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Brewood from the canal
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Autherley Junction · 10–11 nights

Four Counties Ring

A full canal adventure through Audlem, Cheshire, the Potteries and Tixall Wide. Each stretch brings another change of scenery.

Find a holidayFollow the journey
Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from
AutherleyCanal circuit
Time aboard
10–11 nightsActive circuit
Cruising time
65 hrsApproximate total for the suggested trip
Locks on the route
94
Distance
110 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 visitHarecastle Tunnel · Audlem · StoneExplore these stops
  • Harecastle Tunnel

    A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.

    Map & reviews

  • Audlem

    A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.

    Map & reviews

  • Stone

    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 Hartley Arms · The Red Lion, Market Drayton · Boat Inn, GnosallExplore these stops

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.

Check Harecastle Tunnel passage arrangements before travelling.

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.

  1. Stage 1 · Settle aboard

    Autherley to Brewood

    Estimated cruising time
    2h

    Begin northwards on the Shropshire Union, with Brewood an inviting first stop.

    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
    • Food stops in Brewood — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bridge 14. Find on map
    • Bridge Inn — Canalside pub at bridge 14; operator lists boat mooring points and a dog-friendly bar. Access: Bridge 14. Dogs welcome in the bar; mooring space is not guaranteed. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Brewood — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 14. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Brewood — Listed local facilities: newsagent / convenience store. Access: Bridge 14. Find on map
    • Spar Shop, Brewood — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 14. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Brewood. 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

  2. Stage 2 · Stretch your legs

    Brewood to Goldstone Wharf

    Estimated cruising time
    7h 30m
    Locks this stage
    1

    Continue through the Shropshire Union countryside towards Goldstone.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Stone is a natural place to break the cruise with some time ashore.

    See the suggested stopping area on a map
    Pubs & food
    • The Hartley Arms — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Tavern Bridge (19). Find on map
    • Coach and Horses — Pub. Access: Tavern Bridge (19). Visit website Find on map
    • Gnosall Heath — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office, Pub. Access: Boat Inn Bridge (34). Find on map
    • Boat Inn, Gnosall — Pub beside the Gnosall canal corridor with a beer garden. Access: Boat Inn Bridge (34). Operator says well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the pub. Visit website Find on map
    • The Navigation Inn, Gnosall — Village pub with food, canal views and a beer garden. Access: Gnosall Bridge (35). Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
    • Gnosall Fish Bar — Fish and Chips, Takeaway. Access: Gnosall Bridge (35). Find on map
    • Junction Inn, Norbury — Food and local ales beside Norbury Junction. Access: Canal Towpath. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the bar and beer garden. Visit website Find on map
    • The Anchor Inn, High Offley — Pub. Access: Canalside. Find on map
    • The Wharf Tavern, Goldstone — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Goldstone Bridge (55). Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Wheaton Aston Visitor Moorings — Explore this village along the route. Access: Canalside. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Doal Food & News — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office. Access: Tavern Bridge (19). Find on map
    • Spar Shop, Wheaton Aston — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Tavern Bridge (19). Find on map
    • Gnosall Heath — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office, Pub. Access: Boat Inn Bridge (34). Find on map
    • Gnosall Express — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Boat Inn Bridge (34). Find on map
    • Norbury Wharf services — Boatyard service candidate at Norbury Junction; service menu and opening times still need direct confirmation. Access: Norbury Junction; contact the yard for visitor access and service availability.. Visit website Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Goldstone Wharf. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    • Norbury Wharf services — Boatyard service candidate at Norbury Junction; service menu and opening times still need direct confirmation. Access: Norbury Junction; contact the yard for visitor access and service availability.. Visit website Find on map

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

    The kettle is on. The view has changed. This is your time to slow down.

  3. Stage 3 · Locks and village life

    Goldstone Wharf to Audlem

    Estimated cruising time
    8h
    Locks this stage
    23

    Make room for lock working on the approach to Audlem.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Enjoy Audlem after the lock working. Keep the schedule flexible enough for a break ashore.

    See the suggested stopping area on a map
    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Market Drayton — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Newcastle Road Bridge (62). Find on map
    • The Red Lion, Market Drayton — Joule’s brewery tap in Market Drayton. Access: Berrisford Canal Aqueduct. Visit website Find on map
    • Food stops in Audlem — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Audlem Bridge (78). Find on map
    • The Shroppie Fly — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canal Towpath. Find on map
    • The Bridge Inn, Audlem — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canal Towpath. Visit website Find on map
    • Ayaans Indian Takeaway — Takeaway. Access: Audlem Bridge (78). Visit website Find on map
    • The Lord Combermere — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Audlem Bridge (78). Find on map
    • The Village Chippy — Fish and Chips. Access: Audlem Bridge (78). Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Market Drayton — Explore this town along the route. Access: Newcastle Road Bridge (62). Find on map
    • Audlem — Explore this village along the route. Access: Audlem Bridge (78). Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Market Drayton — Listed local facilities: off licence. Access: Newcastle Road Bridge (62). Find on map
    • Asda, Market Drayton — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 62. Find on map
    • Audlem Co-op convenience store — Grocery store on Shropshire Street, Audlem. Access: Audlem Bridge (78). Visit website Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Audlem. 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

  4. Stage 4 · Enjoy the journey

    Audlem to Church Minshull

    Estimated cruising time
    6h 30m
    Locks this stage
    5

    Leave Audlem behind as the journey continues through Cheshire.

