Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 41 on the Grand Union Canal
Location
Base 41 is on the Grand Union Canal just south of Northampton. It is run by one of the best boat operators in the UK, with a friendly, professional service. It is easily reached by rail or road, and is just one hour's drive from London.
Base 41 is only a few minutes drive from junction 15a on the M1 motorway. It has earned an enviable reputation for the standard of boats and service along with the variety of cruising routes available for short breaks, one week and longer.
Routes from this base
Short Break routes
Crick and Return: 34 miles 28 locks 20 hours
Along the Grand Union Canal then towards Leicester
Welford and Return: 58 miles 30 locks 26 hours
Continue past Crick to the short Welford Arm with moorings and nearby village
Braunston or Napton and Return: 44/54 miles 26/26 locks 16/20 hours
Take the Grand Union Canal north from the base and onwards to the canal village of Braunston and perhaps to Napton
Great Linford or Fenny Stratford and Return: 38 miles 16/18 locks 16/20 hours
Head south down the Grand Union to Milton Keynes separating the two destinations with the Canal forming a linear park.
One Week routes
Aylesbury and Return: 86 miles 82 locks 44 hours
This is a recommended route. After a lock free cruise, you can spend your first night in the attractive canal village of Stoke Bruerne. There are then few locks as the canal winds its way through delightful countryside to Milton Keynes. Begin the climb towards the Chiltern Hills but stop short of the summit and turn right at Marsworth junctionto descend the Aylesbury Arm. The canal basin is just a few yards from the attractive old town centre.
Market Harborough and Return: 82 miles 48 locks 36 hours
An energetic route cruising up the Grand Union Canal towards Leicester. On the way to Market Harborough you will meet four tunnels, two sets of staircase locks, and miles of open countryside.
Warwick and Return: 68 miles 72 locks 36 hours
A popular one week cruise to Warwick and its famous Castle.
Cropredy and Return: 80 miles 62 locks 36 hours
Cruise north to Braunston and Napton, then down the meandering South Oxford Canal to Cropredy, a quaint canalside village with pubs, church and village store, home to the annual Folk Festival.
Two Week routes
Thames Ring: 175 locks 115 hours
The ultimate circuit of the south of England, taking in the Grand Union Canal, Oxford Canal and the River Thames.
