Cruise No. 1. Warwick to Brewood. 7th April to 14th April (7 nights).
47 miles, 64 locks, 5 tunnels, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Warwick
We begin our cruise by ascending the magnificent flight of locks at Hatton. There are some fine views of the locks stringing uphill ahead of us, and soon we can look back on Warwick from the top of the hill with a sense of satisfaction. We cruise on then through cuttings to Shrewley tunnel with its separate little tunnel for the towpath. We reach Kingswood Junction and leave the Grand Union canal for the picturesque Stratford canal. This takes us up several flights of narrow locks to Hockley Heath and then on to Kings Norton, with its unique old guillotine lock. Here we turn very sharply right towards Birmingham. We arrive in Britain's second city quite secretly, to find that the canal side has been modernised and tided out of all recognition from its former industrial days. We pass the famous Gas Street basin, with its fine collection of traditional narrow boats, then head out on the Main Line of the Birmingham canals towards Wolverhampton. The canals of Birmingham once outnumbered those of Venice, and we shall see many glimpses of the past here in old branches leading away to nowhere. At Wolverhampton we descend the flight of 21 locks - and join the Shropshire Union canal. This is a more modern canal and was consequently built with less bends and more straight lines, and is typified by deep cuttings and soaring embankments - these give this canal a special character. Through a narrow rocky cutting we reach our destination after passing under the ornate Avenue Bridge.

A spring treat, with locks galore.

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Cruise No. 2. Brewood to Chester. 14th April to 21st April (7 nights).
53 miles, 43 locks, 1 tunnel, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Wolverhampton
We leave Brewood's deep cutting and start to make our way along the Shropshire Union canal, one of the more modern of our waterways. It was designed by Thomas Telford, and sweeps across the countryside on tall embankments and through deep wooded cuttings. This gives it a very varied character as we cruise. We pass over the Roman Watling Street on a fine iron aqueduct at Stretton, then cruise on past Wheaton Aston and the peaceful village of Gnossal to Norbury Junction. Here a canal once left for Shrewsbury. We cruise through one of the deep cuttings with tall trees and seemingly even taller bridges carrying roads high above us. We pass Offley, with its tiny public house, then another cutting brings us to Tyrley locks, cut into the rock as they descend, bringing us to Market Drayton. There is another picturesque flight of locks at Adderley, where we can still see traces of the gardens set out by a former lock keeper many years ago. At Audlem, we descend a lengthy flight of narrow locks toward the village, where the Mill houses a particularly interesting gift shop, well known to all hotel boat guests. At Hack Green we pass signs to the 'secret nuclear bunker', which is a secret no more. Nantwich is a fine old town, with half timbered buildings and its own aqueduct. Soon after leaving Nantwich, we pass the entrances to the canals to Llangollen and Middlewich, but we continue on the Shropshire Union to arrive at Bunbury. Here we use the staircase locks - a mystery to many boaters. Beeston Iron lock is another of Telford's inventions - to overcome the problem of the canal being in a sandy bed here. At Beeston we find Chas Hardern's emporium, which is not to be missed. We catch sight of the fine Beeston castle on its crag overlooking the canal as we continue to Christleton and then as we approach Chester, the city walls look down on us as we descend the Northgate staircase locks and pass under the railway to arrive at our destination.

All the best bits of the Shropshire Union canal.

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Cruise No. 3. Chester to Manchester. 21st April to 28th April (7 nights).
66 miles, 22 locks, 3 tunnels, 4 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Chester
This cruise encompasses five very different waterways. We commence on the Shropshire Union canal as it rises past the city walls of Chester and out into the open countryside of Cheshire to Bunbury staircase locks. At Barbridge junction we turn left onto the Middlewich branch of the canal. At Wardle lock, we travel on what is probably Britain's shortest canal, the Wardle canal for a few yards, then turn left again onto the Trent & Mersey canal. We descend the Big Lock before leaving Middlewich, then enter peaceful countryside again. We pass the 'flashes', where the hulks of many working boats lie beneath the surface, sunk when the carrying days of the canals came to an end. We pass through Northwich and arrive at Anderton. Here we travel on the famous restored boat lift, a magnificent Victorian cast iron structure which lowers us majestically to the River Weaver far below. The Weaver is a superbly secret peaceful river amongst the industry of this part of Cheshire. After a brief spell on the river, we ascend the Boat Lift again and continue along the Trent & Mersey canal, through several short but exciting tunnels to eventually join the Bridgwater canal, one of the very first in the country. This carries us to Lymm and Sale, with glimpses of the great Manchester Ship canal below, then on into the heart of Manchester.

Lots of variety, and surprisingly rural.

