Autherley

Short Break Route Suggestions (3 & 4 nights):

Relaxed route (east): Penkridge and Return - 20 miles, 12 locks, 11 hours total

Turn left onto the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal, cruising north-east through a narrow section of the canal towards the waterside pub at Cross Green. After Bridge 74, you pass part of a medieval moat, followed by a minor aqueduct. The canal leads over another aqueduct near the disused Hatherton Branch where there’s a pub. Shortly after Hatherton you arrive at Gailey Wharf which is identified by its round toll-keeper’s watch tower. There’s another pub about 10 minutes' walk from the canal and a useful canal shop at Gailey Wharf. There are then 6 locks before you arrive at Penkridge. Turn around just before lock 38 and moor up. Penkridge is a traditional market town with a mixture of architectural styles; its history dating back to the 10th Century. There are shops and a variety of pubs within walking distance of the canal.

Relaxed route (north): Norbury and Return - 31 miles, 4 locks, 13 hours total

Cruise north along the Shropshire Union Canal through lock-free, open countryside. There are moorings before bridge 14 from where you can access to the charming village of Brewood (pronounced ‘Brood’) which offers a variety of pubs, cafés and shops. Continue north over Stretton Aqueduct (built by Thomas Telford) and through one lock, leading to Wheaton Aston with its canalside pub. The next stretch is dotted with numerous little brick bridges until you reach Cowley Tunnel (81 yards long) followed by the village of Gnosall with its 2 canalside pubs – why not take a walk to the Norman church to see the tomb of the unknown knight. After this, the canal leads you to the green corridor of the Shelmore Embankment and over two minor aqueducts to Norbury Wharf, where there is a shop, café and pub. Turn here and return to Autherley.

Intermediate route: Stafford and Return – 31 miles, 22 locks, 18 hours total
Best suited to a 4 night mid-week break, otherwise a very active weekend. Take the relaxed route (east) to Penkridge, as above, then carry on along the scenic Staffordshire & Worcester Canal to the county town of Stafford. Stop at Radford Bridge No. 98 to walk into the centre (approx. 1 mile) and visit some of the landmarks there, such as the Ancient High House, the Shire Hall and Gallery and St. Chad's Church (12 th C). Otherwise, you could relax at some of the cafés, bars, restaurants and shops available to you in the town. Continue cruising to the east, turning before Milford Bridge (No. 105) and returning to Autherley.

Active route: Kinver and Return - 32 miles, 42 locks, 20 hours total
Best suited to a 4 night mid-week break. Head south to the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal and turn right. Cruise past Aldersley Junction, with Dunstall Park Racecourse on your left. There are two locks, then Wightwick Bridge 56 has moorings for your first night (pub nearby). Next you’ll reach the scenic 3-lock ‘Bratch’ Flight. The Bratch has an old Lock-Keeper’s Toll House, an historic bridge and old pumping station. South of the Bratch is the village of Wombourne, followed by the staircase locks at Botterham and 6 further locks before Stourton Junction. Nearby Stewponey Wharf has an historic octagonal toll office. After 2 more locks and a short tunnel you arrive at the village of Kinver, with its attractive centre. There are a couple of pubs, a café, supermarket and fish & chip shop. The village is very historic and has some interesting features including ‘rock houses’ dating back to 1777, a 12th Century church, the 14th Century White Hart pub and a plaque recording a charter granted by Ethelbad in the year 736! Just after the village is another lock followed by a turning place; turn here and return.

Active route: Market Drayton and Return - 53 miles, 14 locks, 24 hours total
Best suited to a 4 night mid-week break. Follow the ‘relaxed’ route to Norbury (above) then continue north. Just past Norbury you pass under one of the iconic symbols of this canal; one of the very high, arched bridges that stretch across the ‘deep cuttings’. Cruising though farmland you cross a small aqueduct at Shebdon, followed by a long stretch leading to an ex-chocolate factory that once took goods for ‘Bournville’. Just north of Goldstone Bridge is the very narrow, green corridor of Woodseaves Cutting where you’ll encounter another of the high arched bridges. There is a 5-lock flight at Tyrley - take care at these locks to read the signs on the lock gates. Then it’s plain sailing to Market Drayton visitors’ moorings, from which you can walk into the town itself. The centre of the town is a good 20 minute walk from the canal but offers some very striking timbered buildings (e.g. Tudor House Hotel) and other places of historic interest, such as Joule’s Brewery and the ‘Butter Market’ (dated 1824). Turn after the bridge at Turley Wharf and return.

