Tag Archive for: Shropshire Union Canal

Bank holiday rural retreats on the Llangollen Canal

Bank holiday rural retreats on a canal boat

Britain’s canals take boaters through some of our best loved countryside

You can enjoy the choice of hundreds of bank holiday rural retreats on a canal boat with Drifters.

There are so many places to moor up your canal boat in quiet backwaters.  And the chance to visit historic country pubs and farm shops along the way.

Here’s a list of our top 6 bank holiday boating rural retreats:

1. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Shebdon

From our canal boat hire base at Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, it takes just over five hours to reach the small village of Shebdon, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The journey takes yours through 13 miles of scenic countryside and woodland. Then passes through a series of small villages and hamlets with historic pubs. These include Wheaton Aston with its Hartley Inn; Gnosall with its Boat Inn; and the Junction Inn at Norbury Wharf. Canal features encountered along the way include Stretton Aqueduct, a lock at Wheaton Aston, Cowley Tunnel, Shelmore Embankment and Grub Street Cutting. The journey there and back takes around 11 hours.

2. Boat through the Warwickshire countryside to Napton

From our base at Stockton on the Grand Union Canal it’s a two-hour cruise through the countryside to Napton.  Here a herd of water buffalo can often be seen grazing.  In 1999, the Buffalo Farm at Chapel Green started milking 20 water buffalo, and now the herd is 300 strong.  Napton Village Stores sells the farm’s Buffalo burgers, sausages, meatballs, steaks and ice cream.  They also sell veg boxes, homemade meals, cider and homemade cakes.

3. Navigate through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley

Our base at Great Haywood offers a great bank holiday rural retreat in the Staffordshire countryside. On a weekend break, you can cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction and back. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Before setting off, the Canalside Farm Shop at Great Haywood is perfect for stocking up on local food.  The shop sells a variety of produce sourced from local farms, including homemade sausages, fruit, vegetables, free range eggs and baked products. The journey to Fradley and back travels 25 miles, through 10 locks (five each way) and takes around 12 hours.

4. Cruise through the Brecon Beacons to Llangynidr

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. The waterway offers the chance to escape to the country and experience incredible mountain views.  On a weekend’s break from Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back.  The route goes through a series of small villages with historic pubs, including the Lion Inn at Govilon.

5. Travel slowly through the Leicestershire countryside to Stoke Golding

From Springwood Haven, it takes around six hours to cruise to the historic village of Stoke Golding. This bank holiday rural retreat on a canal boat takes you through the Leicestershire countryside along the Ashby Canal.  There are no locks along the way. Stoke Golding has one of the most beautiful churches in England and a choice of pubs, including the White Swan. Before setting off, you can stock up on local produce at the Poplars Farm shop and café near Nuneaton. The shop sells fruit, vegetables, honey, local cheese, eggs, poultry and jams.

6. Potter through the Shropshire countryside to Chirk

On a weekend break from Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Caanl you can cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Chirk and back.  The journey there and back takes around 11 hours and there are only two locks to go through each way.  You’ll travel across the stunning Chirk Aqueduct, crossing the border from England to Wales.  Then on through Chirk Tunnel to Chirk Marina, where you can moor up to visit the National Trust’s Chirk Castle.  There’s a café at the castle, and choice of canalside pubs, including The Bridge at Chirk Bank.

Best canalside events 2025

Best canalside events in 2025

Britain’s canals and rivers host hundreds of exciting waterside events each year

Here’s our pick of the best canalside events in 2025 to head to on a canal boat holiday:

1. Easter Boat Gathering, 18-21 April

The annual Easter Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port marks the official start of the cruising season.  Over the weekend, dozens of boats will moor up across the Museum’s seven-acre site and visitors can enjoy live music, children’s activities, workshop tours and historic boats.  You can reach Ellesmere Port on a week’s break from Bunbury.

2. Crick Boat Show, Northamptonshire, 24-26 May

Over 200 exhibitors will gather at Crick Marina on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal near Daventry for the Crick Boat Show.  The event, which is organised by Waterways World and the Canal & River Trust, will showcase thousands of inland waterways products and services. And there’ll be an exciting programme of entertainment, including boat trips, live music, boating seminars and a wide variety of food and drink stalls. You can reach Crick on a week’s break from Gayton.

3. St Richards Canal Festival, Worcestershire, 2-5 May

This annual event organised by the Worcester-Birmingham and Droitwich Canals Society takes place in Vines Park alongside the Droitwich Barge Canal. The event offers family entertainment, live music, boats, classic cars, markets, duck races and a real ale bar. You can reach Droitwich on a short break from Worcester and Stoke Prior.