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Cruise No. 4. Manchester to Chester. 28th April to 5th May (7 nights).
66 miles, 22 locks, 3 tunnels, 4 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Manchester
On this cruise, we retrace our route from cruise 3 above.

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Cruise No. 5. Chester to Llangollen. 5th May to 12th May (7 nights).
62 miles, 35 miles, 3 tunnels, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Chester
We leave Chester beneath the towering city walls and emerge into open countryside, with Beeston castle overlooking our efforts from its lofty perch. Next we ascend Bunbury staircase locks and pass Barbridge. Soon we turn right onto the popular Llangollen canal and ascend the locks at Hurleston. Now we are totally in the country and away from it all as we pass through Swanley and Baddiley locks. We start to see the splendid lift bridges, which are a special feature of this canal, as we enter Wrenbury. After Wrenbury, the settlements become even more distant as we ascend Marbury locks and pass Willeymoor lock. We arrive at Grindley Brook, where the flight of locks can take us some time to negotiate - especially the staircase ones. We pass on across Whixall Moss. Here the canal was built up from the surrounding marsh land which is today a really fine area for seeing wildlife of all sorts. We pass into Shropshire's 'Lake District', with several of the lovely meres to be savoured. We then pass through Ellesmere tunnel as we approach the canal arm that leads to Ellesmere, a fine small town. Frankton junction marks the entry to the Montgomery canal, but we have an appointment with far grander things. We pass onwards through New Marton locks and St Martins before reaching Chirk, with its aqueduct, adjacent railway viaduct and tunnel. After another short tunnel, as the canal passes under the lift bridge at Froncysyllte, we catch a first glimpse of one of the wonders of the waterways - the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. Soon we are on the aqueduct itself, seemingly flying across the valley of the River Dee as if by magic. This really is an exhilarating moment as the boats seem suspended in the air - no waterway fan should miss this treat. We turn left and make our way up the narrow feeder canal, clinging to the side of the Dee valley all the way to the picturesque little town of Llangollen.

Always a favourite, with the unforgettable aqueducts.

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Cruise No. 6. Llangollen to Nantwich. 12th May to 19th May (7 nights).
46 miles, 21 locks, 3 tunnels, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Wrexham
This cruise gives a fine opportunity to sample the delights of Llangollen itself before we make our way slowly down the valley of the River Dee, with fine views on either side. As we look back we can see Castel Dinas Bran perched on the hillside above Llangollen. We make a sharp right turn at Trevor and immediately sail off across the fantastic Pontcysyllte aqueduct which carries us 100 feet above the River Dee with awe inspiring views in both directions. The people below really do look like ants. Next we encounter Chirk tunnel, then the rather more sturdy, but still impressive, aqueduct at Chirk with its close neighbour the railway viaduct. We travel on through peaceful countryside, through a short tunnel to emerge by Blake Mere, in a sylvan setting and a truly magical place. We cruise across Whixall Moss, a real treat for bird watchers, before passing Whitchurch and arriving at the locks at Grindley Brook. Their is always entertainment to be had here at the locks. We pass isolated locks such as Willeymoor and Marbury before reaching Wrenbury, a fascinating village. Under various raised lift bridges, and past totally rural scenes, we arrive at Hurleston locks, which we descend to join the Shropshire Union canal. We turn right and cruise to the market town of Nantwich.

A gentle relaxing rural cruise, with some of the finest sights on the canals.

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Cruise No. 7. Nantwich to Whaley Bridge. 19th May to 26th May (7 nights).
60 miles, 48 locks, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Nantwich / Crewe
A cruise with a great deal of variety - plenty of locks, but also many quiet peaceful stretches with only the bird song to disturb our passage. Shortly after leaving Nantwich, we turn right at Barbridge Junction and head for the Trent & Mersey canal at Middlewich. Here we turn right and straight away start to ascend locks. This is just a taste of the climb to come as we start to ascend what the working boatmen called 'Heartbreak Hill'. Lock assistants will be welcomed! Eventually, we pass under an aqueduct that heralds the end of our climb, and with a swift right turn, we head back over the same aqueduct - now on the peaceful Macclesfield canal. This is a very pleasant canal and for a while we have a rest from locks. We pass Little Moreton Hall, a fine half-timbered mansion, then we see the folly of Mop Cop on the skyline. As we pass The Cloud, a great hill visible for miles, we come upon Bosley locks set in the middle of nowhere. We arrive in Macclesfield, famous for its silk industry and where there is still a fine working museum. We pass Bollington and then Marple. Here we turn right onto the Peak Forest canal and cling to the valley side as we pass New Mills and Bugsworth to arrive in Whaley Bridge. We are now officially in the Peak District.

Get away from it all to the Peak District.

