Routes from Alvechurch

The purpose of this particular section is to provide you with information about the range of cruising options possible using Canaltime at Alvechurch as your base.

STOURPORT RING

7 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 7.5 Hrs • Locks: 116
• A route of contrasts takes in 21st century Birmingham city centre and 19th century heritage.
• Alongside the canal network in Birmingham city centre you will find The Symphony Hall, National Indoor Arena, the Sea Life Centre, International Convention Centre and Brindley Place.
• Birmingham city centre is within easy walking distance of the canal with its restaurants, shops, theatres, art galleries and museums (www.visitbirminqham.com).
• The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) link the old and new main lines and take you past places such as Smethwick, West Bromwich, Tipton and Wolverhampton.
• Travel on the rural River Severn, the longest river in the UK and second longest in the British Isles.
• This route can also be travelled from our Worcester Marina.

STRATFORD UPON AVON & RETURN

7 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 7 Hrs • Locks: 110
• From Alvechurch you will travel up to Kings Norton Junction and then down the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.
• For more details on Stratford go to www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk

THE BLACK COUNTRY RING

7 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 8 Hrs • Locks: 80
•This route has lots of family activities and a rich mixture of canal scenery.

THE AVON RING

10-14 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 6 Hrs • Locks: 139
(Additional licence required for River Avon)

• This route will take you on both the River Severn and Avon, and to fully enjoy it you will need at least 10 or 14 nights.
• You will need a licence for the River Avon (go to www.avonnaviqationtrust.org for more details).
• This is an energetic route that takes in Worcester, Tewkesbury, Evesham and Stratford-upon-Avon and is a great route to explore the history of the Heart of England.
• If you travel for 2 weeks, you can also detour down to Gloucester with its docks, warehouses and museums (www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk)

WARWICKSHIRE RING

7-14 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 6 Hrs • Locks: 128
• This route can be completed from Alvechurch Marina in 10 nights by more experienced boaters but to fully enjoy this trip at a more relaxed pace take 14 nights to complete it.
• The route can also be completed from Gayton Marina.

DROITWICH CANAL

7 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 5 Hrs • Locks: 76-92
• This canal can be cruised as part of the Stourport Ring or as a leisurely return route.

WEEKENDS: Friday-Monday (3 nights) I MIDWEEK: Monday-Friday (4 nights)

LAPWORTH & RETURN

3-4 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 4.5 Hrs • Locks: 0-36
• Head north towards Birmingham, then turn onto the Stratford Canal towards the Lapworth Flight of locks.
• Stop at the top of Lapworth Fliqht for a relaxing route with no locks – a good first-time route or for those that want to just enjoy the canal and countryside without the locks.
• Take a 4-night break and travel down the locks to Kingswood Junction or travel a few more hours to take in Knowle, Hatton Flight or Wootton Wawen.

BIRMINGHAM & RETURN

3 Nights • Cruising Time Per day: 5 Hrs • Locks: 0
• A relaxing route that will take you through countryside and then into the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre (www.visitbirmingham.com).