We have some fantastic news for eager boaters! The spectacular circular canal boat holiday route taking in three very different canals across Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands is now fully open!
It was originally expected to fully open for the summer (July) this year. However, the Canal & River Trust have worked amazingly hard to get the route fully operational much sooner than planned, allowing you to embark on this epic journey right now.
Stay Updated Before You Sail
Because our waterways are historic, dynamic environments, essential maintenance or unexpected navigational changes can occasionally happen. To ensure your journey is as smooth as possible, we highly recommend bookmarking the Canal & River Trust Notices page.
It is an incredibly useful, real-time tool that allows you to check for any lock closures, towpath updates, or temporary restrictions across the entire network before and during your trip!
Route Highlights
The Four Counties Ring is a brilliant 7+ night route featuring 94 circular locks and 2 subterranean tunnels. Here are just a few snippets of what you can expect to discover:
Tixall Wide
Moor up on this spectacular, broad 18th-century lake on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal to watch the wildfowl. Beyond the village of Milford the canal suddenly widens into this marvellous ornamental lake.
Harecastle Tunnel
Navigate an hour of thrilling subterranean cruising under Harecastle Hill. At Harecastle Tunnel you are faced with an hour's subterranean cruising under your own power and control.
The Cheshire Flight
The ultimate boating achievement! Beyond the north end of the tunnel you soon exchange Staffordshire industry for Cheshire countryside. Now you begin to descend the locks of the 'Cheshire Flight'; twenty-six locks in seven miles. You descend 26 locks back towards the Cheshire plain and Middlewich.
The Potteries
At Great Haywood you join the Trent & Mersey Canal and head northwards along the picturesque Trent Valley towards The Potteries. The city of Stoke-on-Trent is made up of six individual towns, all still very much involved with the manufacture of ceramics.
"Holidays don't come much more adventurous than this."
Ready to start planning? Visit our dedicated Four Counties Ring page for expert advice on tailoring an amazing adventure!