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Cruise No. 8. Whaley Bridge to Stone. 26th May to 1st June (6 nights).
50 miles, 27 locks, 1 tunnel, 4 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent
Leaving Whaley Bridge, we will call at the magnificent Bugsworth basin. This is a relic of our industrial past, but on a magnificent scale - like entering another world. We then cruise on along the pleasant Peak Forest canal as it clings to the valley side, offering us great views. On reaching Marple, we turn onto the Macclesfield canal, distinguished by its elegant snaking turnover bridges. We pass through Bollington and Macclesfield itself, with its silk museum, before descending the fine snaking flight of locks at Bosley. What a dramatic view this provided as the Cloud towers over us in the natural amphitheatre at the foot of the locks. We move on slowly on this meandering canal before reaching Congleton. Here we pass the National Trust's lovely Little Moreton Hall and then see the Mow Cop folly on the skyline. We cross the Trent & Mersey canal on an aqueduct before looping back to join it. The canal water here is stained bright orange by deposits in the hills, and we await our turn to enter the magnificent Harecastle tunnel.
This is over a mile and half long, and cut through solid rock nearly two hundred years ago. Emerging from the far end of the tunnel, we enter the Potteries and find our mooring in Etruria. We descend Stoke locks and pass the Wedgwood Centre at Barlaston. Meaford locks make a pleasant interlude before we arrive at the canal town of Stone.

A great mixture of totally rural scenery with aqueducts and an unforgettable tunnel.

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Cruise No. 9. Stone to Stoke on Trent. 2nd June to 8th June (7 nights).
48 miles, 48 locks, 2 tunnels, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Stone
This cruise is on the lovely Caldon canal, which is almost without parallel for its tranquil beauty. We leave Stone by way of Meaford locks, then past the Wedgwood Centre at Barlaston, before tackling Stoke locks. We leave Etruria by way of staircase locks, then pass Hanley Park before we leave the Potteries behind and enter into really rural surroundings. The locks at Stockton Brook take us to the summit of the canal. We then pass Endon before reaching Hazelhurst Junction. Here two branches of the canal divide: we shall explore both of them. We continue on the main line, descending a short but picturesque flight of locks to pass under the other arm of the canal on its ornate aqueduct. We pass isolated pubs and houses before reaching Cheddleton. Here we can see James Brindley's old water-powered Flint Mill. Soon we join the River Churnet at the lovely Oak Meadow lock. The river is staggeringly beautiful and takes us to the isolated pub at Consall Forge, sheltering along amongst the towering pine trees. We may catch a glimpse of a steam train here, on the preserved railway line which crosses the canal. We pass on under the unique Cherry Eye bridge to reach Froghall. This is the current limit of the canal, so we retrace our steps, passing back up the locks before turning very sharp left to join the Leek branch of the canal. We sail over the aqueduct now and onto perhaps one of the finest stretches of canal in the land. We curl through magical woods, with glimpses of the valley below us, and finally arrive at the pool that precedes the quaint short Leek tunnel. We travel slowly back down this lovely arm to Hazelhurst, then return all the way to Stoke on Trent, taking with us to the real world memories of an idyllic country.

A genuinely lovely taste of a perfect secluded world on the Caldon canal.

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Cruise No. 10. Stoke on Trent to Stourport. 9th June to 16th June (7 nights).
66 miles, 58 locks, 1 tunnel, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent
We cruise down Stoke locks, past the old Bone Mill and soon leave the Pottery towns behind us to arrive at Meaford locks. These take us to the canal town of Stone, then through open countryside to Great Haywood and nearby Shugborough Hall. Here we join the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal, cross the rive Sow on a very early aqueduct, and arrive at the marvellous Tixall Wide. Here we can watch grebe at close quarters, fishing in the deep waters of the lake. We pass on through Gailey, under Watling Street, past Hatherton junction where one day the Lichfield and Hatherton canal may re-join the system. At Alderlsey junction, we continue on the same canal, but now it begins to take on a different character as we accompany a beautiful red sandstone ridge for the rest of our journey. At Bratch, we sample the very unusual locks, which usually baffle newcomers to the canals. We descend Botterham staircase locks, then a series of delightful locks and pubs such as Greensforge. A tiny tunnel a Cookley takes us under Kinver village. At Austcliff, the glowing sandstone cliff seems to loom right on top of us, and many of the locks are cut into the rock. We pass Kidderminster with its fine church overlooking the canal, and after more rural cruising, we arrive at the canal town of Stourport, where we can see the work to restore the old canal basin that was once filled in and derelict.

Some great surprises and scenery on this cruise.

