Suggested 1 Week Routes

Please select a route below to view full details.

NB. The figures shown beside the routes are: firstly the number of miles, secondly the number of locks and finally the approximate number of hours needed to navigate between the places marked with a black circle.

Grand Union South South from Weedon

Our personal favourite. Travelling south from Weedon, the Grand Union Canal passes through the one and three quarter mile long Blisworth tunnel. At the other end lies the small canalside village of Stoke Bruerne with its Waterways Museum, definitely worth a visit.

On south the canal passes over a small aqueduct at Cosgrove, through Linslade and Leighton Buzzard to Marsworth Junction and on south through Tring cutting to Cowroast lock; and return to Weedon.

98½ miles; 64 locks, 1 tunnel, 1 aqueduct; 7½ hrs navigating per day (an easy week). Also an ideal route for short breaks.

Grand Union South

Oxford Canal South from Weedon

The Southern Oxford is a contour canal that winds its way through the Cotswold countryside. Opened in 1790, it is one of the oldest canals in the country.

After circuiting Napton Hill with its windmill and climbing Napton locks comes Fenny Compton summit with its roofless tunnel. The canal then descends to Banbury then on to the Cherwell valley. A nice place to turn is Thrupp, a small village with a pub and lift bridge.

119.5 miles; 94 locks, 1½, tunnels and some lift bridges; 9½, hours per day navigating (a busy week).

For an easier week turn at Lower Heyford: 98 miles; 84 locks, 1½ tunnels, 8 hours per day navigating; or turn at Aynho 86 miles; 78 locks, 1½ tunnels, 7 hours per day navigating.

Oxford

Ashby Canal North from Weedon

A route especially sought after by the lock-shy.

The Northern Oxford Canal takes you to Hawkesbury junction with its cast iron bridge and old steam pumping engine house. Turn right at Marston Junction along the narrow winding Ashby Canal, past the fields where the Battle of Bosworth was fought in 1485. Bridge 53 gives access to Shackerstone Station, home of the Market Bosworth Light Railway. On through Snarestone tunnel to the canal terminus. Then retrace your route to Weedon.

112 miles; 34 locks, 3 tunnels; 7 hours per day navigating (an easy week).

Ashby Canal

Warwick & Leamington Westward Ho!

Plenty of waterside inns on this route to quench your thirst.

Royal Leamington Spa with its fine Regency terraces has some fine shops and the Pump Rooms where people have been sampling the water since 1838, when Queen Victoria took them.

On through Warwick with its Castle and curio shops. Just beyond Warwick are the 21 locks at Hatton - an awe-inspiring sight. Some boats' crews turn at the bottom of Hatton and retrace their route to Weedon, others look upon Hatton as a challenge and press on to Kingswood before turning for home.

71 miles; 118 locks, 2 tunnels, 7½ hours per day navigating (an easy week).

Warwick and Leamington

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