Cruise No. 1: Warwick to Market Harborough. 10th April to 17th April. (7 nights)
51 miles, 46 locks, 3 tunnels, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Warwick

This cruise takes place on the Grand Union canal throughout, but in fact its character changes dramatically from start to finish. We leave Warwick and descend towards the valley of the River Avon at Leamington Spa. Then we begin to climb slowly and will continue to do so for many miles through Radford, Fosse and Bascote locks. We arrive at Stockton locks, with various reminders of the former days of clay quarrying here. We climb Calcutt locks to join the joint Grand Union and Oxford canal and follow this to Braunston. Braunston is regarded as the heart of the canal system, and the village on its hill is not to be missed. We climb the locks to the long tunnel, complete with a kink in the middle. When we emerge from the tunnel a short embankment brings us to Norton Junction where we turn onto the Leicester line of the canal. Here we climb the fascinating staircase of locks at Watford to the summit level. The summit of the Leicester section offers some of the remotest cruising we encounter. We enter a tunnel at Crick, then skirt the village of Yelvertoft - one of the few signs of habitation we shall see for some time. We wind our way across unspoilt countryside, then through Husband's Bosworth tunnel and there follows more charming wooded countryside before we arrive at the top of the famous Foxton locks. There is much to be seen here, including the remains of the great inclined plane that once carried boats down the hillside to the level of the canal below. We descend by the 'old fashioned' locks, but these are rather special ones: two sets of multiple staircases and like no others in the world. At the foot of the locks, we turn right and make our way along the winding rural arm to Market Harborough.

A great contrast in surroundings and some very pleasant cruising away from it all.

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Cruise No. 2. Market Harborough to Coventry. 17th April to 24th April. (7 nights)
64 miles, 29 locks, 4 tunnels, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Market Harborough

This cruise features some wonderful unspoilt countryside, together with unusual locks and tunnels.
The short, rural Market Harborough arm is not much travelled, but it forms an interesting start to our cruise before we tackle the famous set of ten staircase locks at Foxton: this is an experience in itself. Now high above the Leicestershire plain, the canal twists and turns through largely unpopulated countryside and the short tunnel at Husbands Bosworth, before we take a quick detour down the charming Welford arm with this single lock. Back out into open countryside, the canal twists and turns and we are never sure in which direction we are heading. Passing Yelvertoft and Crack's Hill we enter another short (and maybe haunted) tunnel at Crick. Passing under the M1 motorway, we descend the staircase locks at Watford - no problem to us having done Foxton earlier. Shortly we join the main line of the Grand Union canal at Norton Junction and head towards Braunston tunnel. This is a much longer tunnel than the two we passed earlier in the cruise, and even has a kink in the middle. Emerging into the light again, we descend the locks to Braunston village. This was the heart of the waterways community, and there are many interesting glimpses into the past possible here. This is also where Duke was built. As we leave Braunston, we have a choice of routes, and we shall take the older of the two, heading off onto the Oxford canal. This winds its way through open countryside to Hillmorton locks, then past Rugby. This canal was straightened in the 1820s, and there are many curious severed branches where the old route used to run. Newbold tunnel is short but with an interesting light show, as we head through the lovely All Oaks Wood past Stretton to Hawkesbury Junction, where we join the Coventry canal for the short run into the renovated canal basin of this fine city.

Some of the finest unspoilt countryside with plenty of tunnels.

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Cruise No. 3. Coventry to Stoke. 24th April to 1st May (7 nights)
61 miles, 37 locks, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Coventry

We leave the cathedral city of Coventry and wind along the Coventry canal. There are traces of the original line of the Oxford canal, which ran parallel for several miles. Today it joins us at Hawkesbury Junction, under an ornate cast iron bridge. We soon pass the entrance to the Ashby canal, and now all around us are reminders of the past of this area when coal mining was the chief industry, and the canals its lifeblood. At Atherstone we descend a flight of pretty and interesting locks. Now the canal winds through open countryside past Fazeley Junction to enter the lovely wooded section past Hopwas, with bluebells aplenty. We join the Trent & Mersey canal at Fradley and, after passing the famous Swan Inn and ascending a few locks, we enter another lovely wooded stretch of canal to Wood End. There are further signs of industry past and present as we pass Rugeley before sailing over the River Trent on a minor aqueduct. A pleasant stretch takes us to Great Haywood where occasional isolated locks bring us to the little canal town of Stone. The pretty flight of locks at Meaford takes us out into open countryside again, passing the Wedgwood Visitor Centre before ascending the Stoke locks to our destination at Etruria.

A lovely rural cruise, mixed with plenty of industrial heritage.

