Short Break Route Suggestions (3 & 4 nights):
Relaxed route: Napton Bridge and Return – 32 miles, 6 locks, 13 hours total
Cruise south past the town of Rugby, along the quiet and peaceful North Oxford Canal. There's a pub just after Wharf Bridge (No. 73) with moorings, if required on the first evening. Just a little further ahead there are 3 locks at Hillmorton, which has a small waterside bistro (open daytime only) after which you'll meander through woodland and open farmland to the pretty village of Braunston, where there are 4 pubs and some local shops. Turn right at the junction, passing under the cast iron bridge and heading west along the Grand Union Canal. The route is now completely lock free as you cruise along, surrounded by meadows and hedgerows. At Napton Junction turn left, cruising past the two marinas there and mooring up before Bridge 111 (nearby pub). Turn around before the bridge and return to Rugby.
Relaxed route: Coventry and Return - 35 miles, 2 locks, 15 hours total
Rugby marina is located on a short arm to the north of Rugby. Before setting off, or on your return, you can explore the town which has a world-famous connection to 'Rugby Football'. Start your journey by joining the North Oxford Canal, cruising in a north-westerly direction to Newbold on Avon which is approximately a mile away. There is a choice of pubs close to moorings here before you pass through Newbold Tunnel (250 yds in length). Continuing your cruise north-west, you travel through tranquil woodland & farmland, passing under a few bridges, whilst adjusting to this peaceful winding waterway. Brinklow is situated just west of the waterway if you fancy stretching your legs. As you continue your cruise towards Coventry you follow the railway for a short stretch, passing under iron arched bridges which mark the course of the old Oxford Canal. Ansty is a tiny village located along the canal, with a waterfront pub. The first signs of the city start to appear as you make your way to Hawkesbury Junction. At the junction you meet the Coventry Canal, passing through the only lock along this route and the last waterfront pub until you reach Coventry which is approximately 5 miles away. Pass Bishop Street Basin, overlooked by attractive old warehouses dating from 1914, and make your way to Coventry. The canal is often flanked by buildings as it winds its way towards Coventry Basin, where you can moor to explore the area before making your way back to Rugby.
Relaxed route: Norton Junction and Return - 30 miles, 18 locks, 14 hours total
Cruise south past the town of Rugby, along the quiet North Oxford Canal. There are 3 locks at Hillmorton, with its little waterside bistro (open daytime). Meander through woodland and open farmland to the pretty village of Braunston, where there is a canalside pub and more to see up in the village (uphill). Turn left here, onto the main Grand Union Canal, cruising past Braunston Marina. Next comes a flight of 6 locks (another pub nearby) followed by amazing Braunston Tunnel (1.16 miles long). After the tunnel the canal leads to Norton Junction, where there is a canalside pub. Turn around here and return to Rugby Wharf.
Intermediate route: Weedon Bec & Return - 39 miles, 32 locks, 20 hours total
Cruise south from Rugby, along the quiet North Oxford Canal. There are three locks at Hillmorton, then the canal is lock free all the way to the pretty canalside village of Braunston (up the hill for village centre and shops). The canal carries you to the left at Braunston, continuing along the Grand Union Canal. Passing Braunston village and two canalside pubs, there are 6 locks followed by the long Braunston Tunnel (1.16 miles). After the tunnel you arrive at Norton Junction (pub) and turn right, heading south. Almost immediately you'll meet the first of 7 locks at Buckby and after the bottom lock the canal runs lock free until you reach Weedon Bec. Weedon is an interesting village with character; it has an historic Royal Ordnance Depot (c.1803), plenty of local shops, traditional cottages and variety of pubs. Cruise over two small aqueducts before turning and returning to Rugby.
Intermediate route: Crick and Return - 39 miles, 32 locks, 20 hours total
Depart the boatyard and cruise south down the North Oxford Canal to Hillmorton. Navigate through the three locks at Hillmorton then just past the railway bridge there is a pub for refreshments. Skirting around Barby Hill through open fields, you soon arrive at Braunston where there are shops and pubs within walking distance up the hill. Cruise east past the marina, then there is a flight of 6 locks before you arrive at Braunston Tunnel (2042 yds in length) which leads to Norton Junction. Turn left at the junction, cruising north on to the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The canal makes its winding way towards Foxton, past a light wooded stretch with the sound of modern transportation ever present in the background. Navigate through the Watford Locks and reach the summit level of 412ft. Cruise through Crick Tunnel (1528 yds in length) to arrive at Crick Wharf. Walk to the town (approx. 15 minutes) for a meal before turning around and making your journey back.
