Autherley Junction · 3–4 nights

Autherley to Tixall Wide

A countryside journey through Penkridge to the open water of Tixall Wide. Make space for a walk, a village stop and an evening aboard.

Find a holiday Follow the journey

Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from: AutherleyStaffs & Worcs
Time aboard: 3–4 nightsVaried cruising
Cruising time: 21 hrsApproximate total for the suggested trip
Locks on the route: 24
Distance: 40 miles

Times and figures are planning estimates from our route guides. Cruising stages are flexible, not fixed daily destinations. Confirm your itinerary with us.

Make time for the good bits

A few highlights along the way

A quick look at places to explore and food stops across the whole trip. Tap a card to open the details.

Places to visitTixall Wide · Shugborough Estate walk from Tixall / Great Haywood · PenkridgeExplore these stops

Tixall Wide
A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.
Map & reviews
Shugborough Estate walk from Tixall / Great Haywood
CRT walking guide links Tixall, Great Haywood and the Shugborough landscape.
Map & reviews
Penkridge
A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.
Map & reviews

Google scores are published snapshots checked on 11 October 2026, not live ratings. Scores are shown only where verified; follow the source or open Maps for the latest reviews. Check opening times and walking access before setting off.

Pubs & restaurantsThe Boat Inn, Penkridge · The Anchor Inn · The Cross KeysExplore these stops

The Boat Inn, Penkridge ★ 4.2/5 · Google
Pub and restaurant on Cannock Road, useful for a Penkridge food stop.
Map & reviews · Rating source
The Anchor Inn
A food or drink stop listed on this route.
Map & reviews
The Cross Keys
A food or drink stop listed on this route.
Map & reviews

ONE STRETCH AT A TIME

Let your holiday unfold.

Follow the water, find your favourite stops and make room for the moments in between. These stages show the order of the journey; spread them across your holiday at a pace that suits your crew.

Stage 1 · Settle aboard
Autherley to Penkridge

Estimated cruising time
6h

Locks this stage
8

Head north on the Staffs & Worcs towards Penkridge and its shops and pubs.
Stage advice & stopping tips
After your handover, take time to get comfortable with the boat and controls. Ask the base to suggest a realistic first stop.
Pubs & food
The Anchor Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Visit website Find on map
The Cross Keys — Pub. Access: Canalside. Find on map
The Boat Inn, Penkridge — Pub and restaurant on Cannock Road, useful for a Penkridge food stop. Access: Bridge 86. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Penkridge — Explore this village along the route. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Pop-ins Corner Shop — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 86. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Penkridge. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 2 · An open-water moment
Penkridge to Tixall Wide

Continue past Stafford to the broad, open water at Tixall Wide.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Pause to enjoy the wider view at Tixall. Take your time choosing a suitable, permitted mooring.
See the suggested stopping area on a map
Pubs & food
The Radford Bank Inn Stonehouse — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Tixall Wide — Viewpoint. Find on map
Shugborough Estate walk from Tixall / Great Haywood — CRT walking guide links Tixall, Great Haywood and the Shugborough landscape. Access: Optional walking excursion; distinguish public walking route from paid estate admission.. Visit website Find on map
Shops & essentials
Aldi, Stafford — Supermarket. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Tixall Wide. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
The kettle is on. The view has changed. This is your time to slow down.
Stage 3 · Enjoy the journey
Tixall Wide to Cross Green

Retrace the canal south, making Cross Green a possible final evening stop.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
The Anchor Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit

Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

Shops & essentials

No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Cross Green. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 4 · Homeward stretch
Cross Green to Autherley

Estimated cruising time
1h 20m

Locks this stage
1

Keep your last stretch manageable and return at the time agreed at handover.
Stage advice & stopping tips
For the final night, plan a mooring that leaves a manageable cruise to base. Use the return time agreed in your booking and handover.

Pubs & food

No named food stops are listed for this stage. Ask the base team for local suggestions and check opening times before setting off.

Places to visit

Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

Shops & essentials

No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Autherley. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE THE HOLIDAY

More than a journey.

A boat that feels like yours.

Your own kitchen, a comfortable place to sleep and a new view outside. Explore the classes and choose the layout that works for your crew. Equipment varies by boat.

Explore our boats

Leave room for doing less.

Coffee on deck. A towpath walk. Supper as the light changes. A route gives your holiday direction; the best moments often happen between the stops.

Bring your favourite people.

Share the steering, work a lock together and make the evenings your own. Full handover training helps you settle into life aboard.

A LITTLE PLANNING, A BETTER HOLIDAY

Before you cast off.

Use this guide to find your kind of holiday. We will help you check the practical details for your dates, boat and crew.

How much cruising should we expect?

This short-break route needs purposeful cruising. Choose a nearer turning point if you would prefer shorter days. Locks, queues, weather and stops ashore all affect the time you need. Allow a margin for returning the boat.

Do we have to follow every stop?

No. These are suggested stages, rather than reserved moorings or a fixed day-by-day schedule. Choose suitable permitted moorings and agree your return time with the base.

How do we check the route before travelling?

Check current navigation notices and plan your daily cruising before departure. Check CRT notices · Open CanalPlan

Can you help us choose?

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and whether you prefer quiet cruising or an active adventure. Ask our team

START MAKING MEMORIES