause is at Hawkesbury junction, or Sutton Stop as it was called after its first lockkeeper. Here the Coventry Canal meets the Oxford Canal in sight of a fine canal pub. A few miles on we turn onto The Ashby Canal as it, winds its way through remote rural countryside along a 300ft contour, making this canal entirely lock free. Heading north we pass close to the Battle of Bosworth Field, where Richard III was killed by Henry Tudor and the canal is accompanied by the preserved Battlefield Railway Line, which has old steam and diesel locomotives on some days of the summer. The small farming villages of Shackerstone and Snarestone are before the canals terminus and turning back on ourselves, we make our way to The Coventry Canal and having skirted the town of Bedworth in a long cutting we soon reach Hawkesbury junction. Otherwise known as Sutton Stop after the first toll clerk to work here there is a fine country pub and the shallow stop lock marks our entry to The Oxford Canal. Travelling South East through farmland we pass the villages of Anstey and Brinklow along shortened lengths of canal, following an 1829 re-routing to improve efficiency. The occasional elegant iron bridge marks the old route. Open rolling fields take us up to Newbold Tunnel and our mooring for the end of this cruise, just beyond.

The Ashby Canal is the obvious draw on this cruise. The seclusion in rural Leicestershire would make an ideal holiday for those who enjoy walking or watching the scenery drift by.

Railway station – Arrival – Coventry - Departure – Rugby

Back to Schedule

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 this is markedly different from the winding, contours of the South Oxford Canal. We first encounter the lovely paired locks of Hillmorton, through which both boats ascend at the same time, almost racing each other to the top. Beyond the canal takes us through peaceful countryside to the canal town of Braunston and the junction with The Grand Union to London. 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 immediately enter Braunston tunnel, 2042yds and about 30mins long. Emerging into wooded countryside, we then descend the flight of 7 locks at Long Buckby. Accompanied by Motorway, Railway and Roman road for a few miles this valley was a natural route to London. Passing through the village of Weedon we cross the River Nene and enter an agricultural landscape. Blisworth tunnel is 3057yds long, the 3rd longest canal tunnel in Britain. Exiting brings us to the National Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne before we continue down the flight of locks here and out into open fields. At Wolverton we cross an iron trunk aqueduct that replaced nine locks before we wind our way through Milton Keynes. On the other side of this new town we lock up three locks at Soulbury and continue, accompanied with fine views and intermittent locks, along the Ouzel Valley. The Canal divides the twinned towns of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade before several more intermittent locks bring us through open grassland. We cruise quiet countryside for several miles before we pass the junction with the Aylesbury Arm. We have lovely views of The Chilterns as we cruise up the flight of 7 locks at Marsworth, climbing alongside a reservoir to the junction of The Wendover Arm and our final mooring at Tring.

Hanna’s Dad always said it wasn’t worth going beyond Tring on the Grand Union... so we’re not! There are enough locks on this cruise to keep those with windlasses happy and some lovely walking along this swift canal.

Railway station – Arrival – Rugby - Departure – Tring (5 min by taxi)
Parking – There is parking available at Tring rail station

Back to Schedule

Starting from the 3 mile summit level at Tring we head North through a long wooded cutting and quickly encounter our first locks, the 7 at Marsworth, winding down past reservoirs with good views of the Chilterns. Moving on through quiet grassland and intermittent locks we reach the picturesque market town of Leighton Buzzard.

Beyond, we enter the Ouzel Valley with its steep sides and fine views over the valley. The canal descends down the three Soulbury locks before running through Milton Keynes. At Wolverton we cross an iron trunk aqueduct that replaced nine locks and move through open fields till we ascend the locks at Stoke Bruerne where The National Waterways museum provides an interesting interlude in our journey before we plunge into the darkness of Britain’s 3rd longest canal tunnel, the 3057yds of Blisworth. After about 30mins we emerge on the other side into an agricultural landscape. We cross the River Nene and pass through the village of Weedon and for a few miles are accompanied along the valley by motorway, railway and roman road on what was a natural route to London. At Long Buckby we rise 7 locks into wooded countryside before cruising through another long tunnel at Braunston. This canal town is arguably the spiritual home of canal boating, having had many a historic cruise begin here. At Braunston Turn we continue on the Grand Union to Napton Junction and Calcutt locks beyond. The scenic flight at Stockton beings us down past a number of restored working boats and out to Bascote staircase lock. Beyond there are intermittent locks spread through lush countryside to bring us towards the spa town of Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick beyond.

This cruise has plenty of locks to give enthusiastic walkers or helpers enough to keep them busy as well as rural scenery in between! Wide locks mean the boats make swift progress together on what was the motorway of its day (when we say swift we mean 3mphr instead of 2!)