4. IWA Canalway Cavalcade, London, 3 May

The Inland Waterway Association’s annual Canalway Cavalcade takes place at Little Venice in London is one of the best canalside events in 2025. This unique waterways and community festival offers fun for all the family with a boaters’ gathering, pageant of boats, trade stalls, live music, kids’ activities, competitions, Morris Dancers, a real ale bar and variety of food stalls. You can reach Little Venice on a two-week break from Aldermaston.

5. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wales, 8-13 July

Thousands of people from around the world descend on the pretty town of Llangollen on the Llangollen Canal each year to celebrate dance, music, costume and culture. The Llangollen Eisteddfod is one of the world’s great music and culture events with six days of world-class competitions and concerts featuring an array of international performers. You can reach Llangollen on a short break from  Trevor, Chirk and Blackwater Meadow.

6. Stone Food & Drink Festival, Staffordshire, 9-11 May

Staffordshire’s biggest celebration of all things gastronomic takes place at the Georgian market town of Stone on the Trent & Mersey Canal. This year the Stone Food & Drink Festival marks its 20th anniversary with an exciting new programme of demos, talks and tastings. The event will also host a range of themed food marquees, live music, gourmet dining and free kids’ cookery classes. You can reach Stone on a short break from Great Haywood and Stoke on Trent.

7. Fairport Convention at Cropredy, Oxfordshire, 7-9 August

This annual festival of folk and rock music is held in the village of Cropredy, next to the Oxford Canal is one of the best canalside events in 2025. The event is run by the Fairport Convention, often credited with being the first English electric folk band. You can easily reach Cropredy on week long break from Napton, Braunston and Stockton.

8. Edinburgh Canal Festival, Scotland, 21 June

Organised by the Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust, this annual event takes place at Lochrin Basin, at the Edinburgh end of the Union Canal.  The event includes free boat trips, canoe taster-sessions, children’s entertainment, music, dance and food. You can reach Edinburgh on a week’s break from Falkirk.

Guide to the Four Counties Ring

Guide to the Four Counties Ring

Love Travelling’s guide to cruising round the Four Counties Ring on a narrowboat

Last autumn Marion Collinson of Love Travelling travelled round the Four Counties Ring on a narrowboat holiday with her family, and has since published a Guide to the Four Counties Ring.

Marion departed from Drifters’ canal boat hire base at Stoke-on-Trent aboard a 62ft Princess Signature Class narrowboat.

The journey covered 110 miles, passed through 94 locks and took two weeks. It is possible to complete the Four Counties Ring on a 10-day holiday, but Marion and her family wanted time to visit local attractions along the way.

With such an epic journey to review, Marion’s detailed Guide to Narrowboating on the Four Counties Ring is a four-part series:

Part 1 Staffordshire

The Staffordshire guide covers the first few days heading north on the Trent & Mersey Canal, including visiting Middleport Pottery and travelling through the Harecastle Tunnel.

Part 2 Cheshire

The Cheshire guide covers the 31 locks at Heartbreak Hill, boating through the leafy Cheshire Plains and visiting Wheelock and Sandbach. This section of the journey includes transferring onto the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal at Middlewich and a visit to Nantwich.

Part 3 Cheshire, Shropshire & The West Midlands

This third guide covers a section of the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire and then into Shropshire at Audlem and on to the outskirts of the Wolverhampton. Stops included The Shroppie Fly pub at Audlem Wharf, Market Drayton, The Bridge Inn at Brewood (offering a laundry service for boaters) and Autherley Junction.

Part 4 Completing the circle

This final guide covers the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, Gailey Wharf, Penkridge, the Tixall Wide Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), transferring onto the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood Junction, the village of Stone and a stop at the Plume of Feathers at Barlaston.

Marion has also reviewed a Drifters narrowboat holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Drifters top 8 Easter canal boat holidays

Top 8 Easter canal boat holidays

Easter is a great time to take a narrowboat holiday in England, Scotland and Wales

We’ve published a guide to our top 8 Easter canal boat holidays in 2025.

Canal boat holidays are fantastic for families, offering the chance to set off on an adventure together. Everyone can enjoy learning how to work the locks, spotting wildlife, exploring traffic-free towpaths and visiting waterside attractions along the way.

Drifters’ prices this Easter currently start at £761 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people, £1,026 for a week.

Here are our top 8 Easter canal boat holidays destinations in 2025:

1. Visit the World’s biggest Cadbury shop at Cadbury World

Perfect for beginners, you can travel lock-free to Birmingham in around five hours from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove. Along the way, you can stop off at Bournville to find handmade Easter eggs in the World’s biggest Cadbury shop at Cadbury World. With more canals than Venice, boaters can travel right into the heart of the City where over-night moorings are available at Gas Street Basin. Here you are close to Brindleyplace with plenty for families to see and do, including visiting the Planetarium at Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank.