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Cruise No. 11. Stourport to Evesham. 16th June to 23rd June (7 nights).
82 miles, 18 locks. Nearest railway station: Kidderminster
This is a very fine river cruise, on two of our grandest rivers. We start off from Stourport by locking down into the River Severn, and cruise downstream on this mighty river through several locks, each with its friendly lock keeper, to Worcester. Here, in the home of fine porcelain, the grand cathedral overlooks our river mooring. We pass Upton upon Severn and arrive at Tewkesbury, famous for its Abbey. We then continue downstream to Gloucester, where we have time to look round the rejuvenated docks, which house the national Waterway museum as well as other fascinating museums and shops. We cruise back to Tewkesbury, where we join the River Avon. This is quite a different river - slower and winding as it threads its way through the vale of Evesham. The navigation was rescued from complete abandonment by volunteers. We leave Tewkesbury under King John's bridge, then pass under the lovely old 16th century bridge at Eckington. The iron age fort of Bredon Hill now towers over the landscape. The tight bends at the Swans Neck will challenge our crew to follow the correct line of the river before we arrive in Pershore, another fine old town with much interesting architecture. We pass through Wyre Piddle lock and past Fladbury mill before cruising into Evesham.

Few rivers can compete with the Avon for tranquillity.

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Cruise No 12. Evesham to Warwick. 23rd June to 30th June (7 nights).
39 miles, 65 locks, 1 tunnel, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Evesham
Shakespeare's River Avon is a slow moving, sinuous and very beautiful river. It was only rescued from dereliction by volunteers in the 1970s. We cruise upstream through Bidford with its fine old bridge, then Welford and Luddington before arriving in Stratford on Avon. Arriving by water we feel so superior to the average visitor to this fine old town. There are reminders of William Shakespeare everywhere. Here we join the Stratford canal. This winds uphill through many locks from the fine Bancroft basin to Wilmcote, which features Mary Arden's house. Then we pass over a lovely aqueduct that crosses over road, rail and water in one fell swoop. As we pass Wootton Wawen and Preston Bagot, we are sure to see kingfishers in this peaceful leafy stretch of countryside between the locks. We arrive at the sleepy village of Lowsonford, with its barrel roofed lock cottage. Then we continue on to Lapworth via many locks, and at Kingswood junction we turn onto the Grand Union canal and make our way to Shrewley, with its enchanting tunnel before arriving at the top of Hatton locks. Here we descend this fine flight in grand style to arrive in Warwick, famous for its castle.

The exquisite River Avon followed by the quirky Stratford canal, and plenty of locks.

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Cruise No. 13. Warwick to Leighton Buzzard. 30th June to 7th July (7 nights).
72 miles, 52 locks, 2 tunnels, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Warwick.
This cruise is entirely on the Grand Union, one of our more under-rated canals. Leaving Warwick, we pass through Royal Leamington Spa before starting to ascend locks gradually past Radford, under the Fosse Way and up the staircase locks at Bascote before tackling the long flight at Stockton, where we can see several historic boats on display. The locks at Calcutt herald a short stretch of the Oxford canal before the twin arches of the black and white iron bridges mark the entry to Braunston, the heart of the Midlands canals. Braunston village watches as we climb the locks to the long an slightly bent tunnel. Emerging from the tunnel, we pass Norton Junction and rest before tackling Long Buckby locks, now heading downhill. Here all forms of transport move together - the M1 motorway, the Roman Watling Street, the West Coast Railway and of course the canal. We are able to escape this mad rush very easily by sailing on through the serene Brockhall Park and are back in our own world again. We pass Weedon with its Napoleonic barracks before Gayton Junction and Blisworth village. A long cutting heralds Blisworth tunnel - over two hundred years old and almost two miles long. On the other side, as a reward, is the lovely little canal village of Stoke Bruerne, with its superb canal museum. Descending Stoke Bruerne locks, we meander towards Cosgrove, another sleepy village. We cross the River Great Ouse on a fine aqueduct here, before Wolverton and Milton Keynes appear ahead. This still has some surprises for us such as Linford village in the middle of the new city. The end of Milton Keynes is marked by a solitary lock at Fenny Stratford - only a few inches deep. We pass on through open countryside to Soulbury, where we ascend the famous Three Locks, and past the old Globe Inn before reaching Leighton Buzzard.

Plenty of variety on the Grand Union canal.