Active route: Fenny Compton and Return - 54 miles, 24 locks, 24 hours total
Depart the boatyard and cruise south down the North Oxford Canal to Hillmorton. Navigate through the three locks at Hillmorton then, just past the railway bridge, there's a pub for refreshments. A few miles south of Hillmorton, the canal reaches Braunston Turn - the junction of the Oxford and Grand Union Canals and once one of the busiest commercial trading points linking with London. Turn right, under the bridge, cruising west through agricultural land to Napton Junction where you continue round to the left and onto the South Oxford Canal, past Napton-on-the-Hill. Canal engineer James Brindley built the Oxford Canal in his typical winding fashion, following the contours of the land. Follow the canal to Folly Bridge where there's a shop for picking up basic provisions and a canalside pub, before you make your way through the 9-lock Napton Flight. You can moor at bridges 124 or 125 to walk into the small village of Priors Hardwick. The canal then arks it way through farmland, with another opportunity to stretch your legs at bridge 133, from which you can walk into the medieval village of Wormleighton. Fenny Compton Wharf is just 2 miles further along the canal, there is a waterfront pub and moorings should you wish to explore the area before making your return journey.
Weekly Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Snarestone and Return - 73 miles, 2 locks, 30 hours total
This route can be completed in a midweek break cruising approximately 8-9 hours a day or over a relaxed 7 night break - it is a great introduction to boating if you are looking for a route with very few locks. Start your journey by cruising north to Newbold-on-Avon which is approximately a mile away. There are two pubs close to the moorings here before you pass through Newbold Tunnel (250 yds in length). Continuing your cruise north, you pass through tranquil farmland and under numerous bridges, whilst adjusting to this peaceful winding waterway. Brinklow is situated just west of the waterway if you fancy stretching your legs. As you continue along, you follow the railway for a short stretch, passing under iron arched bridges which mark the course of the old Oxford Canal. Ansty is a tiny village located along the canal, with a waterfront pub. There are signs of Coventry as you make your way to Hawkesbury Junction. Turn right to continue on the Coventry Canal away from the city, until you reach Marston Junction where you turn onto the Ashby Canal. The outlook is largely fields, trees and farmland; there are no locks but there aere some interesting stone-arched bridges, the scenery far removed from the suburban landscape of the Coventry Canal. The southern section of the Ashby Canal is very rural, so it's a good idea to have some provisions to snack on. There are a few pubs at Hinkley before making your way to Stoke Golding; under pretty stone bridges and past a little farm shop with local produce. Follow the canal through Ambion Wood. Just before Shenton Aqueduct there are moorings for the Battlefied Centre - the location of the 'Battle of Bosworth Field' is situated closeby. You are only 8 miles from the farming village of Snarestone, where there is a pub and a tunnel, before you reach the end of the navigation where you turn around to make your return journey to Rugby.
Intermediate route: Drayton Manor and Return – 68 miles, 28 locks, 33 hours total
Cruise up the North Oxford Canal through Newbold Tunnel and the small canalside village of Ansty (canalside pub). Soon you'll arrive at Hawkesbury Junction where you turn right, joining the Coventry Canal. Head north past Bedworth then through the town of Nuneaton to Hartshill, where there are a couple of pubs and shops a short walk from the canal. Continue on through hilly, wooded landscape to the flight of 11 locks at Atherstone. Once through the locks cruise alongside pleasant countryside passing the village of Polesworth and the remains of a 10th Century Abbey. Further on, at Alvecote, you'll be able to glimpse the ruins of the Benedictine Priory as you make your way to Tamworth - this thriving market town was originally a Saxon settlement and is home to Tamworth Castle, with its Norman motte. From Tamworth, continue through two locks to Fazeley Junction where you turn left, heading south along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Cruise over a small aqueduct towards Coleshill Road Bridge which is a good place to moor for your visit to Drayton Manor Theme Park. Turn around after Coleshill Road Bridge and return to Rugby. Note: Spread your actual journey over 5 full days to allow your family plenty of time to enjoy the theme park.