2. Follow Wallace & Gromit across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

On a short break from Chirk on the beautiful Llangollen Canal in North Wales you can cruise across the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Wallace & Gromit boated across the aqueduct in the BAFTA and Oscar nominated ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’ stands 38 metres high above the Dee Valley.  With not even a hand rail on the south side of the aqueduct to obscure the stunning views of the valley below, crossing the aqueduct by boat you literally feel like you’re floating above the earth. After you’ve crossed the aqueduct, you can continue on to Llangollen Basin and moor up visit he pretty Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains.

3. Join the Easter Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum

Over the Easter Weekend (18-21 April 2025), the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire celebrates the start of the summer boating season with a large boat gathering and music and activities for the whole family. From our base at Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, it’s a 10-hour journey to Ellesmere Port. You’ll travel 21 miles through 12 locks, passing through the historic City of Chester along the way, perfect for a week away.

4. Celebrate the Jane Austen 250th anniversary in Bath

On a short break from Hilperton near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, you can travel along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal and reach Sydney Gardens in around seven hours. There are three locks to pass through each way. From there, it’s a short walk to Georgian Bath’s City Centre attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre, celebrating 250 years since this remarkable author was born.

5. Visit Drayton Manor Theme Park

On a week-long holiday from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to moorings close to Drayton Manor Theme Park.  The journey there and back travels 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (five each way) and takes around 22 cruising hours. Along the way you’ll pass through the Cannock Chase, Fradley Junction and Nature Reserve, and a series of villages with canalside pubs. You can moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and walk to Drayton Manor Park.

6. Step back in time in Mary King Close in Edinburgh

On a week long break from Falkirk you can travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh and back. The journey starts with trip through the iconic Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, which lifts boats 100ft from the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal above. You’ll pass through Linlithgow and Ratho along the way. Once in Edinburgh, you can moor up in Edinburgh Quay to enjoy the City’s attractions, including a tour of Mary King Close frozen in time beneath the Royal Mile.

7. See the Zog Live Show at Warwick Castle

On a short break from Stockton, on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Warwick and back. Once there, you can moor up to explore Warwick Castle, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. From 12 April to 28 September 2025 the daily Zog Live Show will bring this popular children’s book to life.  The journey to Warwick and back travels 23 miles, passes through 44 locks (22 each way) and takes around 17 hours.

8. Star gaze in the Brecon Beacons

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.  Stretching 35 miles from Brecon to Cwmbran, this peaceful waterway has very few locks so it’s great for beginners. It offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views. There’s a series of historic village pubs to visit along the way and dark skies perfect for star-gazing on clear nights. On a short break from our base at Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back. You’ll pass the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Inn at Llangattock. On a week’s break, you can travel on to Brecon, passing through Talybont-on-Usk with its popular Star Inn.

Spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat

Spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat

Drifters offers Christmas and New Year holidays from six narrow boat hire bases

You can spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat with the choice of six departure points.

All our boats have central heating and hot water, and some of our boats also come with multi-fuel stoves.

Prices start at £635 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people. £875 for a week.

Please note, some routes are affected at times by the Canal & River Trust’s winter maintenance programme.

1. Travel along the Stratford Canal to Stratford upon Avon

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, it’s a six-hour cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey takes you through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through 17 locks along the way. Christmas in Stratford-upon-Avon is magical with Christmas lights adorning ancient streets, picturesque pubs and restaurants with festive decorations, and the Stratford Town Walk which runs all year round, including Christmas Day.

2. Cruise the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction

Heading south from our base at Great Haywood, boaters can reach Fradley Junction in around five hours. The journey passes through five locks and 12 miles of Staffordshire countryside, including the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Fradley you’ll find a choice of places to eat, including The Swan pub, and woodland walks around Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.

3. Boat along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere

From our base at Whixall in Shropshire, it takes around four hours to reach the historic town of Ellesmere. The journey travels through the Shropshire Lake District, past Whixall Moss Nature Reserve, Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park. The pretty town of Ellesmere has a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, woodland walks around the Mere, sculpture trail, cycle paths and hire, a castle and Victorian gardens.

4. Navigate the Shropshire Union Canal to Chester

From Bunbury near Tarporley, you can cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Chester. This ancient city has so much to offer visitors, including Roman city walls to walk, shopping at the Chester Rows, many historic pubs and vibrant restaurants and an award winning Zoo. The journey to Chester and back takes 14 hours and passes through 18 locks (nine each way).

5. Travel along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen

From Trevor in North Wales, it takes around two hours to cruise to Llangollen. There you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting this historic town nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. Llangollen has great places to visit, including the magnificent Horseshoe Falls and the National Trust’s Plas Newydd House.