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Cruise No. 14. Leighton Buzzard to Little Venice. 7th July to 14th July (7 nights).
55 miles, 63 locks, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Leighton Buzzard.
The Grand Union canal takes us all the way from rural Buckinghamshire to the leafy heart of London.
We start by cruising past open fields and occasional locks as we ascend the Chiltern foothills. We glimpse the Whipsnade Lion carved on the distant hillside before arriving at Marsworth. Here a meandering flight of locks takes us past the canal reservoirs, which are a very fine haven for wildlife, with many water birds in evidence - and even the edible dormouse, it is rumoured. We reach the summit of the Chiltern hills at Bulbourne where we pass the old canal workshops before entering the deep leafy Tring cutting. This is truly a monumental piece of work, and we eventually leave the cutting ready to start our descent towards the distant capital. Cowroast Lock marks the beginning of our descent, which continues through Berkhamsted with its fine Norma castle, Hemel Hempstead, then through Cassiobury Park. Here we pass under ornate bridges, and are likely to find kingfishers waiting for us. We then start our descent of the valley of the River Colne through Rickmansworth, the curiously-named but pretty Black Jack's lock and the lake at Widewater. When we reach Uxbridge, we turn left at Bulls Bridge onto the line of the canal that stretches through the western suburb of London, past Kensall Green and almost before we know it, we are in the great city and we arrive at Little Venice, our pleasant mooring just a short distance from Paddington.

The finest way to travel to London, without a doubt.

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Cruise No. 15. Little Venice to Windsor. 14th July to 20th July (6 nights).
45 miles, 20 locks. Nearest railway station: London Paddington.
We leave the hustle and bustle of London behind us quickly enough as we cruise west through the suburbs to join the main line of the Grand Union canal. This must be the best way to appreciate the outskirts of London - so much more civilised seen this way than by road. Turning south, we then descend several locks at Hanwell to arrive at Brentford, a hive of boating industry in former times. Here we lock out, at a suitable state of the tide, onto the River Thames. We pass upstream past the Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond and Twickenham then through the massive Teddington lock. We pass Kingston before arriving at King Henry's Hampton Court Palace with its extensive grounds and famous maze. We continue upstream past Shepperton and Chertsey before passing historic Runnymede, where the story of our human rights began! The huge grounds of the Home Park herald our imminent arrival in Windsor past Eton College. Our mooring is overlooked by the famous royal castle.

Some grand river scenery on the most dramatic section of the Royal Thames.

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Cruise No. 16. Windsor to Newbury. 21st July to 28th July (7 nights).
49 miles, 33 locks. Nearest railway station: Windsor
From our mooring overlooked by Windsor Castle, we travel upstream passing Maidenhead with its amazing railway bridge and Marlow with the elegant suspension bridge. There are some very fine grand mansions to be seen lining the banks from time to time as we journey past and take a glimpse at how the other half lives. We arrive at Henley, the Mecca of the rowing man, and now home of the River and Rowing Museum. At Reading, we turn off the river onto the Kennet & Avon canal. This part of the canal is however really the River Kennet, so it is more winding and lush than the average canal. We journey past water meadows to the isolated locks to pass Theale, then Aldermaston (with its huge lift bridge) to arrive at Woolhampton. Old Monkey Marsh lock has been preserved in its original turf-sided style. Passing Thatcham, we arrive at the fine market town of Newbury.

The best of both worlds, with a fine section of the Royal River and the sedate Kennet & Avon canal.

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Cruise 17. Newbury to Bath. 28th July to 4th August (7 nights).
57 miles, 78 locks, 1 tunnel, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Newbury
We leave Newbury and head past water meadows through Hungerford and the Bedwyns before arriving at Crofton. As we climb the locks toward the summit of the canal, we pass the steam pumping engines which supplied the canal with water in times past. From the top lock, we head off across the summit, passing through the short Savernake tunnel. We emerge by the old wharf crane at Burbage before descending the lovely peaceful flight of locks to the really delightful village of Wootton Rivers. From here a long lock-free pound takes us past Pewsey wharf, then through the wooded Stowell Park with its elegant suspension bridge, the 'wide water' and the elegant Ladies' Bridge. We meander through unspoilt countryside, past such delightful places as Honey Street to arrive in Devizes with its theatre by the canal. From Devizes we descend the unforgettable series of locks known as the Caen Hill flight. We pass Seend Cleeve and Semington before arriving at Bradford on Avon. This is a small but very lovely town and its delights are to be savoured, including the huge tithe barn. From here we descend along the side of the Avon valley, crossing it on not one but two magnificent stone aqueducts, at Avoncliff and then Dundas. We glide through Bathampton, and soon the city of Bath itself comes into sight, its sweeping crescents of honey coloured stone glowing in the afternoon sun. We enter Bath through Sydney Gardens - a fitting end to such a wonderful cruise.

There are just too many special moments on this cruise to list them all. A must for every canal fan.

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Cruise 18. Bath to Newbury. 4th August to 11th August (7 nights).
57 miles, 78 locks, 1 tunnel, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Bath
This cruise is the reverse of cruise 17, but is just as exciting and can be highly recommended.

