The Black Country Ring takes boaters along 75 miles of canals in the Birmingham area 

With 101 locks to pass through, it takes around 56 hours to cruise this circuit.  Also known as the Birmingham Ring, it passes through the vibrant heart of Birmingham, and miles peaceful English countryside.

The route explores sections of the Birmingham Canal Main Line, Staffordshire & Worcestershire, Trent & Mersey, Coventry and Birmingham & Fazeley canals.  Destinations to stop off along the way include: Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Trent & Mersey Canal; Tixall Wide on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal; and Gas Street Basin in Birmingham.

This circuit can be cruised in a week, but a 10-day break gives more time for sight-seeing.

The best Drifters bases for the Black Country Ring are Great Haywood, King’s Orchard and Autherley Junction.

For full details of the individual routes and attractions, simply hover your mouse over any one of the numbered Drifters Hire Bases.

Then click on “Routes and Availability” in the blue ‘pop-up’ panels.

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Black Country Ring
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Great Haywood Base    Routes and Availability

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Brewood Base   Routes and  Availability

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Autherley Base  Routes and Availability

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Kings Orchard Base   Routes and Availability

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Alvechurch Base  Routes and Availability

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Tardebigge Base   Routes and Availability

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Stoke Prior Base   Routes and Availability

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Worcester Base   Routes and Availability

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Stoke on Trent Base   Routes and Availability

BLACK COUNTRY RING

Also known as the Birmingham Ring or the Staffordshire Ring

75 miles, 79 locks, 7 days at 8 hours cruising per day

Waterways:
Birmingham Canal Navigations, Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, Trent & Mersey Canal, Coventry Canal, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
Highlights:
Tixall Wide, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Tunnel trips, Drayton Manor Theme Park & Zoo, Gas Street Basin, Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Sealife Centre, Brindley Place.