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Cruise No. 4. Stoke-on-Trent to Stoke-on-Trent. 1st May to 8th May (7 nights).
40 miles, 34 locks, 1 tunnel, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent

Leaving Stoke on Trent, we swing onto the lovely Caldon canal. This is a wonderful canal, which just keeps getting better as we cruise onwards. We soon leave the built up areas and a short flight of locks at Stockton Brook puts us on the summit of the canal. We wind our way past Endon to Hazelhurst Junction where the canal divides in two. Leaving the main line for later we take the Leek arm of the canal. This is surely one of the most glorious stretches of rural canal, which twists and turns through lovely woods filled with spring flowers, with heady views over open countryside. Even the little tunnel at the end of the arm is picturesque. Returning down the arm, we pass over an aqueduct and turn back on ourselves at the junction. We then descend the lovely little flight of locks at Hazelhurst (watching for signs of the two previous routes of the canal here) to Denford, passing under the same fine aqueduct we crossed over earlier. At Cheddleton, we can glimpse James Brindley's flint mill, powered by water and still working. Just when you think this can't get any better, we descend onto the River Churnet - another simply wonderful stretch of waterway set amongst pretty woods and meadows. Passing the isolated Consall Forge, we may catch a glimpse of a steam train passing overhead. We then retrace our route to Stoke - back to the real world, but refreshed by our trip into such a magical alternative.

Wonderful scenery and spring flowers.

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Cruise No. 5. Stoke on Trent to Manchester. 8th May to 15th May. (7 nights).
50 miles, 56 locks, 1 tunnel, 5 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent

This pleasant rural cruise is mainly on the Macclesfield canal, followed by a cruise into the Peak District at Whaley Bridge. We leave Etruria and, in a short distance, enter the unforgettable Harecastle tunnel, with its friendly keeper. Emerging from the tunnel we swing sharp left, then cross back over the Trent & Mersey canal on a fine aqueduct overlooking the twinned locks. The Macclesfield canal does not have many locks, but offers some very fine views of the tall ridge of hills it runs alongside. Mow Cop folly overlooks the canal from on high, while a short walk takes us to Little Moreton Hall, a fine half timbered 16th century moated manor house. The canal swings past Congleton where there are some fine examples of the twisting 'snake' turnover bridges, unique to this canal. Then, after passing the imposing hill called The Cloud, we start to ascend the only flight of locks on this canal, at Bosley. These twelve locks swing around the hillside as we ascend. The canal continues through open countryside to Macclesfield, where there is a fine silk-weaving mill and a silk museum. At Bollington, we see on the skyline the strange building known as White Nancy. From here we are very much in unspoilt countryside until we reach Marple, where we turn onto the Lower Peak Forest canal and descend the wooded, winding flight of locks to pass under a railway line and over the fine arched Marple aqueduct. Through a short tunnel we wind our way towards the conurbation, making a sharp left turn at Dukinfield, with its little museum in Portland Basin. Then onto the Ashton canal, where we descend a series of locks with much of architectural interest all around as we dive through the heart of Manchester to arrive at our mooring in the rebuilt Castlefield basin.

A wonderful rural cruise, but ending in the bustling heart of Manchester.

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Cruise No. 6. Manchester to Liverpool. 15th May to 22nd May. (7 nights).
57 miles, 14 locks, 1 tunnel. Nearest railway station: Manchester

A wonderful new route for Duke & Duchess, with the excitement of cruising the brand new Liverpool Link.
We leave Manchester by passing close to the Ship Canal, then turn right at Waters Meeting junction to head over the famous Barton Swing Aqueduct. Worsley is a fascinating place, with the half-timbered Packet House next to the canal. We journey on through Leigh to arrive in Wigan, famous for its museums and of course its Pier.
On leaving Wigan we are in open countryside through Parbold, overlooking the valley of the River Douglas to Burscough, junction of the Rufford branch. The canal runs level amongst some fine wooded countryside past Maghull and Aintree where, by standing on the roof of the boats, we can see the Grand National racecourse (by the famous Canal Turn, of course). The canal winds onward as signs of population increase and we moor at the attractive Eldonian village. Next we descend four locks to Stanley Dock and continue on the newly opened Link through several famous docks, including the Princes dock (made famous in the song) and a new tunnel to emerge passing the Pier head, with the fabulous sight of the Three Graces. Passing through Albert Dock, we arrive at the new pontoons in Salthouse Dock. Here we have the Mersey estuary on one side, and the European City of Culture on the other.

A new cruise with much of architectural merit and plenty of industrial archaeology.

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Cruise No. 7. Liverpool to Northwich. 22nd May to 29th May. (7 nights).
77 miles, 17 locks, 3 tunnels. Nearest railway station: Liverpool

This cruise is on new ground for Duke & Duchess. We journey first through the newly opened Liverpool Link, which opens up the historic and world-famous docks of Liverpool for us to cruise. There are many wonderful pieces of industrial archaeology to be seen here. We pause at the Eldonian village on our way out into open countryside past Aintree (of racecourse fame), and Lydiate. The land here is cultivated and a little reminiscent of the Fens. At Burscough, the Rufford arm leads down towards the Lancaster canal, unfortunately inaccessible to us. We skirt Wigan and Leigh, then pause at Worsley, the birthplace of the canals. Passing over the Barton Swing Aqueduct is always a thrill, especially if we should see it swing for a ship passing underneath on the Ship Canal. We join the Bridgewater canal at Waters Meeting Junction and pass through Sale, Bollington and Lymm. We pass under the soaring M6 motorway at Thelwall and past the attractive village of Moore before joining the Trent & Mersey canal at Preston Brook. A short tunnel at Dutton takes us to the ridiculously shallow stop lock. The canal now runs on the valley side high above the River Weaver until we reach Anderton, where we descend the mighty Boat Lift to arrive at our destination on the lovely River Weaver below.