6. Cruise the Kennet & Avon Canal to Devizes and the Caen Hill flight

Beginning your journey at Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, it takes around eight hours to cruise through the Wiltshire countryside to Foxhangers Wharf at the base of the Caen Hill flight. There you can moor up and walk up the flight and into the vibrant market town of Devizes. The journey from Bradford on Avon to Foxhangers passes through seven locks.

 

Norbury Junction where the Shrewsbury Canal meets the Shropshire Union Canal on Four Counties Ring intinerary

Marion’s Four Counties Ring Itinerary

Love Travelling’s Four Counties Ring Itinerary

Marion Collinson from Love Travelling recently cruised the Four Counties Ring and has shared her Four Counties Ring Itinerary.

Setting off from our base at Stoke on Trent, in total the Four Counties Ring journey covered 111 miles, 94 locks and took close to 63 cruising hours.

Marion and her family took their time and did the journey in two weeks. You can do it in a week when the days are longer, but it’s more relaxing to do this journey on a 10-day or two-week holiday.

Day one: Etruria to Westport Lake 3 miles, 0 locks, 1 hour 20 minutes

  • Festival Park Marina, Etruria, Trent & Mersey Canal, Stafforshire (Black Prince base).
  • Morrisons supermarket at Festival Park for supplies to take on board
  • Middleport Pottery on right with moorings. Arranged a tour for the final day after returning boat.
  • Moor on left bank at Westport Lake, after Bridge 127.
  • Westport Lake is within walking distance of Harecastle Tunnel.
  • Westport Lake Visitor Centre closes 4.00 p.m.
  • Evening meal on board boat.

Day two: Longport to Rode Heath 1 tunnel, 5 miles, 12 locks, 5 hours

  • Harecastle tunnel. Open passage 8am to 12 noon. Bookings only pm and can be booked online the previous day.
  • The water at both ends of the tunnel is stained orange by iron ore.
  • Lidl available beside the canal just beyond the tunnel exit.
  • Red Bull pub overlooking Lock 43 at Church Lawton (Robinsons).
  • This is the upper section of what is known as the ‘Cheshire locks’ or ‘heartbreak hill’.
  • Locks x 6 (Nos.41 to 46) – Red Bull.
  • Locks x 2 (Nos. 47 to 48) – Church.
  • Lock x 1 (No. 49) – Hall’s.
  • Locks x 3 (Nos. 50 to 52) – Lawton Treble.
  • Moor at Rode Heath, between Bridge 140 and Lock 53.
  • Dinner at The Broughton Arms beside the canal just after bridge 140.

Day three of Marion’s Four Counties Ring Itinerary: Rode Heath to Wheelock 3 miles, 14 locks, 3 hours 50 minutes

  • This is the lower section of what is known as the ‘Cheshire locks’ or ‘heartbreak hill’.
  • Locks x 2 (Nos. 53 to 54) – Thurlwood.
  • Locks x 2 (Nos.55 to 56) – Pierpoint.
  • Locks x 2 (Nos. 57 to 58) – Hassall Green.
  • Locks x 8 (Nos. 59 to 66) – Wheelock.
  • Moor in Wheelock on left by Bridge 152.
  • Centre of Sandback a 1 mile walk from Wheelock. Dinner at The George Inn.
  • The Cheshire Cheese Inn at Wheelock looks attractive inside but just serves a snack menu.

Day four: Wheelock to Middlewich 6 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 40 minutes

  • Locks x 3 at Booth lane (Nos. 67 to 69).
  • Rumps Lock (No 70) one mile south of Middlewich centre.
  • Middlewich centre – Locks x 2. Through Kings Lock then turn onto Shropshire Union Canal (SUC) – Middlewich branch, followed immediately by Wardle Lock.
  • Moor on the right between Bridges 28 and 31.
  • Lidl & Morrisons supermarkets in town centre.
  • Dined on board the boat.

Day five: Middlewich to Nantwich 13 miles, 3 locks, 5 hours 45 minutes

  • 3 locks at Stanthorne, Cholmondeston, and Minshull, then enter Shropshire Union Canal (SUC) – Mainline, at Barbridge Junction.
  • Possible lunch stop at The Badger at Church Minshull – Bridge 14.5 miles from Middlewich (10 minute walk).
  • 2 miles, 1 hour, past Hurlstone Junction, to Nantwich.
  • Moorings on left bank after Basin and before aqueduct.
  • Walk into Nantwich from aqueduct / bridge 92.
  • Nantwich museum free to visit, closes at 4pm.
  • Aldi & Morrisons supermarkets.
  • Dinner: Navio Lounge, Nantwich but there are also several attractive pubs in the town.

