CRUISING OPTIONS

30 miles, 22 locks, 16 hours, 2 days (for return journey).

A gentle cruise through the narrow locks to the west, or stop early at Alrewas.

24 miles, 14 locks, 11 hours, 2 days (for return journey).
A little more energetic with the broad locks to the east, or stop early at Shardlow.

55 miles, 32 locks, 27 hours, 4 days (for return journey). Through the narrow locks of the Trent & Mersey Canal, turning to the North at Fradley Junction. Shugborough Hall and Tixall Wide are both within a mile of the junction. 

109 miles, 94 locks, 56 hours, 2 weeks cruising (for return journey).The Four Counties Ring is one of the most sceneic narrowboat holiday routes. It travels through the counties of Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands. This route is commonly used by holiday boaters typically taking about two weeks to complete using Mercia Marina as your starting point.

75 Miles, 79 Locks, 56 Hours, 2 Weeks Cruising Time (for return journey). Also known as the Black Country Ring, the route passes through Birmingham Canal Navigations, Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, Trent & Mersey Canal, Coventry Canal, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Starting on the Trent & Mersey Canal, we recommend hopping off near Rugeley and making your way to Cannock Chase if you have some time to explore.