Weekly Route Suggestions:

Relaxed route: Fradley Junction and Return – 65 miles, 34 locks, 33 hours in total
Join the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal, passing through one stop-lock then heading east (left) towards the village of Gailey. Stop at Cross Green on your first night, with pub nearby. Shortly after Gailey Wharf you’ll reach the market town of Penkridge, which has good facilities, shops, etc. There are very few locks on the next stretch towards Stafford (within walking distance from Radford Bridge 98) and just a little further ahead you’ll arrive at Tixall Wide, which looks more like a lake than a section of canal. Continue to Great Haywood Junction, which is very close to historic Shugborough Hall (stately home and gardens). Turn left at the junction here, heading south over an aqueduct towards Rugeley, where there are shops and pubs within walking distance of the canal. Passing the village of Armitage and ‘Spode House’ you’ll find a couple of pubs at Handsacre before reaching Fradley Junction and the iconic Swan Inn pub (or Mucky Duck as it’s fondly known). Turn around here and return to Autherley.

Relaxed route: Stourport and Return - 51 miles, 58 locks, 31 hours total
Follow our ‘intermediate’ short break route to Kinver (above) then continue south. After Kinver there are two locks before you arrive at Cookley Tunnel (65 yards) with Cookley Village above (up a steep pathway) followed by a third lock. This is a pretty stretch with plenty of greenery. The next lock is Wolverley, where there’s a pub that often hosts local music nights and a café opposite. Nearby are houses and caves crafted from the local sandstone rock which were once used as dwellings. Arriving at the outskirts of Kidderminster, famous for its carpet weaving, you’ll find a church with a turquoise clock face overlooking a lock, taking you under a very busy roundabout right in the centre of town. The canal moves through the suburbs, passing under two high bridges at Falling Sands. On the outskirts of Stourport the canal gets narrower, with more bends and bridges. Pubs, houses, tea rooms and shops overlook the canal, then there’s one last lock before you enter the Stourport ‘Clock’ Basin (c. 1770). Known as Stourport-on-Severn, as it sits next to the River Severn, the town has five Georgian canal basins which remain largely intact. This is an excellent place to stop and walk into the town; there are plenty of places to eat out or to visit nearby. Turn around and return.

Intermediate route: Barbridge and Return - 84 miles, 58 locks, 42 hours total
Follow the ‘active’ short break route to Market Drayton, then continue north. Three miles further ahead there are 5 locks at Adderley, followed by 15 locks leading to the village of Audlem and the iconic ‘Shroppie Fly’ pub. You can walk into Audlem village via bridge 78 if you’d like; it has some interesting shops. The canal is then lock-free until you get to Hack Green where you can visit the ‘secret nuclear bunker’ if you wish. Next comes the lovely town of Nantwich where there is an aqueduct and a boat basin along the canal. The main road under the aqueduct leads to the town centre – the medieval market town of Nantwich has some lovely historic ‘timbered’ buildings and an excellent array of shops, pubs and restaurants. In December 1583 the town had its own ‘Great Fire’ which burned for 20 days! On the opposite side of the canal, you might like to walk to the Jacobean mansion ‘Dorfold Hall’ (c. 1616 – 1621). Leaving Nantwich, cruise over the cast-iron aqueduct and after a couple of miles you’ll reach Hurleston Junction (with the Llangollen Canal). Bypass the junction and continue north for two more miles, to Barbridge Junction (with the Middlewich Branch Canal). Turn around at the junction, maybe stopping at the nearby pub for a meal, before returning to Autherley.

Intermediate route: The Black Country Ring - 75 miles, 79 locks, 43 hours total
Cruise along the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal heading east to the village of Gailey; maybe stopping there for your first evening (approx. 3hrs’ cruising). After Gailey you’ll reach the market town of Penkridge, which has good facilities, shops, etc. There are very few locks on the next stretch towards Stafford (within walking distance from Radford Bridge 98) and just a little further on you’ll arrive at Tixall Wide, which looks like a lake. Soon after Tixall Wide you’ll arrive at Great Haywood Junction, which is very close to historic Shugborough Hall. Turn left at the junction, heading south over an aqueduct towards Rugeley, where there are shops and pubs within walking distance of the canal. Passing Armitage and the interesting ‘Spode House’ you soon reach Fradley Junction and the nearby Swan Inn pub. Here you turn onto the Coventry Canal, heading south towards Tamworth. Turn at Fazeley Junction, finding Drayton Manor Adventure Park right next to the canal soon after. Now the hard work begins, as there are quite a few locks leading into central Birmingham. Make your way to Gas Street Basin in the centre of the city, which is close to The National Sealife Centre, the Ikon Gallery, Symphony Hall and the ICC (amongst various other attractions). Heading north from Gas Street up the New Birmingham Mainline canal, you eventually arrive at Wolverhampton and a flight of 21 locks. At the end of the Wolverhampton Flight you’ll meet the pretty Staffordshire & Worcester Canal once again and return to Autherley.