Some new ground for us, combined with some old favourites.

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Cruise No. 8. Northwich to Llangollen. 29rd May to 5th June (7 nights).
69 miles, 30 locks, 2 tunnels, 3 aqueducts, 1 boat lift. Nearest railway station: Northwich

We commence this cruise on the lovely River Weaver, where we head downstream to encounter the Anderton Boat Lift. This amazing structure will lift us 50 feet from the river up to the Trent & Mersey canal above. We cruise off on this canal, with views down over the Weaver valley that we have just left. We pass the outskirts of Northwich and the 'flashes' before arriving in Middlewich via the Big Lock. Here we turn onto the shortest canal in the country, the Wardle canal, ascend a lock and are on the Shropshire Union canal. We make our way across open pastureland to Barbridge. Shortly we turn off again onto the Llangollen canal, ascending Hurleston locks beside a reservoir that supplies drinking water to much of Cheshire. If it were not for the fact that the canal brings this water all the way from the River Dee at Llangollen, this canal would have been closed fifty years ago. We are now in totally open countryside as we pass the villages of Wrenbury and Marbury. The lifting bridges, which are unique to this canal, make an interesting diversion for the crew every so often. Soon we approach Grindley Brook locks, always a scene of excitement with the staircase of locks and plenty of boats about. After Whitchurch, we cross the lovely Whixall Moss, reclaimed from marshland to form the course of the canal. This area is a haven for wildlife of all sorts. We may take a diversion down the Prees branch, before the impressive trees and lakes presage the approach to the pretty little town of Ellesmere. We pass Frankton, where we can catch sight of the Montgomery canal before crossing the fine stone aqueduct at Chirk, with its nearby castle. We are now in Wales, and this aqueduct is a build up to the much larger cast iron one of Pontcysyllte, crossing which is certainly a memorable experience. Now we turn up the narrow feeder canal, with magnificent views over the Dee valley as we meander in amongst the trees to Llangollen.

The wonderful Llangollen canal, with a boat lift thrown in.

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Cruise No. 9. Llangollen to Chester. 5th June to 12th June (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 from Sun Trevor, we can see the ruined Castel Dinas Bran perched on the hillside high 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. There is always entertainment to be had here at the locks under the watchful eye of the lock keeper. 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 left and make our way past Barbridge junction to Bunbury. Here we use the staircase locks - always a source of some excitement, then cruise on to reach Beeston Stone Lock. The name of this lock warns us of the approach of the other lock at Beeston: known as the Iron Lock, this is another of Telford's fascinating inventions, put in place to overcome the problem of shifting sands on which the canal was built. We next catch sight of the fine Beeston castle on its crag overlooking the canal. We continue to Christleton and approach the wonderful Roman city of Chester, where we pass around the magnificent city walls to arrive at our destination.

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

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Cruise No. 10. Chester to Stone. 12th June to 19th June (7 nights)
53 miles, 61 locks,1 tunnel. Nearest railway station: Chester

Leaving Chester past the imposing city walls, we climb through the Cheshire countryside past Christleton and the imposing Beeston castle, which overlooks the canal. At Tiverton we pause to visit Chas Hardern's unique canal-side emporium. Next we tackle the unusual Iron Lock before arriving at Bunbury staircase of locks. Soon after this we approach Barbridge junction, where we turn left onto the Middlewich arm. This straight length of canal takes us, unsurprisingly, to the little town of Middlewich - where we join the Trent & Mersey canal. This is a much older canal than those we have travelled so far, and consequently has more twists and turns - and a lot more locks. In fact, we are now facing what the old boaters called 'Heartbreak Hill'. But we relish the exercise and the chance to use the double locks side by side as we ascend past Wheelock, Hassall Green and Rode Heath. We pass under the aqueduct carrying the Macclesfield canal and notice the water is now stained a strong red colour. This is due to iron ore leaching from the hills. As we round a bend, we find the hills themselves - and our means of passing through them. Harecastle tunnel was a masterpiece of engineering of its time, but is nevertheless narrow and low. We pass through, seeing our old friend the tunnel keeper here. Emerging into daylight at the end of the 3000 yard tunnel, we find ourselves in the Potteries. Having descended Stoke Locks past the old Bone Mill museum, a stretch of open countryside leads past the Wedgwood china centre to the pretty Meaford locks, before we enter the pleasant canal town of Stone.