Railway station – Arrival – Tring (5 min walk) - Departure – Warwick Parkway or Warwick Town (5-10 min by taxi)
Parking - Parking is available at Tring station or Warwick Canal Centre

Back to Schedule

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. 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. Beyond Banbury the canal follows The Cherwell Valley sharing it with the railway line which is generally close by but unnoticeable till a train passes. Somerton deep lock is one of the deepest on the cut and set amongst the rolling open farmland that continues as we make our way further south. Sharing a length of several miles with The River Cherwell we are treated to some river scenery before dropping off its course and heading into the traditional boatman’s stop of Thrupp. The River continues to accompany the canal as we travel down the valley, never far away and we cruise through water meadows and woodland until the Spires of Oxford can be seen just ahead. Our final journey into Oxford takes us through some of the wealthiest suburbs and right to the current terminus of the canal at Hythe Bridge.

The South Oxford Canal is our home territory so we may be a bit biased but we think it’s one of the nicest windy windy bits of canal there is, and trust us you don’t get much more windy windy than the Summit of the South Oxford.

Railway station – Arrival – Warwick Parkway or Warwick Town (5-10 mins by taxi) - Departure – Oxford (2 min walk)
Parking – Parking is available at Warwick

Back to Schedule

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 – Arrival – Reading (15-20 min walk or taxi ride) - Departure – Bath (5-10 min walk uphill or a taxi ride)
Parking - Parking may be available at Newbury, a short train ride out of Reading.

Back to Schedule

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 – Arrival – Bath (10 min walk or a taxi ride) - Departure – Newbury(10 min walk or short taxi ride)
Parking - Parking may be available at Newbury

Back to Schedule

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 – Arrival – Newbury (10 min walk or short taxi ride) - Departure – Oxford (3 min walk)
Parking - Parking may be available at Newbury

Back to Schedule

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.

A taster cruise for those that want a shortbreak or perhaps aren’t convinced just yet that hotelboating is for them. Come and enjoy 4 pampered nights on board with some stunning and relaxing cruising and let us convince you that this is the only way to travel.

Railway station – Arrival – Oxford (3 min walk) - Departure – Banbury (5 min walk)
Parking - Parking is available at Banbury Station

Back to Schedule

We depart the medieval market town of Banbury and travel up through locks at the pretty little village of Cropredy and through Fenny Compton ‘Tunnel’. The summit level of the Oxford Canal provides clear views over the surrounding fields 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. 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 scenery aplenty as we pass through its wide locks and wooded sides. Cruising through the suburbs of the Regency town of Royal Leamington Spa, we pass over the River Avon by aqueduct and skirt the edge of Warwick with its fantastic medieval castle, before encountering the flight of 21 locks at Hatton. We then pass through the 430yd length of Shrewley Tunnel before turning off the Grand Union at Kingswood Junction to join the Stratford Canal. This very pretty waterway is a delight with its unique split bridges, barrel roofed lock keepers cottages and the narrow cast iron aqueducts which take us over country lanes, streams and a railway line. We cruise through the Forest of Arden into the land of Shakespeare passing through wealthy Warwickshire villages. There are plenty of locks to keep us on our toes and plenty of walking opportunities if people so wish. Our final destination will be the bustling heart of Stratford at Bancroft Basin. Stratford is a wonderful town, full of energy, history and, of course, anything Shakespeare.

We think this route has it all. The wonderful enclosed character of The Stratford, the wide expanse of the Grand Union and the gloriously laid back route of the South Oxford Canal. 3 different personalities in one cruise and 103 locks. 7 days cruising to travel what takes 25mins by car! What more could you want!

Railway station – Arrival – Banbury (5 min walk) - Departure – Stratford on Avon (10-15 min walk or short taxi ride)
Parking - Parking is available at Banbury Station or Stratford on Avon

Back to Schedule

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 these we have views out over the town before the end of this cruise.

Another short cruise on one of the most distinctive canals on the network. There are few routes which pack as much character in as this one. A short yet perfectly formed package ideal for absolutely anyone, unless you want something longer than 5 nights.

Railway Station – Arrival – Stratford on Avon (10-15mins walk or short taxi ride) - Departure – Warwick Parkway or Town (5-10mins by taxi)
Parking - Parking is available at Stratford on Avon or Warwick Canal Centre

Back to Schedule

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 – Arrival – Warwick Parkway or Warwick Town (5-10 mins by taxi) - Departure – Warwick Parkway or Warwick Town (5-10 mins by taxi)
Parking - Parking is available at Warwick

Back to Schedule