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Routes from Great Haywood
The Black Country Ring
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
10 or 11 nights 
75 miles 
42.5 hours 
79 locks 
All levels
The Black Country Ring
Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal At Great Haywood Junction, transfer onto the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal and cross the River Trent Aqueduct. You’ll pass the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate on your left.
Tixall Wide The canal widens here to become a beautiful stretch of water with lots of wildlife.
Milford Go through Tixall Lock and you’ll soon reach Milford Wharf, close to the village of Milford with its Barley Mow pub.
Radford Cruise on passing Baswich, then the canalside Radford Bank Inn.
Wildwood Soon after you’ll pass Wildwood Park on the left and Radford Meadows Nature Reserve on the right.
Acton Trussell Go through Deepmore Lock and soon after you’ll reach Acton Trussell, home of the Moat House Hotel.
Penkridge 3 locks later you’ll reach the canalside Boat Inn at Penkridge. Go through another two locks and you’ll reach the Cross Keys pub, also in Penkridge.
Gailey Cruise on to Gailey Wharf where you can turn the boat around. Moor up to walk into the village of Gailey, home of the Spread Eagle pub.
Wolverhampton Turn at Aldersley Junction and then you’ll go through the Wolverhampton flight of 21 locks on the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line. It takes around 3-4 hours to go through the locks.
Birmingham Next you’ll join the New Birmingham Main Line Canal, which will take you to Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham. Here you can moor up and explore the city, including nearby Brindleyplace with its Sea Life Centre, Mailbox Shopping Centre and great choice of waterside restaurants. You can also walk to other city centre attractions, including the Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery with its wonderful collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
Birmingham & Fazeley Canal Next you’ll join the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, and you’ll go through a flight of 11 locks.
Coventry Canal At Fazeley Junction you’ll join the Coventry Canal, where it’s lock-free until Fradley Junction. Here there’s a Canalside Café and The Swan Inn to visit, and you can enjoy spotting wildlife along the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.
Trent & Mersey Canal From Fradley, transfer onto the Trent & Mersey Canal and head north going through the historic town of Rugeley with its canalside Colliers pub and access to the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Wolseley Bridge Soon after at Wolseley Bridge you can moor up to visit the canalside Wolseley Arms pub and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre.
Little Haywood Next you’ll cruise past Little Haywood, with Red Lion and Lamb & Flag pubs. Return to Great Haywood.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