Intermediate route: Warwick and Return - 56 miles, 52 locks, 30 hours total
Cruise south from our base at Rugby, along the quiet North Oxford Canal. There are three locks at Hillmorton, then the canal is lock free all the way to the canalside village of Braunston. Turn west at Braunston, under the cast iron ‘Braunston Turn’ bridge, and continue along the rural Grand Union Canal to Napton Junction. Turn right at Napton, under the bridge, then through 3 locks at Calcutt. Soon you'll reach Stockton Top Marina and pub next door to it. Just past the marina, work your way through the first 8 locks of the Stockton Flight (pub just after). There are then 2 further locks before Long Itchington village, which has 6 pubs and visitors' moorings. Cruise over a low aqueduct then through the 6 locks at Bascote. A further 5 locks lead to the outskirts of Warwick. After a small aqueduct near Bridge 35 the area starts to get more urban, with shops and pubs within walking distance of the canal. There are another 2 aqueducts before you reach Bridge 48, then at bridge 49 you'll find a boatyard where you can turn around and moor up. The boatyard is close to a main road which leads south to Warwick Castle and the city centre. Return to Rugby.
Intermediate route: Banbury and Return - 75 miles, 48 locks, 37 hours total
Cruise south down the North Oxford Canal to Hillmorton. Navigate through the three locks at Hillmorton then, just past the railway bridge, there's a pub for refreshments. A few miles south of Hillmorton, the canal reaches Braunston Turn - the junction of the Oxford and Grand Union Canals and once one of the busiest commercial trading points linking with London. Turn right, under the bridge, cruising west through agricultural land to Napton Junction where you continue to the left onto the South Oxford Canal, past Napton-on-the-Hill. Canal engineer James Brindley built the Oxford Canal in his typical winding fashion, following the contours of the land. Follow the canal to Folly Bridge where there's a shop for basic provisions and a canalside pub, before you make your way through the 9-lock Napton Flight. You can moor at either bridge 124 or 125 and walk into the small village of Priors Hardwick. The canal then arks it way through farmland, and there is another opportunity to stretch your legs at bridge 133, where you can walk into the medieval village of Wormleighton. Fenny Compton Wharf is just 2 miles along where there is a waterfront pub. The landscape is predominately rolling hills with light wooded stretches as you follow the narrow winding course of the waterway. Passing through Claydon locks you enter the Cherwell Valley, leading to the quiet, stone village of Cropredy which flanks the canal. Banbury is just a few miles further south. Originally a wool town, there are now shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Don't forget to visit the famous 'Banbury Cross' before you leave. Turn the boat and return to the Rugby.
Intermediate route: Linford Wharf (Milton Keynes) and Return - 85 miles, 48 locks, 38 hours total
Cruise south through 3 locks at Hillmorton, past woods & open farmland to the village of Braunston (3 pubs). At Braunston Junction turn left on to the Grand Union Canal and cruise past Braunston Marina. Next are 6 locks followed by Braunston Tunnel (1.16 miles long) leading to Norton Junction. Turn right, heading south through a further 7 locks leading to the village of Weedon Bec. Passing Bugbrooke and Gayton Junction you arrive at the long Blisworth Tunnel (1.74 miles long). After the tunnel you’ll find Stoke Bruerne where there are pubs and a canal museum. Descend the 7 locks at Stoke Bruerne and continue south past Thrupp Wharf to Cosgrove, crossing over the Great Ouse Aqueduct there. After the aqueduct the scenery becomes more suburban as you skirt around Milton Keynes and continue to Linford Wharf. If travelling with children, Gulliver’s Land is just a 7 minute taxi ride from Linford Wharf and there are various other attractions in Milton Keynes (e.g. Snozone and Escape Milton Keynes). Turn at Linford Wharf and return to Rugby.
