Easy-going short break

Autherley to Market Drayton (Shropshire Union Canal)

All of the locks are single on this canal, which makes life easier.

53Miles
12Locks
24Hours
3–4Nights
AUTHAMD
Autherley to Market Drayton (Shropshire Union Canal) Autherley Junction
Route at a glance

Autherley to Market Drayton (Shropshire Union Canal) at a glance

All of the locks are single on this canal, which makes life easier.

53Miles
12Locks
24Hours
3–4Nights
Illustrated journeyAutherley → Autherley
Designed for clarity
NB HIRE
Autherley Brewood Norbury Gnosall Market Drayton 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.

AutherleyBrewoodNorburyGnosallMarket DraytonAutherley
1
Day one Autherley to Wheaton Aston After handover instruction's, the suggested route is to cruise at your leisure through unspoilt countryside.…

After handover instruction's, the suggested route is to cruise at your leisure through unspoilt countryside. The first lock is at Wheaton Aston, which is about two hours from Autherley. Overnight moorings are available after the water point. The village has a shop and a pub.

＋ Add a route photograph Autherley to Wheaton Aston
Suggested highlights

Autherley · Wheaton Aston

2
Day two Wheaton Aston to Market Drayton Continue on for about four hours of lock free cruising to the Wharf Tavern at Goldstone Bridge for lunch. The…

Continue on for about four hours of lock free cruising to the Wharf Tavern at Goldstone Bridge for lunch. The boat can be turned at this point or continue on to Market Drayton, which is another hour on the journey.

＋ Add a route photograph Wheaton Aston to Market Drayton
Suggested highlights

Wheaton Aston · Market Drayton

3
Day three Convenience Store close to the canal The Navigation Inn is a charming village pub and restaurant with a large beer garden with beautiful canalside…

The Navigation Inn is a charming village pub and restaurant with a large beer garden with beautiful canalside views, perfect for Al fresco dining in the summer. Our lovely team are ready to welcome you and make your visit a memorable one!

＋ Add a route photograph Convenience Store close to the canal
Suggested highlights

Convenience Store close · the canal

4
Day four Market Drayton to Brewood Return towards Autherley, mooring at Brewood for the night

Return towards Autherley, mooring at Brewood for the night

＋ Add a route photograph Market Drayton to Brewood
Suggested highlights

Market Drayton · Brewood

5
Day five Brewood back to Autherley Pearson's Guide: Welsh Waters: Shropshire Union, Llangollen, Brecon and Montgomery Canals

Pearson's Guide: Welsh Waters: Shropshire Union, Llangollen, Brecon and Montgomery Canals

＋ Add a route photograph Brewood back to Autherley
Suggested highlights

Brewood · Autherley

Is this route right for you?

Easy-going short break

All of the locks are single on this canal, which makes life easier.

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

All of the locks are single on this canal, which makes life easier.

NB Hire recommendation Easy-going short break
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 24 cruising hours, 53 miles, 12 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 Wheaton Aston, Market Drayton, Convenience Store close, canal, Brewood. The full itinerary above gives the stage-by-stage plan.

Ready to explore?

Find the right boat for Autherley to Market Drayton (Shropshire Union Canal)

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