Active route: The Stourport Ring - 85 miles, 118 locks, 52 hours total
Follow our ‘relaxed’ weekly route to Stourport (as above) taking the staircase locks from Stourport Clock Basin down onto the River Severn and turning left. En route you’ll see the lovely village of Upton-upon-Severn, which is well worth a stop. At Worcester, pass the riverside Cathedral (c. 1074) then turn left at Diglis, through a swing-bridge and 2 locks, on to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. The ‘Commandery’ is an excellent place to moor up if you’d like to visit Worcester itself, which has some interesting attractions. There are 8 spread-out locks through Worcester, then a flight of 6 locks at Offerton followed by Dunhampstead Tunnel (230 yards). There are 5 more locks at Astwood before you arrive at Stoke Prior (nearby pub). Here, a long flight of 35 locks begins (including the Stoke Flight), running through lush farmland and ending at Tardebigge Wharf. The canal then continues lock-free, passing through 3 long tunnels and into central Birmingham via ‘Bournville’ where you’ll find Cadbury’s World. At Gas Street Basin you are within easy walking distance of lots of Birmingham’s main attractions including the Symphony Hall, National Sealife Centre, ICC and Brindley Place. Follow the Birmingham Main Line out of the city centre to Wolverhampton, where the 21-lock Wolverhampton Flight begins (you require an anti-vandal lock key here). Straight after the last of these locks you reach the green Staffordshire & Worcester Canal again, turning right. Turn at Autherley Junction, passing under the bridge, through the stop-lock and back to the boatyard. (Also suitable for a 10 / 11 night holiday if preferred).

Fortnight Route Suggestions:

Relaxed route: Chester and Return - 114 miles, 80 locks, 57 hours total

Follow our ‘intermediate’ 7 night route to Barbridge Junction, then continue north. On this section the locks are double width and can take two boats at a time. There are two high-rise staircase locks at Bunbury, then 4 spread-out locks leading through the village of Beeston (pub & shop) with its nearby hilltop castle (c. 1228). At Bates Mill Bridge there is a canalside pub, then the canal winds its way through the Cheshire Plain past Waverton and Rowton Moor to the pleasant village of Christleton, where there are moorings. As you leave Christleton, the towers and chimneys of Chester City come into view. The canal descends through five slow-filling locks into the centre of Chester itself, with easy access from the canal to attractions such as the City Walls, Roman Amphitheatre, Chester Castle (c. 1069), Abbey Square Gateway (c. 1377) and Chester Racecourse. It’s worth allowing yourselves a couple of days to discover Chester if possible. Turn between Bridges 123D and 123E then return to Autherley. Note: It is best not to moor-up in central Chester at night, better to moor at Christleton. (Also suitable for a 10 / 11 night holiday if preferred).

Intermediate route: The Four Counties Ring, Caldon Canal and Return - 143 miles, 128 locks, 81 hours total