Plenty of locks, an exciting tunnel, and with glorious countryside almost all of the way.

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Cruise No. 11. Stone to Stourport. 19th June to 26th June (7 nights).
57 miles, 46 locks, 1 tunnel, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent

Leaving the canal town of Stone, we travel through open countryside to Great Haywood and nearby Shugborough Hall. Here we join the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal, cross the river 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 Aldersley 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 at 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 .12. Stourport to Warwick. June 26th to July 3rd. (7 nights).
57 miles, 104 locks, 5 tunnels, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Kidderminster

Locks galore as we travel over the spine of southern England!
From Stourport, we join the River Severn and journey downstream the short distance to Worcester, which always repays a visit. On the way, we shall visit the newly- restored Droitwich canal - in fact if it is completed by the time we reach it, we may use this new route to bypass Worcester. On the Worcester and Birmingham canal, there are plenty of locks for those who enjoy helping operate them - with the Tardebigge flight the highlight. The view back from the top of the Lickey hills after we have ascended all the locks is most satisfying. We leave this canal opposite the fine old toll office at Kings Norton and join the Stratford canal. The stop lock here is unique with its guillotine gates. After skirting the edge of Birmingham, we cross Shirley aqueduct and pass under the lift bridge before we find our next set of locks at Lapworth. These take us down to the junction with the Grand Union canal. This is a broader canal, and winds on a high embankment, then through Shrewley tunnel with its little horse tunnel running alongside, to the top of Hatton locks. We can see the towers of the churches in Warwick in the distance, and start the long descent of 21 locks to arrive in the town, famous for its ancient castle.

A real mix of different canals, with more than enough locks and tunnels.

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Cruise No. 13. Warwick to Oxford. 3rd July to 10th July (7 nights)
64 miles, 64 locks, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Warwick

This cruise is always one of our favourites, and is on the lovely rural Oxford canal. After leaving Warwick, famous for its castle, we descend the Cape of Good Hope locks, then pass over the River Avon and through Royal Leamington Spa. Our passage is leisurely as we cross under ancient roads at Welsh Lane and Fosse Way locks. After a pleasant rural stretch with few locks, we ascend the flight at Stockton and then tackle Calcutt locks. Here we leave the Grand Union canal and join the much older Oxford canal. Passing Napton windmill on its hill, we ascend the pretty locks to the summit level of the canal. James Brindley cleverly followed the contours of the land rather than built additional locks, so the summit level of the canal wanders back and forth like a drunken cyclist for miles as it passes Fenny Compton and eventually arrives at Claydon.
We descend a flight of locks at Claydon, where there is a traditional canal painter at the top lock, and a wonderful museum of bygones in the nearby village.
Cropredy village is a real treat with its sleepy churchyard, before we reach the well-known market town of Banbury. This is much changed of late, but still has a few gems worth discovering.
Out into open countryside again, we pass under the M40 motorway and descend a few more quiet locks with Kings Sutton church spire visible as a backdrop.
At Aynho Weir lock we briefly cross the River Cherwell via an unusual diamond-shaped lock, then follow the peaceful river valley for several miles.
Somerton has the deepest narrow lock in the country, after which only isolated locks punctuate the rural idyll of the sleepy river valley.
At Bakers lock we join the River Cherwell for one of the finest stretches of waterway in the country, then at Shipton Weir lock, we re-join the canal. Shipton on Cherwell church overlooking the canal, and if time permits, the nearby abandoned village of Hampton Gay is worth a visit. On our approach to Oxford, we very appropriately take the little-used 'Dukes Cut' to gain access to the River Thames and after passing some lovely water meadows, we enter Oxford silently and majestically.

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 No. 14. Oxford to Oxford. 10th July to 17th July (7 nights)
60 miles, 22 locks. Nearest railway station: Oxford

We have not cruised on the delightful Upper reaches of the River Thames for a few years now, but it is always a pleasure to return to these tranquil waters. Leaving Oxford amongst pretty water meadows, we pass the ruined Abbey and the famous Trout Inn at Godstow. Then the river really starts to meander through glorious open countryside past Swinford and Bablock Hythe. At this time of year, this is really the epitome of rural English life from generations past, with bees lazily buzzing over cottage gardens, and afternoon tea in the sun. Newbridge is not new, and in fact everything here really does seem to belong to another age. We pass under Tadpole bridge, then negotiate the narrow stone bridge at Radcot. At Kelmscot, we may have time to visit the manor house, once home to William Morris. At Buscot, the river winds about so much that it is almost impossible to see where it will go to next. However, we soon arrive at St Johns lock, with a statue of Old Father Thames reclining on the lock side, and see ahead of us the tall spire of Lechlade church. Above the charming Cotswold town of Lechlade we turn the boats, as this is the milt of navigation, maybe with a chance to see the entrance to the Thames & Severn canal at Inglesham, before retracing our route to Oxford.

An unbeatable cruise for relaxation and the sheer joy of living.

