FROM LOWER HEYFORD

NORTH: THE HEYFORDS, SOMERTON AND AYNHO
(OXFORDSHIRE)

Discover pretty Cotswold villages, superb water meadows and experience one of the deepest locks in the area! You'll circumnavigate Lower Heyford before reaching the first lift bridge (most are left open for you to pass unhindered but this one you'll need to operate).

Shortly after you'll see the magnificent tithe barn and manorial farm at Upper Heyford. Your progress is peaceful as you work through the first of 3 locks, Allens Lock, close to sleepy Upper Heyford rising up the hill from the lock. Rolling pastures accompany your route to Heyford Common Lock and Somerton Meadows, a superb area at which to tie up and laze the day away. Turn at Somerton Wharf for your return journey - total cruising time 5hrs. For the more adventurous don’t stop here but cruise on through Somerton Deep Lock for a non-stop journey as far as Aynho Wharf and return (7hrs), if you don't mind a bit of queuing at Somerton Lock at busy times.

FROM LOWER HEYFORD

SOUTH: KIRTLINGTON & ENSLOW
(OXFORDSHIRE)

Gently glide through rolling countryside as you follow the pretty Cherwell Valley; the canal winding its way through copses and pastures. The first lock, Dashwood Lock, is characterised by a Cotswold stone bridge. Only a mile further and you will reach the sylvan Northbrook Lock, close to a tiny farming hamlet and historic drover’s bridge over the adjacent River Cherwell. For those with sharp eyes keep a look out for Kingfishers as they are a common sight along this stretch. Another mile brings you to the fascinating old Kirtlington Quarry (now a country park) - well worth visiting for its open space, history and fossils. Many of our hirers never go further than here because this makes an ideal day with plenty of time for a picnic or barbecue at lunchtime... or a stroll to Kirtlington and the Oxford Arms or the Dashwood Arms, both well known for their good food. Turn here for your return journey, total cruising time 5hrs.

For the more adventurous, the next Lock, Pigeon's Lock, leads to Enslow Wharf, where you will need to turn. Total cruising time 7hrs.

FROM BRADFORD ON AVON

WEST: THE AVON VALLEY TO CLAVERTON
(WILTSHIRE)

We will help you through your first and only lock at the the wharf and then you can start your journey through the beautiful tree lined Avon Valley. You will pass the ancient Tithe Barn and the cruise alongside Barton Country Park far as the secluded hamlet of Avoncliff, which is also where you cross the first of two magnificent aqueducts across the River Avon. At Avoncliff look out for the pair of old watermills, and the quaint railway halt which is still working! There is also a pub here should you wish to have lunch ashore. Cruising along the other side of the valley you'll reach the second aqueduct at Dundas and the entrance to Somerset Coal Canal with the Visitor Centre and Cafe. Do spend time at each aqueduct; walk around and under them. Turn here for your return journey; total cruising time 5hrs.

For the more adventurous, with less stopping, you can reach Claverton with its popular Weir Pool and the Old Pumping Station. Click the links for more information on these attractions. Total cruising time for this extended journey 7hrs.

If you need help with the lock back at the wharf just ask!

FROM BRADFORD ON AVON

EAST: SEMINGTON AND SEEND
(WILTSHIRE)

Cruising through open countryside you can reach either Semington - at which there is the Somerset Arms about 400yds from the canal, or the bottom of Seend Locks where you can moor up and take a walk up the lock flight to the Barge Inn. Turn here for your return journey...