Everything in just one route. Cruise north to the charming village of Brewood. Pass over the Stretton Aqueduct and through the lock at Wheaton Aston. There’s a short tunnel before Gnosall then a run along the green Shelmore Embankment, past Norbury. Here the iconic High Bridges of the ‘Shroppie’ appear, traversing the deep cuttings of the canal. After 5 locks at Tyrley you arrive at Market Drayton. There are then 5 locks at Adderley, followed swiftly by 15 locks leading to Audlem. Stop at Hack Green to visit the ‘secret nuclear bunker’ if you wish. Cruising through the town of Nantwich, with its shops, pubs and timbered buildings, you pass over a short aqueduct and arrive at Hurleston Junction soon after; followed by Barbridge Junction. Turn left along the peaceful, meandering Middlewich Branch, after which you’ll arrive at Middlewich and the Trent & Mersey Canal. Turn right, heading south. The 25 Cheshire Locks (Heartbreak Hill) begin at Wheelock and end at Kidsgrove. At Hardings Wood Junction head south through the long Harecastle Tunnel (2926 yards). Soon you arrive at Stoke-on-Trent, famous for its ‘Potteries’ with their high chimney stacks, cobbled yards and big round bottle-kilns. Turn left at the next junction onto the Caldon Canal, passing Etruria Industrial Museum, through Etruria Staircase Locks. From Bridge 8 you can walk to the Bridgewater Factory Shop or Potteries Museum. Along the Caldon Canal there are pubs and shops within walking distance and, after leaving Stoke-on-Trent, the canal runs through pretty countryside and woodland. The canal divides into two near Endon (a) the Leek Branch leading right and over Hazelhurst Aqueduct to the north, and (b) the main Caldon Canal continuing ahead through Hazelhurst locks, crossing under the Hazelhurst Aqueduct and east towards Froghall. At Cheddleton there is a lovely flint mill with working waterwheels and from the nearby Station a steam train can take you along the historic Churnet Valley route (c. 1849). Froghall, once known for its limestone quarries, lies at the very end of the canal - turn before the tunnel to moor up. From here you could take a short taxi journey to ‘Alton Towers’ theme park if you want to. Return to the Trent & Mersey Canal and head south past the pleasant market town of Stone and along the Trent Valley to Great Haywood Junction. Turn right, under the towpath bridge and on to the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal, arriving at the broader waters of Tixall Wide shortly after. From bridge 98, you can walk into the County Town of Stafford (approx. 1.5 miles). The next town to visit is Penkridge, after which you arrive at Gailey Wharf which is identified by its round toll-keeper’s watch tower. Between here and Cross Green the canal passes the Hatherton Branch and over a small aqueduct. There is a narrow straight leading to Autherley Junction. Turn right, under the bridge and through the stop-lock, arriving back the boatyard.

Active Route: Llangollen, Chester and Return - 240 miles, 122 locks, 102 hours total

Follow our 7 night ‘intermediate’ route towards Barbridge, turning left at Hurleston Junction (before Barbridge) on to the lovely Llangollen Canal. Four locks rise upwards, passing Swanley Bridge Marina then there are 5 further locks before you reach Wrenbury. There’s a mechanical lift bridge here that requires a key (provided). Between Wrenbury and Grindley Brook there are 7 locks. Grindley Brook is a 3-lock staircase flight with a lock-keeper in attendance. The Whitchurch Arm appears to your left and from here you can walk into the town. Next you pass the Prees Branch, several lakes (or ‘Meres’) and a short tunnel before arriving at Ellesmere. The town is within very easy reach on foot. Ellesmere has a large supermarket, pubs & shops including a great family-run deli. Further west, the Montgomery Canal branches south from Frankton Junction - only partially restored, with limited opening times. Continue west heading towards Chirk. Between Frankton and Chirk there are five canalside pubs, the last situated just before Chirk Aqueduct and tunnel (459 yards). Chirk Aqueduct (c. 1801) is quite stunning and has a railed walkway running alongside (good photo opportunity). Above the tunnel is a road leading to Chirk village and further along the canal is Chirk Marina (with moorings) followed by Whitehouse Tunnel (191 yards). The approach to the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (c. 1805) begins here. Just before the aqueduct is a lift bridge then you turn the corner and you’re there! Once you have passed across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct you come to Trevor where you make a sharp left-hand turn under a bridge and continue towards Llangollen. The next part of the waterway becomes very narrow indeed and at times is only wide enough for one boat, so you are advised to check for oncoming traffic before you proceed. Eventually the canal leads to Llangollen Basin which has moorings. Llangollen is an attractive, traditional Welsh town, with the River Dee running through the centre. There is also a steam railway (c. 1862) from where you can take a scenic trip through the Valleys. Turn and return to Hurleston Junction, then turn left towards Chester. There are two high-rise staircase locks at Bunbury, then 4 spread-out locks leading through Beeston (pub & shop) with its nearby hilltop castle (c. 1228). At Bates Mill Bridge there is a canalside pub, then the canal winds its way through the Cheshire Plain past Waverton and Rowton Moor to the pleasant village of Christleton, where there are moorings. As you leave Christleton, the towers and chimneys of Chester City come into view. The canal then descends through five locks into the centre of Chester itself, with easy access from the canal to attractions such as the City Walls, Roman Amphitheatre, Chester Castle (c. 1069), Abbey Square Gateway (c. 1377) and Chester Racecourse. It’s worth allowing yourselves a couple of days to discover Chester if possible. Turn between Bridges 123D and 123E then return to Autherley. Note: It is best not to moor-up in central Chester at night, better to moor at Christleton. Turn and return to Autherly.