Weekly Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Braunston and Return – 61 miles, 46 locks, 31.5 hours total
Start your journey heading north through the Cherwell Valley, cruising through pretty scenery on the way into the market town of Banbury. Pass by the pretty stone cottages at Cropredy and travel on through the village of Fenny Compton. Cruise through rolling farmland through Marston Doles, where the windmill on Napton Hill will come into view. Travel through the Napton Locks, mooring by Napton Bottom Lock to walk into the village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The village has several shops and pubs, as well as a beautiful 13th Century church located at the top of the hill. At Napton Junction, join onto the Grand Union Canal heading east. Cruise through peaceful, quiet countryside to the attractive Braunston Turn junction, head east from here and head into the canal village of Braunston. Moor up along the towpath for a short walk into the village centre; set upon a hill, the village has a butcher, fish & chip shop, tea room and gift shop, along with a few local stores. The village is also home to several pubs and the historic All Saint’s Church which dates back to 1849. Turn at one of two winding holes at Braunston to begin your journey back to base.
Relaxed route: Oxford, Cropredy and Return – 63 miles, 40 locks, 35 hours total
Cruise south from Adderbury down the curvy South Oxford Canal, through 3 spaced-out locks and a couple of lift-bridges, before arriving at Aynho, which is a good place to moor up on your first evening (pub). Continue south, following the course of the River Cherwell past open farmland and through 3 more locks with picturesque surroundings, before arriving at Upper Heyford and Lower Heyford. A little further south, the canal is bordered by woodland until you arrive at Gibraltar (canalside pub) and after this, the navigation joins the River Cherwell for a short time; deeper than the canal, flowing strongly and bordered by reeds. At Thrupp there are two traditional waterside inns and shortly afterwards you’ll arrive at Kidlington, followed soon after by glorious Oxford. Turn the boat around before Isis Lock (No. 46) and moor near Aristotle Bridge, to walk into the city centre – The ancient University City of Oxford is an amazing place to visit, it is bristling with history and architecture; plus there are plenty of shops cafés, pubs and restaurants to choose from. Retrace your steps, bypassing Adderbury and cruising north to the market town of Banbury. Once again the town has much to offer, with cafés, shops, art galleries, historic pubs, churches and the iconic ‘Banbury Cross’. Just a little further north you’ll find the pretty village of Cropredy, well-known for its August folk festival. There are two pubs, some lovely old terraced cottages, a stately sandstone church and a small shop; turn around just before Cropredy Wharf Bridge (No. 153) and return to Adderbury.
Intermediate route: Rugby and Return – 80 miles, 52 locks, 40 hours total
Depart the base at Adderbury and travel north through pretty countryside on the way to the market town of Banbury. Pass by the pretty stone cottages at Cropredy and travel through the locks at Claydon, after which the canal meanders its way through the village of Fenny Compton and past the medieval village of Wormleighton. Cruise through rolling farmland through Marston Doles, where the windmill on Napton Hill will come into view. Travel through the Napton Locks, mooring by Napton Bottom Lock to walk into the village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The village has several shops and pubs, as well as a beautiful 13th Century church located at the top of the hill. At Napton Junction head east on the Grand Union Canal and cruise to the picturesque Braunston Turn Junction, head north from here along the North Oxford Canal. Cruise through wide open country to the Hillmorton Locks; navigate through the 3 locks, passing a canalside bistro, situated next to the middle lock. Moor up between bridges 58 and 59 to walk (30mins) into the market town of Rugby. This historic town is home to the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum, along with many shops, pubs and restaurants to choose from. Continue to the winding hole a little further along to turn your boat and begin the journey back to base.