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Cruise 19. Newbury to Oxford. 11th August to 18th August (7 nights).
58 miles, 34 locks. Nearest railway station: Newbury
This cruise takes up on two very different rivers, the Kennet and then the Thames. From Newbury, we pass by water meadows to Thatcham, Woolhampton and Aldermaston to arrive in Reading. Here we turn onto the Thames and at once arrive at Caversham. The huge locks on the Thames are operated by helpful lock-keepers, so we can sit back and enjoy the wonderful views offered by our Royal River. Just sharing the locks with some of the very varied boats (and their owners) which use the Thames can be an enjoyable and educational experience. We head upstream through Goring and Wallingford to Shillingford. We pass Roman Dorchester and will pause in the lovely little town of Abingdon. The river has changed it character since we joined it, and is now more lively. We arrive in Oxford with glimpses of the colleges and the 'dreaming spires'.

A section of the Kennet & Avon canal with the stately River Thames.

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Cruise 20. Oxford to Warwick. 18th August to 25th August (7 nights).
64 miles, 64 locks, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Oxford
This cruise is always one of our favourites, and is on the lovely rural Oxford canal. We leave Oxford by the River Thames, and then after passing some lovely water meadows, we very appropriately take the little-used 'Dukes Cut' to gain access to the Oxford canal. We are completely clear of the suburbs of Oxford by the time we reach Thrupp, and pass by Shipton on Cherwell church overlooking the canal. If time permits, the nearby abandoned village of Hampton Gay is worth a visit. The next lock is Shipton Weir, which is unusually diamond shaped, and heralds our joining the course of the River Cherwell for one of the finest stretches of waterway in the county. At Bakers lock we leave the Cherwell,
but we will follow its valley for many miles yet. Isolated locks punctuate the rural idyll until we reach Somerton, which has the deepest narrow lock in the country. At Aynho Weir lock we briefly cross our old friend the River Cherwell again. Kings Sutton church spire is visible now as we ascend a few more quiet locks, pass under the M40 motorway and eventually arrive in Banbury. Banbury is much changed of late, but still has a few gems worth discovering. Cropredy village is a real treat with its sleepy churchyard. We ascend a flight of locks at Claydon, with a traditional canal painter at the top lock, and a wonderful museum of bygones in the nearby village. The summit level of the Oxford canal follows the contour of the land, wandering back and forth like a drunken cyclist for miles as it passes Fenny Compton and eventually arrives at Marston Doles. Here we start to descend and catch our first glimpse of Napton windmill, situated at the foot of the locks. Shortly after leaving Napton we turn onto the Grand Union canal. We tackle Calcutt locks, then the flight at Stockton, before our descent becomes much more leisurely as we cross under ancient roads at Welsh Lane and Fosse Way locks. We pass through Royal Leamington Spa and ascend the Cape of Good Hope locks to arrive in Warwick, famous for its castle.

A firm favourite, on one of Britain's earliest canals: and some of it seems to be still in the past.

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Cruise 21. Warwick to Hinckley. 25th August to 1st September (7 nights).
63 miles, 29 locks, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Warwick.
This cruise takes Duke & Duchess into new territory, by sampling the Ashby canal. We commence the cruise by setting out on the Grand Union, one of our more under-rated canals. Leaving Warwick, we pass through Royal Leamington Spa before starting to ascend locks gradually past Radford, under the Fosse Way and up the staircase locks at Bascote before tackling the long flight at Stockton, where we shall see a number of historic boats on display. The locks at Calcutt herald a short stretch of the Oxford canal before the twin arches of the black and white iron bridges mark the entry to Braunston, the heart of the Midlands canals. We swing north onto the Oxford canal and head for the twinned locks at Hillmorton. After this, the canal has no more locks, and runs very straight. It was straightened in the nineteenth century, and we pass many loops where the former course of the canal meandered. The elegant cast iron bridges are a feature of this canal and make a fine sight in black and white. We pass Rugby, meander through the beautiful All Oaks wood and then accompany the West Coast main railway line very briefly at Stretton. At Hawkesbury, we pass under the final iron bridge to join the Coventry canal. Coventry itself presents a tidy face to the canal, and the basin makes an attractive mooring. Leaving Coventry, we soon make the very sharp turn onto the Ashby canal at Marston Junction. We pass Stoke Golding wharf and then at Shenton, where we find the battlefield of Bosworth (1485). After this historic interlude, we return to Hinckley.

For the first time, we visit the sleepy Ashby canal.

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Cruise 22. Hinckley to Stoke on Trent. 1st September to 8th September (7 nights).
68 miles, 36 locks. Nearest railway station: Hinckley
We leave the Ashby canal and join the Coventry canal at Marston Junction. Passing Hartshill, there are reminders of the coal mining past of this area. At Atherstone we descend a lengthy flight of locks towards Alvecote. We pass Fazeley Junction and then the quaint village of Hopwas. Beyond the village are the superb woods through which we gently meander. We pass under Watling Street again before we reach Fradley Junction. Here we turn left and join the Trent & Mersey canal, by the famous Swan Inn. We ascend a few locks and pass through a quiet wooded section before reaching Rugeley, then Great Haywood. The following stretch has isolated locks before we reach the canal town of Stone, famous for its beer. We ascend Meaford locks, pass the Wedgwood Pottery before ascending Stoke locks to reach our mooring in Etruria.

