Warwickshire Ring Route Guide for Narrowboats

The Warwickshire Ring is one of the classic circular narrowboat routes in the Midlands. It combines peaceful countryside, busy canal towns, impressive lock flights and a memorable cruise through central Birmingham.

This Warwickshire Ring route guide explains what to expect, which canals are involved, how long to allow and where to plan your stops. It is ideal for anyone preparing a hire boat holiday or planning a longer cruise on their own narrowboat.

What Is the Warwickshire Ring?

The Warwickshire Ring is a circular canal route through Warwickshire and the West Midlands. It links several waterways to form a varied loop, so you can start and finish at the same place without retracing your route.

The ring is commonly quoted as being roughly 100 miles long with more than 90 locks, although exact figures can vary slightly depending on your chosen start point and any short detours. It is a substantial route, but it is very achievable with sensible planning.

The main waterways on the Warwickshire Ring are:

• Grand Union Canal
• Oxford Canal
• Coventry Canal
• Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
• Birmingham Canal Navigations

The route has a pleasing mix of open countryside, historic canal architecture, city cruising and traditional working boat heritage. It is not the quietest ring in the country, but it is one of the most varied.

How Long Does the Warwickshire Ring Take?

Many crews complete the Warwickshire Ring in a week, especially during a hire boat holiday. However, that can mean long cruising days and a fair amount of lock work.

For a more relaxed pace, allow 10 to 14 days if you can. This gives you time to enjoy Warwick, Leamington Spa, Braunston, Rugby, Atherstone, Fazeley and Birmingham without feeling rushed.

As a rough planning guide:

• 7 days: possible, but expect full days and limited sightseeing.
• 10 days: a good balance for confident crews.
• 14 days: ideal for a slower cruise with rest days and detours.

Always check stoppages, lock restrictions and waterway notices before setting off. Canal conditions can change, especially after heavy rain, low water or maintenance work.

Which Direction Should You Cruise?

The Warwickshire Ring can be cruised clockwise or anti-clockwise. There is no single correct direction, but your decision can affect how the locks feel and how your days are structured.

Clockwise often means tackling the Grand Union stretch from Warwick towards Braunston early if you start around Warwick, Leamington or Stockton. You then travel north on the Oxford and Coventry canals before returning through Birmingham.

Anti-clockwise may put Birmingham earlier in the trip and leave the Oxford and Grand Union countryside for later. Some crews prefer this because the route feels as if it gradually opens out after the urban sections.

If you are hiring, your boatyard may suggest a direction based on collection time, expected traffic or local conditions. It is worth taking their advice, especially if you are new to the area.

Main Route Sections

Warwick, Leamington Spa and the Grand Union Canal

Warwick and Leamington Spa make excellent starting points or overnight stops. The canal runs close to both towns, giving easy access to shops, pubs, restaurants and transport links.

Warwick is known for its castle and historic streets, while Leamington Spa offers elegant Regency architecture and useful town centre services. Mooring availability can vary, so aim to arrive with time to move on if your first choice is full.

Heading east, the Grand Union passes through a mix of town, suburb and open countryside. Expect a steady rhythm of locks as you approach the Stockton area and the route towards Napton Junction.

Napton Junction to Braunston

The stretch around Napton Junction and Braunston is classic Midlands canal country. Braunston is one of the great names of the inland waterways, with a long boating history, boatyards, pubs and useful facilities.

This is a good area to top up water, dispose of rubbish where facilities are available and check supplies. Braunston can be busy in peak season, so take your time and keep an eye out for hire boats, private boats and historic craft.

Although the wider Braunston area is associated with locks and tunnels, the Warwickshire Ring route itself uses the Oxford Canal towards Rugby rather than heading off along the Grand Union main line towards Norton Junction.

Braunston to Hawkesbury Junction on the Oxford Canal

The Oxford Canal north of Braunston is a pleasant and popular section. It passes through Rugby and includes the well-known Hillmorton Locks, which are paired narrow locks and often busy during holiday periods.