Active route: Oxford, Lechlade and Return – 101 miles, 51 locks, 47.5 hours total
Start your journey heading south on the South Oxford Canal cruising through pretty farmland to the village of Thrupp, where there are pubs located close to the towpath at bridges 221 and 223. Continue cruising down the South Oxford Canal to the moorings close to Isis lock for an easy walk into Oxford- the City of Dreaming Spires. Famous for being the home of one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford hosts many museums, shops, pubs and restaurants to explore. Cruise through Isis Lock, joining onto the River Thames- a licence will be required and can be purchased from the lock (roughly £80 for one week). Head north on the River Thames and travel through King’s Lock, passing the outskirts of Wytham Great Wood. Pass through Pinkhill Lock and scenic open countryside to the small hamlet of Radcot. Cruise under the oldest bridge on the River Thames – an impressive triple-arched 13th Century stone bridge and continue through beautiful countryside to the pristine village of Kelmscott. The river meanders its way to St John’s Lock, after which there are several mooring points to choose from to stop and visit the market town of Lechlade. The tall spire visible from the river belongs to the 15th Century church of St Lawrence. Take a stroll around this idyllic Cotswold town or sample one of the many pubs, cafes or cocktail bars. Turn either at one of the boatyards or at the Round House winding hole a little further on to cruise back to base.
Active route: Warwick and Return – 79 miles, 96 locks, 47 hours total
Head north. following the 'relaxed' weekly route above - cruising through pretty farmland and woodland, passing the villages of Cropredy and Fenny Compton, then through the centre of market town Banbury as you meander along the canal. At Napton Junction turn left and pass through the 3 locks at Calcutt. Next to Stockton Top Marina there is a pub with moorings, after which you'll find the Stockton Flight of 8 locks with anoth pub situated at the bottom. After just two more locks you'll reach Cuttle Bridge (No. 25) which is a great place to moor up for lunchtime or the evening - there are two canalside pubs there and if you walk into the nearby village of Long Itchington you'll find shops and even more pubs serving food. Continuing towards Warwick you'll pass through some staircase locks at Bascote, with a pretty toll house overlooking the canal. There are a couple of low aqueducts to pass across as you reach the outskirts of Warwick and just a few locks dotted here and there en route, as your surroundings change from arable farmland and wooded hedgerows to the more urban outskirts of the historic university town. Moor up between Brudges 49 and 50A if possible, in order to wander into town to enjoy the many treats it has in store for visitors, including Warwick Castle, St. Marys, the Market Hall and Lord Leycester Hospital. Continue to Budbrooke Junction to turn around, then return to Adderbury.
Fortnight Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Leighton Buzzard and Return – 154 miles, 100 locks, 71 hours total
Start your journey heading north and continue along a pleasant rural stretch, passing through several locks on the way to the market town of Banbury. Pass by the pretty stone cottages at Cropredy and travel on through the village of Fenny Compton. Cruise through rolling farmland through Marston Doles, where the windmill on Napton Hill will come into view. Travel through the Napton Locks, mooring by Napton Bottom Lock to walk into the village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The village has several shops and pubs, as well as a beautiful 13th Century church located at the top of the hill. At Napton Junction, join onto the Grand Union Canal heading east. Cruise through peaceful, quiet countryside to the attractive Braunston Turn junction, head east from here and head into the canal village of Braunston. Moor up along the towpath for a short walk into the village centre; set upon a hill, the village has a butcher, fish & chip shop, tea room and gift shop, along with a few local stores. The village is also home to several pubs and the historic All Saint’s Church which dates back to 1849. Cruise on through the Braunston Tunnel at 2042yds it is surprisingly not the longest tunnel you will travel through on this route. Continue to Norton Junction and cruise south down the Grand Union Canal to the Blisworth Tunnel (approximately an hour's cruise away). The Blisworth Tunnel is 3057yds long - making it one of the longest tunnels open for navigation in Britain. After successfully navigating this tunnel, you reach Stoke Bruerne which has a waterfront museum and pubs. Through the locks at Stoke Bruerne cruise through the varied scenery under stone bridges to Cosgrove, cross over the Great Ouse Aqueduct and cruise past the outskirts of Milton Keynes. Continue cruising in a Southerly direction passing through the villages of Fenny Stratford and Stoke Hammond both home to several pubs and restaurants. Use the moorings at Linslade for a 15 minute walk into Leighton Buzzard; this picturesque market town is home to All Saint’s Parish Church, dating back to 1288 along with some fine historic half-timbered cottages dating back to the 17th Century. Use the winding hole located just after bridge 144 to turn your boat for the journey back to base.