Some lovely wooded sections of canal, best seen now in the Autumn.

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Cruise 23. Stoke on Trent to Chester. 8th September to 15th September (7 nights).
45 miles, 49 locks, 1 tunnel, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent.
Plenty of locks on this route for those who enjoy the activity which these provide. We leave the Potteries via Harecastle tunnel, then start on the long hard descent of 'Heartbreak Hill'. The locks here are paired, so we can hopefully operate the boats side by side down the locks. We pass Wheelock and enter salt country at Middlewich, where we turn left onto the arm of the Shropshire Union canal. This takes us to Barbridge, where we join the main line of the canal. We descend the staircase locks at Bunbury and wonder over the construction of the Iron lock at Beeston, before calling in to Chas Harden's emporium for some retail therapy. Beeston castle overlooks our progress from its lofty position: you might like to make the short trek to inspect it at close quarters. Then we descend gradually to Christleton, past the city walls and down the Northgate staircase locks to our mooring in Chester.

An exciting tunnel, plenty of locks, and the marvellous city of Chester.

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Cruise 24. Chester to Llangollen. 15th September to 22nd September (7 nights).
62 miles, 35 miles, 3 tunnels, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Chester
We leave Chester beneath the towering city walls and emerge into open countryside, with Beeston castle overlooking our efforts from its lofty perch. Next we ascend Bunbury staircase locks and pass Barbridge. Soon we turn right onto the popular Llangollen canal and ascend the locks at Hurleston. Now we are totally in the country and away from it all as we pass through Swanley and Baddiley locks. We start to see the splendid lift bridges, which are a special feature of this canal, as we enter Wrenbury. After Wrenbury, the settlements become even more distant as we ascend Marbury locks and pass Willeymoor lock. We arrive at Grindley Brook, where the flight of locks can take us some time to negotiate - especially the staircase ones. We pass on across Whixall Moss. Here the canal was built up from the surrounding marsh land which is today a really fine area for seeing wildlife of all sorts. We pass into Shropshire's 'Lake District', with several of the lovely meres to be savoured. We then pass through Ellesmere tunnel as we approach the canal arm that leads to Ellesmere, a fine small town. Frankton junction marks the entry to the Montgomery canal, but we have an appointment with far grander things. We pass onwards through New Marton locks and St Martins before reaching Chirk, with its aqueduct, adjacent railway viaduct and tunnel. After another short tunnel, as the canal passes under the lift bridge at Froncysyllte, we catch a first glimpse of one of the wonders of the waterways - the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. Soon we are on the aqueduct itself, seemingly flying across the valley of the River Dee as if by magic. This really is an exhilarating moment as the boats seem suspended in the air - no waterway fan should miss this treat. We turn left and make our way up the narrow feeder canal, clinging to the side of the Dee valley all the way to the picturesque little town of Llangollen.

It's impossible to beat the Welsh canal for stunning scenery, especially in Autumn.

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Cruise 25. Llangollen to Market Drayton. 22nd September to 29th September (7 nights).
59 miles, 43 locks, 3 tunnels, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Wrexham.
From Llangollen, we set off down the lovely narrow section of canal as it clings to the side of the Dee valley, past Sun Trevor. In the distance, the romantic Castel Dinas Bran bids us farewell from the hill atop Llangollen. When we reach Trevor, we turn across the magnificent Pontcysyllte aqueduct. This is an experience not to be missed: you won't forget it for long time. Next we encounter Chirk tunnel, then the rather more sturdy, but still impressive aqueduct at Chirk, with its close neighbour the railway viaduct. We travel on through peaceful countryside, through a short tunnel to emerge by Blake Mere, in a sylvan setting and a truly magical place. We cruise across Whixall Moss, a real treat for bird watchers, before passing Whitchurch and arriving at the locks at Grindley Brook. There is always entertainment to be had here at the locks. We pass isolated locks such as Willeymoor and Marbury before reaching Wrenbury, a fascinating village. Under various raised lift bridges, and past totally rural scenes, we arrive at Hurleston locks, which we descend to join the Shropshire Union canal. We turn right and cruise to the market town of Nantwich. From here we start uphill. The first locks are at Hack Green, site of the so-called 'secret' nuclear bunker. At Audlem we stop for the shop at the Mill, a mecca for hotel boat passengers for many years. Now we ascend the long but attractive flight of narrow locks out of Audlem, then the shorter pretty flight at Adderley. We cruise through the haunted Betton Wood to arrive at Market Drayton.