Rugby is a practical stop for supermarkets and other supplies. It may not feel as picturesque as some rural moorings, but it is useful if you need food, fuel from nearby suppliers or a mid-route reset.

Hawkesbury Junction, also known as Sutton Stop, is one of the most recognisable canal junctions on the route. It has a sharp turn, a stop lock and plenty of boating interest. Take it slowly, especially if there are boats waiting or spectators watching from the towpath.

Hawkesbury to Fazeley on the Coventry Canal

From Hawkesbury, the route follows the Coventry Canal through Nuneaton and towards Atherstone. The Atherstone flight is a key feature of this section, with a run of narrow locks that lifts or lowers you through the town.

Atherstone is a useful overnight stop, with shops and places to eat within reach of the canal. The lock flight is best approached with plenty of daylight, particularly if the canal is busy.

Beyond Atherstone, the canal becomes more rural in places before reaching Tamworth and Fazeley. This is a satisfying cruising section, with a good blend of working canal history and everyday Midlands scenery.

Fazeley to Birmingham on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal

At Fazeley Junction, the route turns onto the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. This section includes Curdworth and Minworth, then approaches the busier waterways leading into Birmingham.

There are several locks along the way, and some stretches feel quite enclosed compared with the open countryside elsewhere on the ring. Keep your crew organised and avoid rushing. In urban and semi-urban areas, it is sensible to secure loose items on the roof and moor in recognised, well-used locations.

The approach to Birmingham is one of the most memorable parts of the Warwickshire Ring. Aston Locks and Farmer’s Bridge Locks bring you right into the heart of the city. These flights are hard work, but they are full of atmosphere and canal history.

Birmingham and the Return via the Grand Union

Birmingham is a highlight for many boaters. Central moorings around the main canal areas can put you close to restaurants, museums, galleries and city centre attractions.

After Birmingham, the route heads out towards the Grand Union Canal through the eastern side of the city. Camp Hill Locks, Catherine-de-Barnes and Knowle are important points on this section.

Knowle Locks are broad and impressive, so they require care and good communication if you are working them with a small crew. From there, the canal moves back towards more open surroundings before reaching the famous Hatton flight.

Hatton Locks are one of the major challenges of the Warwickshire Ring. The flight is long, broad and physically demanding, but it is also a superb piece of canal engineering. Many crews choose to share locks with another boat if possible, which can make the work easier and more sociable.

Key Highlights Along the Warwickshire Ring

The route offers plenty of variety, so it is worth building in time to enjoy more than just the cruising.

• Warwick: historic streets, castle views and good visitor facilities.
• Leamington Spa: shops, restaurants and attractive town centre architecture.
• Braunston: a traditional canal village with strong boating connections.
• Hawkesbury Junction: a classic canal junction with a memorable turn.
• Atherstone: handy town stop and an important lock flight.
• Birmingham: excellent central moorings, culture, food and canal heritage.
• Hatton Locks: a spectacular broad lock flight and a real route milestone.

Lock Planning and Crew Tips

The Warwickshire Ring includes plenty of locks, including broad locks and long flights. Good lock technique will make the trip far more enjoyable.

If your crew is new to boating, practise communication early. Decide who is steering, who is working the paddles and who is handling ropes. Swap roles if everyone is confident, but avoid changing too often during a busy flight.

Useful lock tips include:

• Keep a windlass handy, but never leave it on the paddle gear.
• Open paddles slowly, especially in broad locks.
• Use centre lines carefully, but do not wrap ropes around hands.
• Close gates and paddles unless signs say otherwise.
• Let faster crews pass when safe if you are taking your time.
• Share broad locks when practical to save water and effort.

On major flights such as Hatton, Aston and Farmer’s Bridge, it helps to have one person setting the next lock while the boat moves through the current one, provided it is safe and the crew is experienced enough.

Mooring Advice

Mooring on the Warwickshire Ring ranges from quiet rural towpath spots to busy city centre visitor moorings. The best choice depends on your route plan, confidence level and the time of day.

As a general rule, avoid leaving your mooring search too late. Popular visitor moorings can fill up in summer, while some rural areas may have shallow edges or limited piling.