Intermediate route: Stratford-upon-Avon and Return – 120 miles, 206 locks, 80.5 hours total
Start your journey departing the base at Adderbury and travel through scenic countryside to the market town of Banbury. Pass by the pretty stone cottages at Cropredy and travel through the locks at Claydon, after which the canal meanders its way through the village of Fenny Compton and past the medieval village of Wormleighton. Cruise through rolling farmland through Marston Doles, where the windmill on Napton Hill will come into view. Cruise on past the canalside pub and onto Napton Junction to join onto the Grand Union Canal towards Stockton. Navigate through the 10 locks at Stockton, mooring along the towpath if you wish to visit this largely Victorian village. Cruise over a small aqueduct and past a couple of canalside pubs at Long Itchington, before tackling a further set of locks continuing the descent into Warwick. Moor up either by Bridge 49B or 50A or continue to the Saltisford Arm for a pleasant walk into Warwick. Cruise west through 2 locks to Budbrooke Junction. Turn right and up the 21-lock Hatton Flight (with pub at top). Pass through Shrewley Tunnel (433 yards) to Kingswood Junction, also known as Lapworth Link. Here there’s a sharp turn to the left leading to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. Turn left, heading south through 9 locks before reaching Lowsonford , then after 8 more locks you reach Preston Baggot (both villages have pubs). Cruise over the aqueduct at Wootton Wawen then through one lock and over a 2nd aqueduct (the Edstone Aqueduct) to Wilmcote, where you can visit Mary Arden’s House. Between here and Stratford-upon-Avon there are 17 locks, mainly running through pretty countryside before arriving on the residential & industrial outskirts of the town. After lock No. 53 the scenery becomes far prettier, before arriving at Bancroft Basin in the middle of the famous Shakespearian town. There is plenty to experience in the town including timbered Tudor buildings, Theatres, guided tours, restaurants & shops. Turn at the basin for the journey back to base.
Active Route: Hampton Court Palace and Return – 225 miles, 96 locks, 96 hours total
Start your journey heading south on the South Oxford Canal, cruising through pretty farmland to the pretty village of Thrupp, where there are pubs located close to the towpath at bridges 221 and 223. Continue cruising down the South Oxford Canal to the moorings close to Isis lock for an easy walk into Oxford- the City of Dreaming Spires. Famous for being the home of one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford hosts many museums, shops, pubs and restaurants to explore. Cruise through Isis Lock, joining onto the River Thames- a licence will be required and can be purchased from the lock (roughly £80 for one week). Travel through the historic market towns of Abingdon and Wallingford, stopping at riverside pubs along the way for refreshment if needed. Continue on towards Basildon, where there are moorings for the Beale Park wildlife park. Travel through Pangbourne with its riverside pub and on through Mapledurham, where you’ll pass a cluster of period houses and cottages on the banks. Cruise on towards the town of Reading, mooring by Reading Bridge to visit the town’s attractions such as The Oracle shopping centre, the Abbey Ruins and Reading Gaol. Travel past the pretty village of Sonning and the attractive market town of Henley-on-Thames. Use one of the several mooring spots available close to the town to visit the fantastic array of independent shops, the River & Rowing Museum or some of the many pubs, bars and eateries. Continuing along the River Thames you’ll pass many attractive towns and villages including Marlow and Cookham, both home to a great selection of pubs and restaurants. Cruising on from here and onto the town of Windsor, stop here to visit attractions such as Windsor Castle and Legoland. Continue cruising through Runnymede and Staines-upon-Thames and moor at Penton Hook marina to visit one of the UK’s biggest theme parks- Thorpe Park. Travel on past the towns of Chertsey and Weybridge on the approach to Hampton Court. Moor up at the palace moorings to explore the home of Henry VIII, visit the grand gardens and famous maze and spend time walking the corridors steeped in Tudor history.