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Cruise No. 15. Oxford to Hungerford. 17th July to 24th July. (7 nights)
67 miles, 46 locks. Nearest railway station: Oxford

We leave Oxford in grand style past the colleges, where we get uninterrupted views of many fine old buildings. We soon enter unspoilt countryside and after some very pleasant quiet cruising we will pause in the lovely little town of Abingdon. We then head downstream, passing the new entrance to the Wilts & Berks canal before descending some very pleasant locks (each of which will have lovely floral displays) and cruising through the villages of Shillingford, Wallingford and Moulsford. We next arrive in Goring, set in a deep wooded valley on one of the most spectacular reaches of the river. The river itself is much wider here, and there are some wonderful riverside mansions to be glimpsed on the banks and through the trees before we arrive in Caversham. We turn off the river onto the Kennet & Avon canal and pass briefly through Reading. This part of the canal is however really the River Kennet, so it is soon more winding and lush than the average canal. We journey past water meadows to the isolated locks and pass Theale and Sulhamstead. At Aldermaston, we can enjoy disrupting the traffic as we raise the huge lift bridge to pass under it. The lock here is of a very pleasing ornate design. Next we arrive at Woolhampton, where the skipper has to demonstrate some considerable navigational skills. Old Monkey Marsh lock has been preserved in its original turf-sided style, giving us a flavour of this canal's past. Passing Thatcham, we navigate the final few locks to arrive at the fine market town of Newbury. From Newbury we navigate through some really fine parkland past Benham and Hampstead before passing Kintbury. We continue our meandering course to arrive in Hungerford, famous for its antique shops.

A wonderful contrast between the Rivers Thames and Kennet.

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Cruise No. 16. Hungerford to Bristol. 24th July to 31st July (7 nights)
59 miles, 69 locks, 1 tunnel, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Hungerford

This cruise is always a favourite with our guests, and is on the Kennet & Avon canal. We head past water meadows as we leave Hungerford and approach 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, then descend the picturesque lock flight with marvellous views of the glowing stone houses to join the River Avon. This is an unspoilt river, taking us via Keynsham to Bristol with its floating harbour. Here there will be time to visit Brunel's famous steamship the 'Great Britain' and view his Clifton suspension bridge.

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 No. 17. Bristol to Hungerford. 31st July to 7th August (7 nights)
59 miles, 69 locks, 1 tunnel, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Bristol

This cruise is the reverse of cruise 16, but is just as exciting and can be highly recommended.

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Cruise No. 18. Hungerford to Windsor. 7th August to 14th August (7 nights)
41 miles, 43 locks. Nearest railway station: Hungerford

This cruise takes us on two very different rivers, the Kennet and then the Thames. We leave Hungerford, famous for its antique shops, and take a meandering course through Kintbury before passing some very fine parkland at Hampstead and Benham. From the fine market town of Newbury, we pass by water meadows to Thatcham and Woolhampton. At Aldermaston, we hold up the road traffic while we negotiate the massive lifting bridge. After a twisting, wooded and thoroughly enjoyable river section, we 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. Travelling downstream on the river, we pass the little village of Sonning. We may cast an envious eye at the impressive mansions we pass, some with their own handsome boathouses. Next we reach Henley: this is a fine small town, with some interesting shops and a museum dedicated to the sport of rowing on the River Thames. At Hambledon there is a fine old weather-boarded mill, before more lazy twists and turns bring us to Hurley. Marlow boasts a fine suspension bridge over the river and a magnificent roaring weir. We pass Cookham, then the lovely wooded Cliveden reach before descending Boulter's lock, made famous by old photographs showing the variety of boats to be found on the Thames even today. Winding our way past Maidenhead, we approach Windsor, with fine views of the Royal castle on its hill overlooking our final mooring.

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

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Cruise No. 19. Windsor to Leighton Buzzard. 14th August to 21st August . (7 nights).
76 miles, 83 locks, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Windsor

A wonderful combination of the regal River Thames and the under-appreciated Grand Union canal.
Leaving Windsor past the Great Park affords some fine views as we journey sedately to Runnymede, where King John met his Waterloo. We pass Weybridge before arriving at Hampton Court. This is a fine chance to catch up with Henry VIII's palace or gardens - or maybe just the famous maze. Parakeets sing in the trees as we journey on downstream past Teddington and Richmond on its hill to Brentford. Here we leave the river and join the Grand Union canal. Cargoes were once trans-shipped here from the river for points inland. We journey up Norwood locks past Bulls Bridge and Cowley Peachey to Uxbridge. There are some fine tranquil stretches here, with the Wide Water and Black Jack's lock for instance. At Rickmansworth there is a small but interesting canal museum, and a lock into the River Chess. Cassiobury Park is a highlight of the cruise and not to be missed, with a good chance of seeing kingfishers on the lovely meandering stretch of canal. We are now approaching the foothills of the Chilterns as we pass Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted. Berkhamsted is known for its ancient castle and you must see if you can spot the totem pole by the canal. At Cowroast lock, we emerge onto the summit of the canal and journey through the magnificent wooded Tring cutting. We wind our way down Marsworth locks past the reservoirs which teem with bird life. Now the land starts to flatten as we encounter isolated locks on our way past Soulbury to Linslade.

