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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Great Haywood Base Routes and Availability
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Gailey 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.