The Warwickshire Ring is often described as one of the finest canal cruises in England, and for good reason. This 104-mile circular route takes you through the heart of England, combining industrial heritage with stunning countryside, historic towns, and over 80 locks to keep you entertained.

Overview of the Ring

The Warwickshire Ring connects several different waterways:

  • Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
  • Coventry Canal
  • Oxford Canal (North Section)
  • Grand Union Canal (North Section)
  • Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
  • Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Key Statistics:

  • Total Distance: 104 miles
  • Total Locks: 84
  • Typical Duration: 7-10 days at a relaxed pace
  • Difficulty: Moderate (some lock flights)
  • Best Time: April-October

The Route

Section 1: Birmingham to Fazeley (15 miles, 13 locks)

Starting from Gas Street Basin in Birmingham city centre, you immediately encounter the 13-lock flight at Farmers Bridge. This sets the tone for an interesting start through Birmingham's historic canal network. The route passes through Aston, where the Aston flight (11 locks) provides another good workout before reaching the pleasant town of Fazeley.

Highlights:

  • Gas Street BasinÔÇövibrant canal hub
  • Industrial heritage of Birmingham's canals
  • Salford JunctionÔÇöhistoric canal crossroads
  • Pretty Fazeley Junction

Section 2: Fazeley to Atherstone (14 miles, 11 locks)

This peaceful rural section on the Coventry Canal takes you through gently rolling Warwickshire countryside. The locks are spread out, making for easy cruising. Atherstone is a lovely market town perfect for stocking up on provisions.

Highlights:

  • Picturesque rural cruising
  • Atherstone flight (11 locks close together)
  • Historic Atherstone market town
  • Peaceful mooring spots

Section 3: Atherstone to Braunston (31 miles, 13 locks)

The longest lock-free section of the ring! This glorious stretch of the Oxford Canal meanders through stunning countryside. The canal here hasn't been straightened, so it winds beautifully through fields and past villages.

Highlights:

  • Gorgeous winding countryside
  • Charming villages like Stretton under Fosse
  • BraunstonÔÇöthe heart of the canal system
  • Historic boatyards and chandleries
  • Excellent pubs

Section 4: Braunston to Warwick (18 miles, 28 locks)

Joining the Grand Union Canal at Braunston, you face the dramatic Hatton flightÔÇö21 locks in 2 miles, known as the "Stairway to Heaven." It's hard work but incredibly satisfying. Warwick makes a perfect stopover with its magnificent castle.

Highlights:

  • Braunston Tunnel (2,000 yards)
  • Epic Hatton flight
  • Historic Warwick with its castle
  • Cape of Good Hope pub at Warwick
  • Long peaceful pounds between locks

Section 5: Warwick to Birmingham (26 miles, 19 locks)

The final leg takes you through Stratford-upon-Avon on the beautifully restored Stratford Canal, then via the Worcester & Birmingham Canal back to Birmingham. The section from Kings Norton to Gas Street includes a challenging but rewarding series of lock flights.

Highlights:

  • Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Split bridges on the Stratford Canal
  • Tardebigge flight (30 locksÔÇöoptional detour)
  • Pretty villages like Wootton Wawen
  • Kings Norton Junction
  • Return to Birmingham

Planning Your Trip

How Long Do You Need?

  • Minimum: 7 days (average 15 miles/day, 6-7 hours cruising)
  • Comfortable: 9-10 days (allows time for sightseeing)
  • Leisurely: 14 days (plenty of time to explore)

Direction: Clockwise or Anticlockwise?

Most people cruise anticlockwise (as described above), which means ascending the Hatton flight rather than descending it. Ascending is generally easier on the crew. However, there's no wrong directionÔÇöchoose based on where you want to spend more time.

Best Time to Go

  • Spring (April-May): Beautiful weather, fewer boats, spring flowers
  • Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, busier locks, longer days
  • Autumn (September-October): Beautiful colors, quieter waterways, harvest season
  • Winter: Possible but coldÔÇölocks can freeze

Essential Stops and Attractions

Must-Visit Places

  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's birthplace, theatre, lovely town (full day recommended)
  • Warwick: Historic castle and beautiful town centre (half day)
  • Braunston: Boating hub with great facilities and pubs (evening stop)
  • Birmingham: Museums, restaurants, shopping (full day)

Top Pubs Along the Route

  • The Boat, BraunstonÔÇöiconic canalside pub
  • Cape of Good Hope, WarwickÔÇöright on the cut
  • Navigation Inn, LapworthÔÇöpopular stop on the Stratford Canal
  • The Greyhound, Sutton StopÔÇöhistoric canal pub

Practical Tips

Water Points

Well-distributed around the ring. Major water points at:

  • Fazeley Junction
  • Braunston
  • Warwick
  • Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Kings Norton

Fuel

  • Braunston MarinaÔÇödiesel and pump-out
  • WarwickÔÇödiesel available
  • Stratford-upon-AvonÔÇödiesel and gas

Pump-Out Facilities

Available at most marinas and some service points. Plan ahead, especially in busy summer months.

Shopping

  • Major supermarkets accessible from Atherstone, Warwick, and Stratford
  • Small shops in most villages
  • Chandleries at Braunston and Stratford

Challenges to Expect

Lock Flights

  • Hatton Flight (21 locks)ÔÇöallow 3-4 hours
  • Atherstone Flight (11 locks)ÔÇö2-3 hours
  • Farmers Bridge Flight (13 locks)ÔÇö2 hours

Tunnels

  • Braunston Tunnel (2,042 yards)ÔÇö15 minutes
  • Shrewley Tunnel (433 yards)ÔÇö5 minutes
  • Brandwood Tunnel (352 yards)ÔÇö5 minutes

Busy Periods

Summer weekends and school holidays can mean queues at popular locks. Consider timing your arrival at major flights for early morning or late afternoon.

Costs

If hiring a boat:

  • Week-long hire: ┬ú1,000-┬ú2,500 depending on boat size and season
  • Fuel: ┬ú80-┬ú150 for the full ring
  • Pump-out: ┬ú15-┬ú20
  • Provisions: ┬ú150-┬ú300 for a week
  • Pub meals: ┬ú12-┬ú20 per person

Conclusion

The Warwickshire Ring is a perfect introduction to canal cruising. It offers varietyÔÇöfrom rural countryside to historic towns, from peaceful stretches to challenging lock flights. The route is well-served with facilities, the attractions are fantastic, and you experience the very best of England's canal network.

Whether it's your first canal cruise or your fiftieth, the Warwickshire Ring delivers a memorable journey through the heart of England. Take your time, enjoy the locks, explore the towns, and savor one of Britain's finest canal adventures.