A splendid cruise with a great variety of scenery.

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Cruise No. 20. Leighton Buzzard to Warwick. 21st August to 28th August (7 nights).
66 miles, 50 locks, 2 tunnels, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Leighton Buzzard

This cruise is entirely on the Grand Union canal, but is surprisingly rural through most of its length.
We wind through a wooded section to the famous waterside inn at the Globe before passing into open countryside, punctuated by the picturesque flight of three locks at Soulbury.
At Fenny Stratford, a single very shallow lock corrects the level of the canal before we start to pass through the prettier side of the new city of Milton Keynes , with glimpses of the little villages that pre-date this conurbation, at Simpson and Linford.
At Cosgrove, we cross the River Great Ouse on a fascinating cast iron aqueduct. This replaced two flights of locks which once lowered the canal down to the level of the river and back up the other side - signs of these are still visible. We then ascend one lock and glide under the ornate Solomon's bridge.
After a long lock-free stretch with very few signs of habitation, we ascend a flight of locks, to enter Stoke Bruerne, a charming village centred round the canal, and home to the famous canal museum.
A lengthy tunnel ensues, before we enter a deep curving cutting which leads to Blisworth, a pretty little village with the canal at its heart.
Leaving Bugbrooke and Weedon, we pass through the peaceful wooded Brockhall Park before we tackle the Long Buckby locks beside the railway and motorway to enter another lengthy tunnel (complete with a kink in the middle). We descend another flight of locks to arrive in the quaint village of Braunston, once the heart of the canal community.
Soon we share the line of the Oxford canal for a brief period before the locks become more frequent at Stockton. We pass under the Roman Fosse Way at Fosse locks, in open countryside and descending gradually to the Avon valley.
We then pass through Leamington Spa before entering Warwick, famous for its castle.

The Grand Union gives up some of its secrets.

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Cruise No. 21. Warwick to Brewood. 28th August to 4th September (7 nights)
47 miles, 64 locks, 5 tunnels, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Warwick

There could be no more exhilarating start to our cruise than ascending the magnificent flight of locks at Hatton. There are some fine views of the locks stringing uphill ahead of us, and we look back on Warwick from the top of the hill with a definite sense of satisfaction. Leafy cuttings take us to Shrewley tunnel, with its separate little tunnel beside it for the towpath to pass through. At Kingswood Junction, we turn sharp left and leave the Grand Union canal for the picturesque Stratford canal. This ascends by way of several flights of narrow locks to Hockley Heath and then on to Kings Norton, with its unique old guillotine lock. Here we swing the boats right towards Birmingham. We arrive in Britain's second city quite secretly, and see how the canalside has been modernised and tidied 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 loops and branches leading away now to nowhere. At Wolverhampton we take on the challenge of descending the 21 locks, and at the bottom we join the Shropshire Union canal. This is a much more modern canal and consequently has less bends and more straight lines: it is typified by deep cuttings and soaring embankments, which give this canal a special character. After passing through a narrow rocky cutting and under the ornate Avenue Bridge, we reach our destination in Brewood (pronounced Brood by the locals).

An autumn treat, with plenty of locks.

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Cruise No. 22. Brewood to Chester. 4th September to 11th September (7 nights).
53 miles, 43 locks, 1 tunnel, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Wolverhampton

We leave the deep cutting at Brewood 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. We pass over the Roman Watling Street, now roaring with traffic, on a fine iron aqueduct at Stretton. Our first lock is in the sleepy hamlet of Wheaton Aston, after which we are in the heart of the countryside as we enter a short tunnel before passing through the peaceful village of Gnosall to arrive at Norbury Junction. Here the Shrewsbury canal once joined on our left. We cruise through one of the very deep cuttings so typical of this canal, with tall trees and seemingly even taller bridges carrying roads high above us. We pass Offley, with its tiny and very traditional public house. Another cutting brings us to Tyrley locks, cut out of the rock as they descend, bringing us to Market Drayton. There is a further 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 encounter a challenge as we descend the lengthy flight of narrow locks toward the village, where the Mill houses a particularly interesting gift shop, well known to hotel boat guests. Nantwich is a fine old market town, with half-timbered buildings and its own aqueduct. We continue on the Shropshire Union to arrive at Bunbury. Here we use the staircase locks - always a source of some excitement. Beeston Iron lock is another of Telford's inventions, put in place to overcome the problem of shifting sands on which the canal was built. At Beeston we find Chas Hardern's emporium, an Aladdin's cave of goodies, and not to be missed. We catch sight of the fine Beeston castle on its crag overlooking the canal as we continue to Christleton and approach the Roman city of Chester, where we pass around the magnificent city walls to arrive at our destination.

All the prettiest and most dramatic bits of the Shropshire Union canal.