Practical mooring advice:

• Use designated visitor moorings where available.
• Check signs for time limits and restrictions.
• Moor where the boat does not obstruct bridges, locks, water points or winding holes.
• Use springs if passing boats are likely to move your boat about.
• In urban areas, choose well-lit, well-used moorings where other boats are present.

Central Birmingham is often popular with visiting boaters because it offers convenient, recognised moorings close to facilities. In smaller towns, be considerate with noise and avoid running engines late in the evening.

Supplies, Water and Services

The Warwickshire Ring passes through enough towns and boating centres that you should not struggle for supplies, but it still pays to plan ahead.

Top up water whenever convenient rather than waiting until the tank is low. Empty rubbish and toilet cassettes only at proper facilities. If you need diesel, pump-out or gas, check availability before relying on a specific boatyard, as opening times and services can vary.

Good places to think about supplies include Warwick, Leamington Spa, Braunston, Rugby, Atherstone, Tamworth and Birmingham. Supermarkets may not always be right beside the canal, so allow time for walking or check maps in advance.

Is the Warwickshire Ring Suitable for Beginners?

The Warwickshire Ring is not the easiest first narrowboat route, but beginners can complete it if they are well prepared, active and realistic about the work involved.

The main challenge is not navigation. The route is clear and well used. The challenge is the number of locks, including broad locks and long flights. A small or inexperienced crew may find a one-week schedule tiring.

For first-timers, a shorter out-and-back route may be more relaxing. However, if you are hiring from a local base and the boatyard is happy for you to attempt the ring, build in early starts, keep your daily targets sensible and do not underestimate lock flights.

Best Time to Cruise the Warwickshire Ring

Spring, summer and early autumn are the most popular times to cruise. Longer daylight hours make lock-heavy days easier, and canalside towns are lively without necessarily feeling rushed.

Summer brings more boats, especially around popular junctions and lock flights. Spring and autumn can be quieter, although weather and daylight need more consideration.

Winter cruising can be rewarding for experienced boaters, but stoppages, ice, short days and reduced services can affect the route. Always check planned maintenance before committing to a winter ring cruise.

Planning Tips Before You Set Off

A little preparation makes the Warwickshire Ring much smoother. Before departure, study a canal map, check current navigation notices and work out a flexible schedule.

Allow spare time for queues at locks, shopping trips, water stops and weather delays. Canal cruising is rarely improved by rushing, especially on a route with so many interesting places to pause.

Before you go, consider:

• Booking enough days for your crew’s experience level.
• Checking Canal & River Trust notices for closures or restrictions.
• Planning overnight stops, but staying flexible.
• Carrying waterproofs and footwear suitable for lock work.
• Keeping a torch handy for tunnels, late returns and towpath walks.
• Making sure every crew member understands basic safety.

If you are hiring, listen carefully during the handover. Ask about local hazards, recommended first-night moorings and any current issues on the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Warwickshire Ring?

The Warwickshire Ring is generally described as roughly 100 miles, with more than 90 locks. The exact total can vary depending on your start point and any detours.

Can you do the Warwickshire Ring in one week?

Yes, many crews do it in a week, but it can be demanding. Expect long cruising days and plenty of locks. Ten days or more gives a more relaxed trip.

Is the Warwickshire Ring suitable for a first narrowboat holiday?

It can be suitable for active beginners with good instruction and enough time, but it is a busy route with significant lock work. A shorter route may be easier for a first trip.

Where can you start the Warwickshire Ring?

You can start anywhere on the ring if you have access to a boat. Popular starting areas include Warwick, Leamington Spa, Stockton, Braunston, Rugby, Tamworth and Birmingham.

What is the hardest part of the Warwickshire Ring?

The hardest sections are usually the major lock flights, especially Hatton, Farmer’s Bridge and Aston. They are manageable with planning, patience and safe lock technique.

The Warwickshire Ring rewards crews who enjoy variety. With historic towns, busy junctions, peaceful stretches and dramatic lock flights, it is a route that feels like a proper narrowboat journey through the heart of the Midlands.