Canal Holidays Guide to the Avon Ring
The
Avon Ring travels through the heart of England on canals and rivers,
and includes some of the prettiest countryside and most famous sights
in England.
The
route takes the River Avon from Stratford-upon-Avon between
the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds through typical English
villages.
Distance,
Time, and Locks
109 miles, about 60 hours cruising, 129 locks
Take 10/11 days enjoying a relaxing trip.
An
experienced crew can cover this Ring within a week but it is
advisable to spend longer if you want to visit the attractions
en route.
For
most people 2 weeks gives a good blend of sightseeing and cruising.
Please note that a licence (approx £42) is purchased on entering
the River Avon.
Cruising
the Ring
Follow
the Stourport Ring route up the Worcester and Birmingham canal to
Kings Norton junction outside Birmingham.
Join
the North Stratford Canal through splendid countryside and past
delightful villages with quaint names.
If
time allows you can have a detour along a lock free stretch of
the Grand Union to the top of Hatton Locks and then take a train
the short distance to Warwick and visit its superb medieval castle.
Continuing
the Avon Ring, on the South Stratford Canal the canal character
changes with split bridges and 'barrel-roofed' cottages.
Before
reaching Stratford visit Mary Arden’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s
mother’s home, close to the canal at Wilmcote. Cross the Edstone
Aqueduct in a 754 feet long cast iron trough before reaching
Stratford-upon-Avon.
At
Stratford moor opposite the Shakespeare Theatre in Bancroft
Basin and enjoy Shakespeare’s birthplace and its many attractions.
Details are available from the Tourist Information Office adjacent
to the canal basin.
In
Stratford join the River Avon, which meanders to Tewkesbury,
through Evesham and Pershore (reputed to be Borchester in the
long running Archers serial on BBC radio).
In
Tewkesbury visit the magnificent abbey and join the River Severn
at Tewkesbury lock.
It
is a short trip along the wider and picturesque River Severn
from Tewkesbury to Worcester and the Worcester and Birmingham
Canal to complete the Ring.
View Map
Boaters Comments
Buy
the Pearson's Canal
Companion to the Avon Ring

|