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Cruise No. 23. Chester to Llangollen. 11th September to 18th 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 the canal from its lofty perch. Next we ascend Bunbury locks, where the staircase usually makes for some interesting lock working. We pass the entrance to the Middlewich arm at Barbridge, then soon turn right onto the Llangollen canal and ascend the locks at Hurleston. Now we are totally '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 and Willeymoor locks. We arrive at Grindley Brook, where the flight of locks can take us some time to negotiate - especially the staircase ones, but we can expect some assistance from the friendly lock keeper. We now pass on across the wonderful 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 next pass into Shropshire's 'Lake District', with marvellous views of the lovely meres to be savoured as we pass close by. Through Ellesmere tunnel, we approach the canal arm that leads to the fine little town of Ellesmere. We pass onwards through New Marton locks and St Martins before reaching Chirk, with its wonderful stone built aqueduct, adjacent towering railway viaduct and impressive tunnel. As we cross the aqueduct, we enter into Wales. As the canal passes under the lift bridge at Froncysyllte, we catch a first glimpse of one of the true wonders of the waterways - the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. Soon we are on the aqueduct itself, seemingly flying across the valley of the River Dee in mid air. This really is an exhilarating moment as the boats seem suspended above the valley - no waterway enthusiast should miss this treat, and this has now been afforded the status of a World Heritage Site. We turn left at Trevor and make our way up the very 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. 24. Llangollen to Chester. 18th September to 25th September (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 from Sun Trevor, we can see the ruined Castel Dinas Bran perched on the hillside high 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. There is always entertainment to be had here at the locks under the watchful eye of the lock keeper. 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 left and make our way past Barbridge junction to Bunbury. Here we use the staircase locks - always a source of some excitement, then cruise on to reach Beeston Stone Lock. The name of this lock warns us of the approach of the other lock at Beeston: known as the Iron Lock, this is another of Telford's fascinating inventions, put in place to overcome the problem of shifting sands on which the canal was built. We next catch sight of the fine Beeston castle on its crag overlooking the canal. We continue to Christleton and approach the wonderful Roman city of Chester, where we pass around the magnificent city walls to arrive at our destination.

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

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Cruise No. 25. Chester to Stoke. 25th September to 2nd October (7 nights)
44 miles, 49 locks,1 tunnel. Nearest railway station: Chester

Leaving Chester past the imposing city walls, we climb through the Cheshire countryside past Christleton and the imposing Beeston castle, which overlooks the canal. At Tiverton we pause to visit Chas Hardern's unique canal-side emporium. Next we tackle the unusual Iron Lock before arriving at Bunbury staircase of locks. Soon after this we approach Barbridge junction, where we turn left onto the Middlewich arm. This straight length of canal takes us, unsurprisingly, to the little town of Middlewich - where we join the Trent & Mersey canal. This is a much older canal than those we have travelled so far, and consequently has more twists and turns - and a lot more locks. In fact, we are now facing what the old boaters called 'Heartbreak Hill'. But we relish the exercise and the chance to use the double locks side by side as we ascend past Wheelock, Hassall Green and Rode Heath. We pass under the aqueduct carrying the Macclesfield canal and notice the water is now stained a strong red colour. This is due to iron ore leaching from the hills. As we round a bend, we find the hills themselves - and our means of passing through them. Harecastle tunnel was a masterpiece of engineering of its time, but is nevertheless narrow and low. We pass through, seeing our old friend Ivor who is tunnel keeper here. Emerging into daylight at the end of the 3000 yard tunnel, we find ourselves in the Potteries, and soon approach our mooring at Etruria.

Plenty of locks, an exciting tunnel, but with glorious countryside almost all the way.

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Cruise No. 26. Stoke-on-Trent to Stoke-on-Trent. 2nd October to 9th October . (7 nights).
40 miles, 34 locks, 1 tunnel, 1 aqueduct. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent

Leaving Stoke on Trent, we swing onto the lovely Caldon canal. This is a wonderful canal, which just keeps getting better as we cruise onwards. We soon leave the built up areas and a short flight of locks at Stockton Brook puts us on the summit of the canal. We wind our way past Endon to Hazelhurst Junction where the canal divides in two. Leaving the main line for later we take the Leek arm of the canal. This is surely one of the most glorious stretches of rural canal, which twists and turns through lovely woods, with heady views over open countryside. Even the little tunnel at the end of the arm is picturesque. Returning down the arm, we pass over an aqueduct and turn back on ourselves at the junction. We then descend the lovely little flight of locks at Hazelhurst (watching for signs of the two previous routes of the canal here) to Denford, passing under the fine aqueduct we have just crossed over on the arm. At Cheddleton, we can glimpse James Brindley's flint mill, powered by water and still working. Just when you think this can't get any better, we descend onto the River Churnet - another simply wonderful stretch of waterway set amongst pretty woods and meadows. Passing the isolated Consall Forge, we may catch a glimpse of a steam train passing overhead. We then retrace our route to Stoke - back to the real world, but refreshed by our trip into such a magical alternative.