Day six: Nantwich to Audlem 5 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 10 minutes

  • Short day to accommodate late start from Nantwich. To continue requires climbing a flight of 9 locks out of Audlem.
  • Locks x 2 at Hack Green.
  • Can visit the Secret Nuclear Bunker after Hack Green locks by Bridge 85.
  • Locks x 4 (Nos. 12 to 15) at start of Audlem.
  • Moorings on left at Audlem Wharf, bridge 78 between locks 12 and 13. Look for old wharf crane.
  • Dinner at the Shroppie Fly – canalside pub with food at Lock 13.

Day seven: Audlem to Market Drayton 5 miles, 16 locks, 4 hours 30 minutes

  • Locks x 11. Upper portion of Audlem flight of locks (Nos. 1 to 11).
  • Panda’s Pantry honesty mini farm shop at Lock 1.
  • Locks x 5. Adderley flight.
  • Moorings on right: below Bridge 62; between Bridges 63 & 64; between Bridges 64 & 65.
  • Bridge 62 gives direct access to Market Drayton centre.
  • Aldi, Lidl, and Asda supermarkets.
  • Dinner at The Hipperdrome in Market Drayton, but there are several other pubs to choose from in the town.

Day eight: Market Drayton to Norbury Junction 11 miles, 5 locks, 5 hours 20 minutes

  • Locks x 5 at Tyrley, a mile south of Market Drayton.
  • Start of 17 mile pound with embankments and cuttings: Woodseaves cutting; Shebden embankment; Grubb Street cutting.
  • Loynton Moss: floating bog managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Accessible from bridge 39.
  • Moor on the right above or below Bridge 38 at Norbury Junction.
  • Dinner on board the boat.

Day nine: Norwood Junction to Brewood 10 miles, 1 lock, 4 hours 25 minutes

  • More cuttings and embankments.
  • Deep cutting at Cowley Tunnel.
  • Lock x 1 at Wheaton Aston about 3 miles before Brewood.
  • Moor by Bridge 14 at Brewood (Pronounced Brood).
  • Dinner at The Bridge Inn canalside at Bridge 14. The pub also offers laundrette facilities for boaters if needed.

Day 10: Brewood to Gailey Wharf 12 miles, 1 lock, 5 hours 20 minutes

  • Enter Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal through stop lock at Autherley Junction.
  • Several narrow sections both approaching and leaving Autherley junction.
  • Morrisons supermarket in Pendeford, a short walk from the canal with mooring just prior to Autherley Junction.
  • Gailey Wharf (visitors moorings), with toll keeper’s watch-tower and canal shop.
  • Dinner at The Spread Eagle in Gailey, a 15 minute walk from the canal.

Day 11: Gailey Wharf to Radford Bridge 8 miles, 11 locks, 5 hours 30 minutes

  • Locks x 6 between Gailey Wharf and Penkridge: Gailey Top (No. 32); Brick Kiln (No. 33); Bogg’s (No. 34); Rodbaston (No. 35); Otherton (No 36); Filance (No 37).
  • Locks x 5 from Penkridge to Radford Bridge: Penkridge (No. 38) by Penkridge Bridge; Longford (No. 39); Park Gate (No. 40.); Shutt Hill (No. 41); Deptmore (No. 42).
  • Locks in this section are evenly spaced and are attractive, with some having bridges.
  • Radford Bridge (No. 98) visitor moorings on right above and below bridge.
  • Stafford is 1 mile west of Radford Bridge. Bus, walk or taxi.
  • Aldi supermarket for supplies, a 5 minute walk from the canal.
  • Evening meal at The Radford Bank Inn (Stonehouse), beside the canal. Excellent carvery.

Day 12: Radford Bridge to Stone 14 miles, 5 locks, 6 hours 40 minutes

  • 3 miles with 1 lock at Tixall (No43) followed by Tixall Wide.
  • To visit the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate. Moor on right bank before Great Haywood Junction.  Access on foot is from Haywood lock / Essex Bridge on Trent & Mersey south of junction.
  • Enter Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood junction, turning north (left).
  • The Hollybush Inn at Salt accessed from Bridge 82. Renovated thatched pub.
  • 8 miles with 4 locks: Hoo Mill (No. 23); Weston (No. 24); Sandon (No. 25); Aston (No. 26).
  • Moorings above and below Lock 27 / Bridge 93.
  • If short of time could moor south of Stone after Sandon or Aston locks.
  • Stone supermarkets – M & S, Morrisons & Aldi.
  • Dinner in Stone centre at The Poste of Stone. The Star (Marstons) – canalside at Lock 27 is very attractive but no food served after 4pm weekdays and 5pm weekends.

Day 13: Stone to Barlaston 3 miles, 8 locks, 2 hours 50 minutes

  • Short day of boating so leisurely start with breakfast at The Poste of Stone 10 minutes walk from the boat.
  • Locks x 4 at Stone (27 to 30). Two above Stone centre and two below.
  • Locks x 4. Meaford flight (31 to 34) two miles south of Barlaston.
  • Moor by Bridge 103, Barlaston.
  • Evening meal at The Plume of Feathers – Neil Morrissey’s pub, by Bridge 103, moorings outside. Booked a table online as a busy, popular pub.  Definitely recommended.  Sunday roast superb.