All the delights of the Llangollen canal with the leafy 'Shroppie'.

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Cruise 26. Market Drayton to Stourport. 29th September to 5th October (6 nights).
40 miles, 25 locks, 2 tunnels, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Stafford.
We ascend the charming locks at Tyrley, partly carved out of the solid rock. At Offley we pass one of the smallest and most old-fashioned pubs in Britain. From Norbury, a canal used to run to Shrewsbury. Then we start to pass along some of he great embankments of the Shropshire Union canal, where we soar over the landscape. We pass the charming village of Gnosall, over the cast iron aqueduct at Stretton and arrive in Brewood in its deep cutting. We pass under the ornate Avenue Bridge, and make our way to the end of the canal at Autherley Junction. Here we join the leafy Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. The locks at Bratch are always worth watching, as are those at Botterham. We pass Greensforge and enter the rock cut section of the canal - where sandstone cliffs are never far away. We pass Stourton junction then Kinver before wondering at the sandstone at Austcliff jutting out over the canal. A small tunnel at Cookley takes us to Wolverley and then Kidderminster with its fine church overlooking the canal. More sandstone-cut locks take us to the canal town of Stourport.

Superb autumn colours on the Staffs & Worcester canal.

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Cruise 27. Stourport to Birmingham. 6th October to 13th October (7 nights)
30 miles, 39 locks, 2 tunnels. Nearest railway station: Kidderminster.
We travel up the leafy Staffs & Worcester canal.
The exact route of this cruise will be determined once we're on our way, as there are so many varied ways round the network of canals round Birmingham. We'll start off up the leafy Staffs & Worcester canal, with its red sandstone cliffs and quaint little villages along the way. Kidderminster church is a fine sight as it towers above the town lock, then we're out into the countryside once more past Wolverley, Austcliff and Kinver. At Stourton Junction, we turn up the Stourbridge canal, and start our serious climb towards Birmingham. The Delph locks make a fine sight, then we head toward Windmill End with its evocative iron bridges and old steam pump house. The tunnel at Netherton is a fine example of later canal architecture - wide and well lit, unlike the other tunnels we use on the system. The Black Country Living Museum is a fine place to spend some time - it really has something for everyone, with old shops, trolley buses and a coal mine - or even a boat trip into the mysterious Dudley tunnel. We then travel the Main Line of the Birmingham Navigations to reach our mooring in the revitalised heart of the city.

The leafy Staffs & Worcester and a grand entry to the second city.

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Cruise 28. Birmingham to Stratford on Avon. 13th October to 20th October (7 nights).
31 miles, 54 locks, 1 tunnel, 4 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Birmingham.
We start this cruise in the heart of Birmingham, passing the retired working boats in Gas Street basin. We pass the Cadbury's chocolate factory in Bournville and arrive at Kings Norton junction. Here we turn onto the Stratford canal through the unique guillotine lock. We pass out of the suburbs of Birmingham, under a lift bridge at Shirley and arrive at Hockley Heath. Now the Lapworth locks begin, slowly at first, then increasing in frequency down to Kingswood. The locks continue as we cruise towards Lowsonford with its barrel-roofed lock keeper's cottage. At Preston Bagot we should see some kingfishers, and at Wootton Wawen there us a fine cast iron aqueduct over the main road. Another more spectacular aqueduct at Edstone brings us to Wilmcote, once the home of Mary Arden. From Wilmcote we descend several more sets of locks to arrive in the heart of theatre land in Stratford basin.

The Stratford canal is one of our gems - the Bard would have eulogised it.

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Cruise 29. Stratford on Avon to Warwick. 20th October to 25th October (5 nights).
21 miles, 56 locks, 1 tunnel, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Stratford on Avon.
Having our on accommodation in the very heart of Stratford makes feel superior to the average visitor to this fine old town. There are reminders of William Shakespeare everywhere. Here we join the Stratford canal which winds uphill from the fine Bancroft basin to Wilmcote, which features Mary Arden's house. Then over a lovely aqueduct that passes over road, rail and water in one fell swoop. As we pass Wootton Wawen and Preston Bagot, we are sure to see kingfishers in this peaceful stretch of countryside. We arrive at the sleepy village of Lowsonford, with its barrel roofed lock cottage. Then we continue on to Lapworth via many locks, and at Kingswood junction we turn onto the Grand Union canal and make our way to Shrewley, with its enchanting tunnel before arriving at the top of the Hatton flight of locks. Here we descend this fine flight in grand style to arrive in Warwick, famous for its castle.

Hard to beat this for a short break, with plenty of locking activity as well as grand scenery.

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