Active route: Market Harborough and Return - 86 miles, 52 locks, 43.5 hours total
Depart the boatyard and cruise south down the North Oxford Canal to Hillmorton. Navigate through the three locks at Hillmorton then just past the railway bridge there is a pub for refreshments. Skirting around Barby Hill through open fields, you soon arrive at Braunston where there are shops and pubs within walking distance up the hill. Cruise east past the marina, then there is a flight of 6 locks before you arrive at Braunston Tunnel (2042 yds in length) which leads to Norton Junction. Turn left at the junction, cruising north on to the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The canal makes its winding way towards Foxton, past a light wooded stretch with the sound of modern transportation ever present in the background. Navigate through the Watford Locks and reach the summit level of 412ft. Cruise through Crick Tunnel (1528 yds in length) to arrive at Crick Wharf. The canal loops past hilly landscape and under several brick bridges, with little sign of habitation until you reach North Kilworth. You can walk into the village for a pub meal (approx. 15 mins). Returning to the boat, continue cruising north through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel (1166 yds in length) which opens onto unspoilt rural scenery, leading towards Foxton. The Foxton Locks are two staircases of five locks, there is a picnic area, a coffee shop and 2 pubs - making it a popular attraction with plenty of gongoozlers! After the locks turn right, onto the Market Harborough Arm which runs alongside the hills. There are visitor moorings at Market Harborough, enabling you to explore the market town before turning around and making your return journey.
Fortnight Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: The Warwickshire Ring - 104 miles, 121 locks, 60 hours total
The Warwickshire Ring is a 100 mile contrasting route of rural scenery and urban canal architecture. It includes the northern Grand Union, North Oxford, Birmingham & Fazeley and Coventry Canals. Highlights along the Warwickshire Ring include Warwick Castle, which is well worth a day trip if you have time. Other family activities include Cadbury World, Kingsbury Water Park and Drayton Manor Family Theme Park, which is approximately 15 minutes' walk from the canal if you moor near Drayton Manor Bridge. We would recommend cruising clockwise to complete the 21-lock Hatton Flight near Warwick first, then on your journey back you'll have less locks to navigate, if you need to make up time.
Intermediate route: Oxford and Return - 129 miles, 82 locks, 67 hours total
A popular choice for those looking for a longer break. Leaving the marina, cruise south to Braunston Turn, then west through pretty countryside to Napton Junction and onto the South Oxford Canal. This canal is bordered by open farmland and pretty woodland, with hedge lined towpaths. Drift past fields of cattle and sheep, twisting and turning with the meandering canal to Cropredy, a quiet village with stone cottages and a couple of pubs. Leaving the village behind cruise along the Cherwell Valley to Banbury town and then to the smaller Cotswolds villages of Somerton, Lower Heyford and Thrupp. Moor in Oxford City just south of the Duke's Cut (where the canal meets the River Thames). Turn and return to Rugby.
Active route: Aylesbury and Return - 142 miles, 114 locks, 70 hours total
Cruise south down the North Oxford Canal to Braunston and then head east along the Grand Union Canal, passing south of Braunston, where there are shops and pubs within walking distance. There is a lock flight of 6 locks before you arrive at Braunston Tunnel (2042 yds in length) followed by Norton Junction. Follow the canal around to the right, making your way through a flight of 7 locks. There is a quiet stretch as you cruise past the woods at Brockhall Park before you reach Weedon Bridge, where there are a shops and pubs in the village of Weedon Bec. Cruise over the aqueduct, through agricultural land towards Gayton Junction and the village of Blisworth. You are now on the way to the Blisworth Tunnel (approximately an hours cruise from the marina). The Blisworth Tunnel is 3057yds long - making it one of the longest canal tunnels in Britain. After navigating the tunnel, you reach the pretty canalside village of Stoke Bruerne, which has a waterfront canal museum and a selection of eateries. After working 8 locks at Stoke Bruerne, cruise through varied scenery and under numerous stone bridges to Cosgrove and the Great Ouse Aqueduct. Continuing to follow the canal southwards, you skirt the suburbs of Milton Keynes, heading towards Leighton Buzzard. Turn at Marsworth to join the Aylesbury Arm, taking you into the centre of the attractive market town of Aylesbury, where you can stretch your legs and explore before turning around and returning to Rugby.