Day 14: Barlaston to Longport 7 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 30 minutes

  • Trentham Lock No. 35.
  • Locks x 5 (Nos. 36 to 40) South of Etruria Junction.
  • Factory Tour, World of Wedgewood accessible from Bridge 104 just south of Trentham.
  • Followed by Afternoon Tea and Pot Throwing.
  • Bottle kilns on right after Bridge 112 and on the left before bridge 115 (Lock 38).
  • Moored back at Black Prince base at Festival Park Marina, ready to return the boat at 9am the next morning.

You can see all our bases are on the Four Counties Ring here.

Best October Half Term narrowboat holidays for families

Best October Half Term narrowboat holidays

There are dozens of great family destinations to choose from this October Half Term

We’ve published a guide to our best October Half Term narrowboat holidays.

Narrowboats are like floating holiday cottages, with everything you need on board for a self-catering adventure afloat. All our boats are equipped with essential home comforts, including central heating, hot water, TV, showers, flushing toilets, and most now have WiFi too.

Prices this October Half Term start at £706 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four people, £952 for a week. Here’s a guide to our top six destinations this October Half Term:

1. Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal to Shakerstone

On a week’s holiday from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal.  With no locks, and miles of countryside to enjoy, this peaceful canal stretches for 22 miles. It passes the pretty town of Market Bosworth, close to the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field and the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.  The journey to Shakerstone and back, travels 95 miles, passes through eight locks (four each way) and takes around 37 hours.

2. Drift through the Calder Valley to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge

One of our best October half term narrowboat holidays takes you Hebden Bridge. You can reach this old mill town on a weekend break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire.  You’ll travel through the Calder Valley along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation.  Climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey to Hebden Bridge, covers seven miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around 5.5 hours.  Once at Hebden, you can moor in the centre of town to enjoy a good choice of places to eat, as well as walks up to Heptonstall or Hardcastle Crags.

3. Glide through the Usk Valley to Brecon and back

On a week’s break from Goytre on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal you can navigate through the wooded Usk Valley to Brecon, in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.  Along the way, you can stop off at Llanfoist to take the old tramway into the Black Mountains.  You can visit the 13th century castle at Crickhowell and walk to the Blaen y Glyn waterfalls at Talybont-on-Usk.  The total journey there and back travels 51 miles, passing through 12 locks (six each way) and takes around 25 hours.

4. Cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath

On a four-night mid-week break from the bottom of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, you can cruise to Bath and back.  The journey takes around 10 hours, travelling across two magnificent aqueducts and passing through 10 locks.  There’s a choice of canalside pubs, to stop-off at along the way, including the Barge Inn at Seend and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff.  Once in Bath, you can moor up at Sydney Gardens, a short walk away from the centre of this World Heritage city.

5. Glide across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

On a short break from Trevor in North Wales, you can reach the historic Shropshire town of Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District.  The route takes you along the Llangollen Canal and across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38 metres high above the Dee Valley.  In Ellesmere, you can moor up and spend time exploring the Mere with its Victorian gardens, woodland paths and historic castle.  The journey to Ellesmere and back takes around 14 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).

6. Navigate to Market Drayton, home of the gingerbread man

On a week’s break from Gailey you can travel along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Shropshire Union canals to the historic market town of Market Drayton and back.  The route passes through the historic village of Brewood with its choice of pubs and through a series of deep wooded cuttings.  At Market Drayton there’s a Wednesday market and a great choice of places to eat and drink, many offering the town’s famous gingerbread.  The journey to Market Drayton and back cruises 68 miles, passes through 14 locks and takes around 30 hours.

Enjoy a day out boating on the canals this summer

Best summer days out canal boating

We offer canal boat day hire from 19 locations

Drifters offers day boat hire from 19 places across England and Wales for the best summer days out canal boating.

Full tuition is included, so if you’re new to narrow boating, you can get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.

All our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle, and most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge. So you can plan a picnic afloat or stop-off for lunch at a canalside pub along the way.

Boats range in size and can accommodate between eight and 12 people.

Day boat prices start at £99 on week days, and £150 on weekends and bank holidays.

To help you plan your family day out afloat, we’ve listed our top 10 destinations for day boat hire this summer:

1. Navigate through the Staffordshire countryside to Hopwas

From Kings Orchard Marina, on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield, you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Bonehill Bridge and back.  The route takes boaters through the villages Huddlesford, Whittington and Hopwas.  At Hopwas there are two pubs to choose from – the Tame Otter and the Red Lion.  The journey to Bonehill and back takes 5.5 hours and there are no locks.  *Electric day boat ‘Perfect Day’ and day boat ‘Happy Days’ can take up to 10 people.

2. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal

On a day out from Alvechurch Marin near Bromsgrove, you can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction.  There’s a choice of pubs to visit along the way, including the canalside Crown and Weighbridge pubs at Alvechurch.  The route is lock-free but there are three tunnels to pass through, including Wast Hill Tunnel, which is nearly 2.5km long.  *Day boat ‘Away Day’ at Alvechurch can carry up to 10 people. 

3. Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons

Heading out for a day afloat from Goytre Wharf, day boaters can travel along the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, enjoying incredible mountain views.  It takes around two-and-a-half-hours to cruise to moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.  *Day boats ‘Robin’ and Rooster’ at Goytre can carry up to eight people each. 

4. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill

From our day boat hire centre at Braunston in heart of the canal network, you can cruise to the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill.  The journey, which takes around three hours, takes you through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire.  Once at Napton, you can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the popular Kings Head.  *Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ at Braunston can carry up to 12 people. 

5. Boat along the Shropshire Union Canal to Nantwich

From our canal boat hire base at Bunbury Wharf on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise south for six miles to Nantwich.  There you can travel across the impressive Grade II* listed Nantwich Aqueduct, enjoying panoramic views across the town.  You’ll pass the Barbridge Inn along the way, and there’s a choice of places to eat and drink in Nantwich.  The journey to Nantwich takes around two-and-a-hafl hours. *Day boat ‘Bella’ at Bunbury can carry up to 10 people. 

6. Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, you can cruise to the pretty village of Wilmcote, home of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s Mary Arden Farm.  The journey takes two-and-a-half hours, and crosses over the Edstone Aqueduct with amazing views across the Warwickshire countryside.  From moorings at the top of the Wilmcote lock flight, it’s a short walk into Wilmcote and the Mary Arden Inn.  *Day boats ‘Dolly’ and ‘Charlie’ at Wootton Wawen can carry up to 10 people each.

7. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ in North Wales

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, day boaters can cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.  Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers stunning views of the Dee Valley below.  After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before reaching the Bridge Inn at Chirk. It takes around two-and-a-hours to reach Chirk. *Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ at Trevor can carry up to 10 people each. 

8. Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Avoncliff Aqueduct

From Hilperton Marina, near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, you can head west to the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon.  You pass through one lock and then on to the impressive Bath stone Avoncliff Aqueduct for lunch at the Cross Guns.  The journey to Avoncliff takes around three hours. *Electric day boat ‘Great Day’ at Hilperton can carry up to 10 people. 

9. Cruise the Peak Forest Canal to Marple Junction

From New Mills Marina on the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire, you can cruise to Marple Junction and back. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the rolling countryside along the way. At Marple Junction, you can visit the Hatters Arms. And walk up along the Marple Lock flight, to see boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain. *Electric day boat ‘Field Day’ at New Mills Marina can carry up to 10 people.

10. Glide through the Warwickshire countryside to Marston

On a day out boating from Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Marston and back. You can stop off at the canalside Horseshoes pub along the way. *Electric day boat ‘Sunny Day’ at Springwood Haven Marina can carry up to 10 people.

For more information about Drifters day boat hire, go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/day-boats/

Best canal ghost stories on Britain's waterways

Best canal ghost stories

Britain’s 250-year old canal network has creepy tunnels, spooky locks and plenty of ghosts

Britain’s 250-year old canal and river network provides the perfect backdrop for a haunting Halloween.

From shaggy coated beings to shrieking boggarts, here’s a guide to the best canal ghost stories:

1. Prepare to be spooked at Blisworth Tunnel

One of the best canal ghost stories is on the Grand Union Canal at Stoke Bruerne. Here the Blisworth Tunnel has spooked a number of boaters over the years. At 2,811 metres it’s one of the longest on the canal system. When construction began in 1793, the tunnel was a major feat of engineering. Teams of navvies worked with picks and shovels for three years until they hit quicksand and the tunnel collapsed, killing 14 men. A new route for the tunnel was found and it finally opened on 25 March 1805. Over the years, a number of boaters travelling through the tunnel have reported seeing lights and a second route emerging. But the tunnel runs straight through the hill so people have must seen the flicker of candlelight at the spot where the first tunnel would have intersected with the main canal tunnel. Perhaps the ghostly navvies are still working there…? You can reach Blisworth Tunnel on a short break from Gayton and Braunston.

2. Get the chills in Chester

Visit the City’s old Northgate where the canal was dug into part of the town’s moat. Here a Roman centurion can sometimes be seen guarding the entrance to the City. And the King’s Inn, an old coaching house, is believed to be haunted by three separate spirits. You can reach Chester on a short break from Bunbury.