    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
    • Food stops in Nantwich — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Public Moorings. Find on map
    • The Oddfellows Arms — Pub. Access: Visitor moorings on the embankment. Visit website Find on map
    • Welsh Row Fryer — Fish and Chips. Access: Visitor moorings on the embankment. Find on map
    • Wilbraham Arms — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Visitor moorings on the embankment. Find on map
    • The Olde barbridge Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Pubside moorings or the towpath opposite. Visit website Find on map
    • The Badger Inn, Church Minshull — Church Minshull pub; its website places the canal roughly 500 metres away at bridge 14. Access: MinshullHill Bridge (14). Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker — Cold War bunker attraction near the Nantwich canal corridor; check seasonal opening days. Access: Burrows Bridge (85). Visit website Find on map
    • Nantwich — Explore this town along the route. Access: Public Moorings. Find on map
    • Churche's Mansion — Gardens, Historical Structure. Access: Public Moorings. Find on map
    • Nantwich Museum — Local museum in Nantwich town centre. Access: Public Moorings. Visit website Find on map
    • Dorfold Hall — Gardens, Historical Structure. Access: Public Moorings. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Nantwich — Listed local facilities: post office, supermarket. Access: Public Moorings. Find on map
    • Morrisons, Nantwich — Supermarket. Access: Visitor moorings on the embankment. Find on map
    • Aldi, Nantwich — Supermarket. Access: Visitor moorings on the embankment. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Church Minshull. 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

  5. Stage 5 · Enjoy the journey

    Church Minshull to Sandbach

    Estimated cruising time
    5h 40m
    Locks this stage
    7

    Travel via Middlewich towards moorings on the outskirts of Sandbach.

    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
    • Food stops in Middlewich — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Find on map
    • The White Bear, Middlewich — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Visitor Moorings. Visit website Find on map
    • Cheshire Cheese Pub, Middlewich — Pub. Access: Visitor Moorings. Find on map
    • Middlewich Takeaways & Restaurants — Cafe, Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Visitor Moorings. Find on map
    • The Rookery Tavern — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Rookery Bridge (159). Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Middlewich — Explore this town along the route. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Middlewich — Listed local facilities: supermarket. Find on map
    • Morrisons, Middlewich — Supermarket. Access: Aqueduct over the A530. Find on map
    • Lidl Supermarket, Middlewich — Supermarket. Access: Aqueduct over the A530. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Sandbach. 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

  6. Stage 6 · Enjoy the journey

    Sandbach to Thurlwood

    Estimated cruising time
    5h
    Locks this stage
    14

    Start the Cheshire locks, saving energy for the next stretch.

    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 Cheshire Cheese pub, Wheelock — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Wheelock Wharf. Find on map
    • Shampaan Indian Restaurant & Takeaway — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Wheelock Wharf. Visit website Find on map
    • The Broughton Arms — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Broughtom Arms Bridge (140). Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Wheelock — Explore this village along the route. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Centre Point Newsagent — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Wheelock Wharf. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Thurlwood. 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

    A pause on the towpath. A photograph. Another memory to take home.

  7. Stage 7 · Enjoy the journey

    Thurlwood to Stoke-on-Trent

    Estimated cruising time
    7h
    Locks this stage
    12

    Finish the flight and pass through Harecastle Tunnel towards Stoke.

    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
    Places to visit
    • Harecastle Tunnel — Historical Structure. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Lidl, Kidsgrove — Supermarket. Access: Towpath Moorings. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Stoke-on-Trent. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Check Harecastle Tunnel passage arrangements for your travel dates.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

  8. Stage 8 · Stretch your legs

    Stoke-on-Trent to Stone

    Estimated cruising time
    6h 30m
    Locks this stage
    14

    Head south on the Trent & Mersey towards Stone.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Stone is a natural place to break the cruise with some time ashore.

    See the suggested stopping area on a map
    Pubs & food
    • Toby Carvery, Trentham — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Hemheath Bridge (106). Visit website Find on map
    • Food stops in Stone — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Find on map
    • The Star, Stone — Stone pub whose operator advertises a dog-friendly welcome. Access: Canalside. Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
    • The Swan, Stone — Pub. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
    • Priory Fish Bar — Fish and Chips. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
    • The Poste of Stone — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 83. Visit website Find on map
    • Crown of India, Stone — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 93. Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • World Of Wedgwood — Ceramics destination with galleries, factory experiences, creative studios and food outlets. Access: Wedgwood visitor moorings. Visit website Find on map
    • Stone — Explore this town along the route. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Stone — Local shops are listed in this area. Find on map
    • Morrisons, Stone — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Stone. 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

  9. Stage 9 · Enjoy the journey

    Stone to Stafford

    Estimated cruising time
    Under 7h
    Locks this stage
    5

    Turn at Great Haywood and cruise through Tixall Wide towards Stafford.

    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
    • Clifford Arms — Great Haywood pub near canal bridge 73 and Shugborough. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Dogs welcome in the bar and garden; restaurant room is dog-free. Visit website Find on map
    • The Radford Bank Inn Stonehouse — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Visit website Find on map
    Places to visit
    • Great Haywood — Explore this village along the route. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Find on map
    • Shugborough Hall — National Trust estate with parkland and woodland; walking links reach the nearby canal network. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Visit website Find on map
    • Tixall Wide — Viewpoint. Find on map
    Shops & essentials
    • Aldi, Stafford — Supermarket. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Find on map
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stop area: Stafford. 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

  10. Stage 10 · Enjoy the journey

    Stafford to Cross Green

    Estimated cruising time
    7h 30m
    Locks this stage
    11

    Follow the Staffs & Worcs south towards a possible final stop at Cross Green.

    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
    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: 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

  11. Stage 11 · 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?

Choose extra days if you would like more time for breaks and visits ashore. 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

Your next chapter starts aboard.

Explore boats and holiday dates from Autherley Junction.

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