Wonderful scenery on this glorious secret waterway.

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Cruise No. 27. Stoke to Birmingham. 9th October to 16th October (7 nights)
57 miles, 64 locks, 2 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Stoke on Trent

From Etruria, in the heart of the Potteries, we descend a series of locks to reach Barlaston, home of the Wedgwood china centre. The pretty Meaford locks then take us to the little canal town of Stone. We then follow the Trent & Mersey canal through a series of isolated locks to Great Haywood. Here we turn through the pretty bridge to enter the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. Passing over the River Trent on a very ancient aqueduct, we next come to Tixall Wide, one of the most pleasant places on the waterways - the canal forms an artificial lake, which is inhabited by all sorts of wildlife, particularly great crested grebe. Passing on through the tiny villages of Milford and Acton Trussell, we reach Penkridge with its 12th century church. Winding our way through wooded countryside, we reach Gailey where we pass under Watling Street to find the quaint round lock keeper's cottage by the lock - now a tiny gift shop. At Hatherton, we pass the disused branch of the canal that led to Birmingham. By twists and turns, we reach Aldersley Junction and turn toward Wolverhampton. We ascend twenty-one pleasant locks to a busier world. We cross Birmingham with a few detours, searching out some of the disused loops and arms that show where industry once thrived, all of it served by canal. We pay a visit to the Black Country Museum, with its fine evocation of this region's past (including wonderful fish and chips). We journey on across Birmingham to arrive at the renovated central area, which bustles with life, yet retains the secrecy of the canal's world.

A nice mix of rural and urban canals - each with their own charm and history.

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Cruise No. 28. Birmingham to Stratford upon Avon. 16th October to 23rd October (7 nights)
32 miles, 55 locks, 2 tunnels, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Birmingham

This cruise, most of it on the Stratford canal, gives us a wonderful mixture of urban and rural surroundings, with plenty of locks, aqueducts and other unique features of this canal. We leave the heart of Birmingham via the Worcester & Birmingham canal, and after passing through Edgbaston tunnel and by Cadbury's World at Bournville, we come to King's Norton Junction. Here we turn sharply through the unique guillotine lock onto the Stratford canal. We pass through Brandwood tunnel and then soon leave the outskirts of Birmingham behind. Passing under Shirley lift bridge, we skirt the canal reservoirs and head for Hockley Heath. Soon we encounter the first of many locks on our descent towards Stratford. These are Lapworth locks, and they gradually become more frequent as we approach Kingswood Junction, where we see the first of the barrel roofed cottages that are a special feature of this canal. This canal was built on a tight budget, and the bridges do not allow the towpath to pass under them, but have a split in the middle for Duchess's tow rope. Continuing down the locks and ignoring the M40 motorway passing noisily overhead, we find the lovely little village of Lowsonford, then by crossing Yarningdale Common we reach the leafy stretch near Preston Bagot. We cross another small aqueduct at Wootton Wawen, but after one lonely lock we come to the aqueduct proper at Edstone (or Bearley). Here you can walk beside the boat at a lower level as the canal crosses road, river and railway. Next we approach Wilmcote, a charming village famous for the house of Mary Arden (Shakespeare's mother). Now the locks start again, taking us on the final stretch of the journey as we approach Stratford though the 'back door', and suddenly emerge into the Bancroft basin, just opposite the Royal Shakespeare theatre.

A journey into Shakespeare's country, with many features unique to this canal.

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Cruise No. 29. Stratford upon Avon to Warwick. 23rd October to 28th October (5 nights)
22 miles, 58 locks, 1tunnel, 3 aqueducts. Nearest railway station: Stratford upon Avon

A delightful short cruise on the Stratford and Grand Union canals, with locks galore and Warwick's magnificent castle at its end. We start out from Stratford by our own secret route, climbing the locks to Wilmcote, site of Mary Arden's house, and a fine little village. We pass over road, railway and river on the cast iron Edstone aqueduct, looking down on people on the towpath. Then through an isolated lock and on to the aqueduct at Wootton Wawen. This is followed by the wooded approach to Preston Bagot, with pretty locks and unusual waterside dwellings. At the sleepy village of Lowsonford, with its barrel-roofed lock keeper's cottage, we pass the Fleur de Lys Inn, once home of the famous pies. The locks now become more frequent as we cross the diminutive Yarningdale aqueduct and approach Kingswood Junction. Here we pass through a narrow opening to join the Grand Union canal. A long stretch, where we float high above the countryside on embankments, is followed by a deep wooded cutting and then Shrewley tunnel. After emerging from the tunnel, we soon find ourselves at the top of Hatton locks. A glance ahead will show us the towers of Warwick's churches below, separated from us only by the twenty-one locks of the flight. We descend easily, and the ground begins to level out as we travel downwards towards Saltisford, our destination.

A trip full of locks, aqueducts, and barrel roofed cottages, but very peaceful countryside.

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