3. Look out for the Monkey Man on the Shroppie

The Shropshire Union Canal is said to be Britain’s most haunted canal with five ghosts along its length. One of the best canal ghost stories on the Shroppie is the ‘The Monkey Man’ at Bridge 39 near Norbury. This hideous black, shaggy coated being is believed to be the ghost of a boatman drowned there in the 19th century. You can reach Norbury on a short break from Brewood.

4. Be stunned at Standedge Tunnel

At 3.25 miles long, Standedge Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at Marsden is the longest on the canal network. Over its 200-year history it has witnessed some gruesome events. There are tales of leggers who were crushed between boats and navvies dying in explosions (it took 17 years to build the tunnel). But the story of the restless ghost of 15-year old Matilda Crowther, murdered there in 1935, offers visitors a particularly chilling watery tale. You can reach Standedge Tunnel on a one-way one-week trip from Sowerby Bridge or Barnoldswick.

5. Hear about a Killing at Kidsgrove

The Trent & Mersey Canal’s Harecastle Tunnel at Kidsgrove is said to be home to a shrieking boggart.  This is the ghost of Kit Crewbucket who was murdered and his headless corpse was dumped in the canal. You can reach Harecastle Tunnel on a short break from Stoke-on-Trent and Great Haywood.

6. Watch out for an Aqueduct Apparition

The Llangollen Canal in Wrexham is haunted by an eerie figure that can sometimes be seen on moonlit nights. The ghost glides along the towpath by the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You can reach the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on a short break from Trevor, Chirk and Blackwater Meadow.

7. Beware the bloody steps at Brindley Bank

The Trent & Mersey Canal at Brindley Bank Aqueduct in Staffordshire, is said to be haunted by Christina Collins. She was murdered there on 17 June 1839 and her body was flung into the canal. Three boatmen were convicted of her killing – two were hanged and the third transported. As Christina’s body was dragged from the water, her blood ran down a flight of sandstone steps leading from the canal. It is said that the blood stain occasionally reappears on those stones. You can reach Brindley Bank on a short break from Great Haywood and Stoke-on-Trent.

Best canal and riverside pubs

Best canal and riverside pubs

There are hundreds of lovely canal and riverside pubs to enjoy across Britain

It’s great to be by the water in the summer time. And there are plenty of canal and riverside pubs with waterside gardens perfect for watching the world go by.

To celebrate, we’ve listed our top 10 canal and riverside pubs for the summer, with our nearest canal boat hire bases:

1. The Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank in Shropshire

You can reach this popular watering hole on the Llangollen Canal on a short break from our bases at Chirk, Trevor and Blackwater Meadow.  Also known as ‘The Trap’, this historic inn enjoys views of the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct. And it’s on the 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. The Boat Inn, Gnosall in Staffordshire

This traditional family run pub on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal can be reached on a short break from Brewood.  It has a patio area overlooking the canal and is renowned for its homemade pies and fish and chips.

3. The Cross Guns, Avoncliff in Somerset

This popular pub in the beautiful Bath Valley has extensive riverside gardens alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal and magnificent Avoncliff Aqueduct.  It can be reached on a short break from our bases at Bath, Monkton Combe, Bradford on Avon and Devizes.

4. The Leigh Arms, Little Leigh in Cheshire

On the banks of the River Weaver near Northwich, you can reach this charming riverside pub on a short break from our bases at Anderton and Acton Bridge.

5. The Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford in Warwickshire

Famous for its pies, this 17th century country pub has extensive gardens alongside the Stratford Canal. You can reach it on a short break from our base at Wootton Wawen.

6. The Plume of Feathers, Barlaston in Staffordshire

Co-owned by the actor Neil Morrissey, this popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal offers homemade food and locally brewed beers. You can reach it on a short break from our bases at Stoke-on-Trent and Great Haywood.

7. The Cutter Inn, Ely in Cambridgeshire

You can reach this popular riverside pub on the Great River Ouse on a short break from our Ely and March bases. It has an outdoor terrace for al fresco drinking and dining with excellent river views.

8. The Dundas Arms, Kintbury in Berkshire

This traditional country pub and hotel on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal can be reached on a short break from Aldermaston. It has a large beer garden, perfect for summertime al fresco drinking and dining.

9. The Trout Inn, Lechlade, Gloucestershire

With over 700 years of history, this Cotswold pub on the banks of the River Thames can be reached on a mid-week break from our Oxford base. It’s a traditional family-run inn, with riverside gardens perfect for watching the world go by.

10. The Bridge Inn, Ratho in Midlothian

This historic pub and hotel on the banks of the Union Canal near Edinburgh can be reached on a short break from Falkirk.  There’s a dining terrace overlooking the canal, and home-grown fruit and vegetables are served from the pub’s walled garden.