Gentle short-break escape

Autherley to Tixall Wide

Cruise from Autherley Junction through Penkridge and the Staffordshire countryside to Tixall Wide, then return to base on a relaxed 3–4 night short break.

40Miles
24Locks
21Hours
3–4Nights
AUTHTIX
Autherley to Tixall Wide Autherley Junction
Route at a glance

Autherley to Tixall Wide at a glance

Cruise from Autherley Junction through Penkridge and the Staffordshire countryside to Tixall Wide, then return to base on a relaxed 3–4 night short break.

40Miles
24Locks
21Hours
3–4Nights
Illustrated journeyAutherley → Autherley
Designed for clarity
NB HIRE
Autherley Penkridge Acton Trussell Stafford Tixall Wide 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

4 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.

AutherleyPenkridgeActon TrussellStaffordTixall WideAutherley
1
Day one Autherley to Penkridge Start your journey and turn left out of Autherley, this section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal forms part of the…
🧭 11 miles 🔒 8 locks ⏱ 6 hours

Pick up boat at 2.30pm. After handover instructions turn left out of Autherley, this section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal forms part of the four counties ring. It meanders gently through pleasant countryside until the busy market town of Penkridge is reached. This is a good stop over point, with plenty of shops & pubs.

＋ Add a route photograph Autherley to Penkridge
Suggested highlights

Autherley · Penkridge

2
Day two Penkridge to Tixall Wide Continue on north past the outskirts of Stafford and on to Tixall Wide, a large artificial lake, quite unique…

Continue on north past the outskirts of Stafford and on to Tixall Wide, a large artificial lake, quite unique to the canal system. This will be a good turning point.

＋ Add a route photograph Penkridge to Tixall Wide
Suggested highlights

Penkridge · Tixall Wide

3
Day three Tixall Wide to Cross Green Make your way back towards Autherley, stopping at the Anchor pub in Cross Green.

Make your way back towards Autherley, stopping at the Anchor pub in Cross Green.

＋ Add a route photograph Tixall Wide to Cross Green
Suggested highlights

Tixall Wide · Cross Green

4
Day four Cross Green to Autherley Pearson's Guide: Welsh Waters: Shropshire Union, Llangollen, Brecon and Montgomery Canals
🧭 3 miles 🔒 1 locks ⏱ 1 hours

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

＋ Add a route photograph Cross Green to Autherley
Suggested highlights

Cross Green · Autherley

Is this route right for you?

Gentle short-break escape

Cruise from Autherley Junction through Penkridge and the Staffordshire countryside to Tixall Wide, then return to base on a relaxed 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 Northen Section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal to Tixall Wide

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, 40 miles, 24 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 Penkridge, Tixall Wide, Cross Green. The full itinerary above gives the stage-by-stage plan.

Ready to explore?

Find the right boat for Autherley to Tixall Wide

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