Gentle short-break escape

Autherley to Kinver

Head south from Autherley Junction through Compton, the Bratch and Wombourne to Kinver, then return on a scenic 3–4 night short break.

31Miles
44Locks
21Hours
3–4Nights
AUTHKIN
Autherley to Kinver Autherley Junction
Route at a glance

A route full of variety

Head south from Autherley Junction through Compton, the Bratch and Wombourne to Kinver, then return on a scenic 3–4 night short break.

31Miles
44Locks
21Hours
3–4Nights
Illustrated journeyAutherley → Autherley
Designed for clarity
NB HIRE
Autherley Compton Wombourne The Bratch Kinver Autherley
⚓ Autherley Junction base

This is a deliberately simplified journey graphic for holiday planning, not a navigation chart.

🌿Scenery

See the character of the route change as you cruise from stop to stop.

🔒Locks & pace

Use the itinerary below to plan comfortable cruising days for your crew.

🍺Places to stop

Suggested villages, towns and canalside stops are built into the journey.

Your suggested journey

5 Suggested journey stages

Open each stage to see the suggested cruising plan. Times and stops are a guide, so adapt the journey to your crew, conditions and preferred pace.

AutherleyComptonWombourneThe BratchKinverAutherley
1
Day one Autherley to Mermaid Pub Start your journey and turn right out of Autherley Heading south, after two hours or so you will be at…

Pick up boat at 2.30pm. After handover instructions, turn right out of Autherley Heading south, after two hours or so you will be at Wightwick Bridge 56, which is close to the Mermaid pub for the night.

＋ Add a route photograph Autherley to Mermaid Pub
Suggested highlights

Autherley · Mermaid Pub

2
Day two Fish & Chips close to the canal Panelled, 18th-century country pub offering British dining, real ales and outside seating.

Panelled, 18th-century country pub offering British dining, real ales and outside seating.

＋ Add a route photograph Fish & Chips close to the canal
Suggested highlights

Fish & Chips close · the canal

3
Day three Mermaid Pub to Kinver Continue on towards The Bratch staircase of three locks dropping the boat down 30ft to the next level. There…

Continue on towards The Bratch staircase of three locks dropping the boat down 30ft to the next level. There are shops and pubs in the next town Wombourne. Continue on through the picturesque Staffordshire countryside until you reach Kinver. This will be a good place to moor overnight

＋ Add a route photograph Mermaid Pub to Kinver
Suggested highlights

Mermaid Pub · Kinver

4
Day four Kinver to Compton Make your way back towards Autherley and maybe moor overnight at Compton.

Make your way back towards Autherley and maybe moor overnight at Compton.

＋ Add a route photograph Kinver to Compton
Suggested highlights

Kinver · Compton

5
Day five Compton back to Autherley Return the boat to Autherley before 9.00am, allowing enough time for the final approach to the base.

Return the boat to Autherley before 9.00am, allowing enough time for the final approach to the base.

＋ Add a route photograph Compton back to Autherley
Suggested highlights

Compton · Autherley

Is this route right for you?

Gentle short-break escape

Head south from Autherley Junction through Compton, the Bratch and Wombourne to Kinver, then return on a scenic 3–4 night short break.

ExperienceBeginner-friendly
Holiday length3–4 nights recommended
Route styleOut-and-back
Activity levelRelaxed
“

From Autherley you are ideally placed to explore the Southern Section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal to Kinver

NB Hire recommendation Gentle short-break escape
Helpful information

Before you set off

Is this suitable for first-time boaters?

This route is particularly approachable for first-time crews. Always match the route to your crew’s confidence and the conditions during your holiday.

How long should we allow?

3–4 nights is the suggested holiday length for this route. The supplied guide lists about 21 cruising hours, 31 miles, 44 locks.

Can we change the suggested stops?

Yes. The stops are suggestions only. Adapt the itinerary around your own pace, preferred moorings, daylight, weather and canal conditions.

Should we check for stoppages?

Yes. Check current Canal & River Trust stoppages before choosing the route and again shortly before departure.

What are the main places on the route?

The suggested journey takes in Mermaid Pub, Fish & Chips close, canal, Kinver, Compton. The full itinerary above gives the stage-by-stage plan.

Ready to explore?

Find the right boat for Autherley to Kinver

Choose a boat, check your dates and start planning your 3–4 nights adventure.