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Routes from Great Haywood
The East Midlands Ring
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
21 nights 
204 miles 
86 hours 
111 locks 
Experienced
The East Midlands Ring from Great Haywood
The East Midlands Ring, also known as the Leicester Ring, travels sections of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, Coventry Canal, Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, Oxford Canal, River Soar, River Trent and Trent & Mersey Canal.
Trent & Mersey Canal Head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal from Great Haywood. You’ll pass through Rugeley and the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Coventry Canal At Fradley Junction, transfer onto the Coventry Canal. Moor up to visit the Canalside Café, Swan Inn and woodland trail at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Cruise the Coventry Canal to Fazeley Junction, passing through the villages of Huddlesford, Whittington and Hopwas.
Birmingham & Fazeley Canal At Fazeley Junction, transfer onto the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Continue on to Hawkesbury Junction, passing through the 11 locks at Atherstone.
North Oxford Canal At Hawkesbury Junction, transfer onto the North Oxford Canal. Continue on to Braunston, passing trhough Newbold Tunnel and Hillmorton along the way.
Grand Union Canal At Braunston, turn onto the Grand Union Canal. Continue passing through the Braunston Tunnel until you reach Norton Junction.
Leicester Arm At Norton Junction, transfer onto the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal. You’ll go through Crick Tunnel, North Kilworth, Husbands Bosworth Tunnel and the Foxton Staircase locks. After passing the Market Harborough Arm, you’ll go through Saddington Tunnel. Continue on through the Leicestershire countryside to Leicester.
River Soar At Belgrave Lock in Leicester, transfer onto the River Soar. You’ll go through Mountsorrel and Barrow-Upon-Soar.
Loughborough Navigation When you reach Loughborough you’ll briefly join the Loughborough Navigation. Go past Kegworth and join the River Trent.
River Trent Go past Sawley to Derwent Mouth and rejoin the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Trent & Mersey Canal You’ll go through Sharlow, Burton-upon-Trent and Alrewas. And back past Fradley Junction and Rugeley to 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.
