UK Canal Boating

Day 1

The bulk of Stone lies to the east bank. There is a profusion of services and shops in Stone with the High Street being pedestrianized and lying just a short walk from the canal it is very convenient.

South of Stone the trees surrounding the canal thin out somewhat opening up views of land that is flatter than a lot that came before it giving far reaching views across endless farmland. It is slightly unfortunate that the canal just can’t seem to shake the busy A51 road and the railway line but noise aside the cruise at this point is picturesque. If the road and rail to the east is too much the River Trent makes a fine constant companion on the opposite side.

The open countryside is punctuated by the occasional coppice of trees or sleepy village, most offering a welcoming local pub to drop into including Burston, Sandon, Salt but shopping opportunities are a bit thin on the ground .

You can moor at Sandon by Flute Meadow bridge 84 as it is 2 hours to here and the Dog & Doublet awaits you to the north in the village, (left along the lane), or a bit further along at Salt there is a pub here- The Holly Bush inn, reached southwards over a stile then onto the lane from Bridge 82.
Or moor at the small village of Weston upon Trent, it is 3 hours to here , there are a couple of pubs either to the left or right of Bridge 80.

Day 2

Soon the canal arrives at the Great Haywood Junction.
Great Haywood is where the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal meets the Trent and Mersey, and you turn right down the Staffs & Worc canal, you are now on the home run. The beautiful surroundings of Tixall Wide lie just a short distance along the Staffs and Worcs which are most certainly worth a little exploration. Shugborough Hall lies just to the south west of the junction .

Shugborough Estate
Journey through the historic estate of Shugborough and experience the nation's best 'upstairs downstairs' experience. Set in 900 acres of stunning parkland and riverside gardens with elegant mansion House, working Victorian Servants' Quarters, Georgian farm, dairy & mill and restored walled garden, which are brought to life by costumed living history characters who share their lives and powerful stories from the past with visitors. Explore Lord Lichfield's private rooms and hear the stories of one of the nation's grandest families, with NEW Shugborough Revisited.

You now enter the famous Tixhall wide section of canal and Tixhall Gatehouse which is just a stones throw from the canal, as grand as most grand houses which is the only remnant of Tixhall Hall which burnt down long ago, well worth a short walk for a closer inspection. It is recommended that you leave enough time to enjoy Tixhall Wide, moor up, have a picnic or a walk and enjoy this impressive area as it certainly is a highlight of the cruise.

Milford is the gateway to Cannock Chase and as a consequence can be quite busy in high season.

In Baswich there is a footpath which leads into Stafford town centre where you will not be short of stores, pubs and facilities. From bridge 98 it is 1.5 miles into Stafford town centre (to your left) , there is a frequent bus service.
There is a nice Canalside Pub The Radford Bank Inn.

In Stafford there are many shops & pubs- also good to visit is the Ancient High house- Four hundred years of history are waiting to be discovered within the walls of England's largest timber framed town house. Step inside and embark on a journey from Elizabethan days through the turbulent Civil War era to the more refined Edwardian period.
Also visit Stafford castle: First built by William the Conqueror to subdue the rebellious population, the Castle has dominated the Stafford skyline for over 900 years. Uncover the secrets of the site through Norman times, the medieval period, the English Civil War, right up to the present day.

Stafford has a great mix of national and independent retailers along the bustling high street, in modern indoor shopping centres, and in picturesque cobbled streets.

There is a small store at Penkridge Lock for basic supplies but if you choose to go into the centre there is a wide choice of shops and pubs. Above the lock is the best place to moor to visit this relatively old village.
It is 8 hours to here

Day 3 Day 4

Cruise the 10 hours back to the marina at a leisurely pace, taking time to stop and have a look around what you missed on the way !

 

NB: This route has been provided as a guide only. Information may become inaccurate or out of date. You should always check with the marina that the route is possible within your time frame, current weather conditions and canal stoppages etc.