On the Staff & Worst: Bridge 86, Penkridge Lock 38 (31/12/2025). Expected to stay closed until end of March 2026. Collapsed culvert has washed away bridge and cottage foundations.
According to various sources, cruising time to complete the Four Counties Ring is between 55 & 65 hours. So about 10 days of 5.5 hours per day. Can be done in a week when daylight permits.
If you're a crew of 3 or more, this might be accomplished a little quicker.
Also consider busy times of year when you might have to wait at locks.
Lock Gates
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Explore, Moor, Dine, and Cruise Through History
The Four Counties Ring is a picturesque and rewarding canal boat holiday route winding through Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and the West Midlands. Covering around 110 miles with 94 locks, the ring offers a full experience of canal boating with rural scenery, historic towns, engineering landmarks, and fantastic pubs and dining stops.
Whether you're a seasoned boater or trying your first canal holiday, this ring offers a great mix of boating challenges, sightseeing, and relaxing moorings.
Audlem, Shropshire Union Canal
A boater's favourite with 15 scenic locks and excellent mooring at the base of the flight.
Nearby highlights:
The Shroppie Fly: Classic canal pub with live music and hearty meals
Audlem Mill: Canalware and gifts
Good mooring: Visitor moorings by the Wharf, close to shops and pubs
Market Drayton
Moor just south of the town bridge for easy access.
Eat & Drink:
The Red Lion – Joules Brewery taproom with heritage interiors
Local shops and street market on Wednesdays
Great Haywood, Trent & Mersey Canal
Charming junction spot with mooring near the aqueduct and a short walk to Shugborough Estate.
Dining:
The Clifford Arms – Cosy, dog-friendly pub
Farm shops and tea rooms nearby
Stone, Staffordshire
A major boating town with ample facilities, chandlery, and mooring both above and below locks.
Top picks:
The Swan Inn – Real ales, live music
Little Seeds – A fine dining bistro
Canal Cruising Company base nearby for services
Middlewich and Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal
Well-served town with easy access from visitor moorings.
Eat & Drink:
The Big Lock Pub – Spacious canal-side pub with moorings right outside
Close to shops and takeaways
The Four Counties Ring offers an exciting variety of lock flights. Here are the main ones:
Audlem Lock Flight (15 Locks)
One of the most scenic and photographed lock flights in England. Trees, birdsong, and the buzz of fellow boaters make it a joy to cruise. Many boaters moor overnight at the bottom before tackling it in the morning.
Tyrley Locks (5 Locks)
Just north of Market Drayton, these locks are set in a tranquil wooded cutting – ideal for nature lovers.
Adderley Locks (5 Locks)
Spaced out in farmland and gentle countryside, these are great for beginners building confidence with locking.
Heartbreak Hill (Cheshire Locks – 26 Locks)
Located on the Trent & Mersey Canal, this is a series of mostly paired locks between Middlewich and Kidsgrove. While challenging, the locks are well maintained and very satisfying for seasoned boaters.
Here are some of the best-rated canal-side venues where boaters frequently stop to relax:
⭐️ The Shroppie Fly, Audlem
A former canal warehouse turned pub with boat moorings right outside.
⭐️ The Wharf Tavern, Goldstone Wharf
Hidden gem on the Shropshire Union with canal-side terrace.
⭐️ The Star Inn, Stone
Stone’s top pub for boaters, with live events and a great canal atmosphere.
⭐️ The Kings Lock Inn, Middlewich
Popular with hire boaters thanks to wide moorings and family-friendly menus.
⭐️ The Badger Inn, Curch Minshull
Close to the junction, good food and friendly staff — ideal after a long cruising day.
Duration: 7–10 days for a relaxing trip, or 14+ for in-depth exploring
Start Bases: Norbury, Autherley Junction, Middlewich, Great Haywood, Stone
Boat Hire: Available from multiple trusted companies including ABC, Anglo Welsh, and local independents
Best Time to Go: May to September for longer days and vibrant towpath life
If you're dreaming of a narrowboat holiday with a mix of adventure, heritage, and canal-side charm, the Four Counties Ring delivers in every way. With stunning scenery, delightful pubs, historic sights, and rewarding lock flights, this circuit is a highlight of the British canal system.
Plan your next canal boat holiday around the Four Counties Ring – a journey through England’s waterways you’ll never forget.
The Four Counties Ring is one of England’s most iconic and diverse narrowboat holiday routes, offering an unforgettable circular journey through Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and the West Midlands. Spanning approximately 110 miles and featuring 94 locks, this route typically takes 7–10 days, making it ideal for both week-long breaks and more leisurely cruises.
Ideal for Narrowboat Holidays
This well-connected canal ring includes parts of the Shropshire Union Canal, Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, Trent & Mersey Canal, and a stretch of the Middlewich Branch. Its combination of rural beauty, historic canal towns, and engineering marvels makes it a popular circuit for first-time canal boat hirers and experienced boaters alike.
Audlem – A Classic Canal Village
Located on the Shropshire Union Canal, Audlem boasts a picturesque flight of 15 locks, charming cafes, and the Audlem Mill, a hub for canal gifts and heritage.
Middlewich – Salt Town with Heritage
Situated on the Middlewich Branch, this town has Roman roots and a long history of salt production. Don’t miss the Middlewich Heritage Trail.
Etruria – The Heart of the Potteries
Cruise through Stoke-on-Trent and explore Etruria Industrial Museum, where the canal meets the city’s famed pottery heritage, including the Wedgwood Visitor Centre.
Market Drayton – Home of Gingerbread
Set along the Shropshire Union Canal, this market town is known for its local food traditions and pretty moorings.
Great Haywood – Gateway to Shugborough Estate
Near the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Staffs & Worcs canals, it offers access to Shugborough Hall, a grand stately home with parklands and gardens.
A wide choice of narrowboat hire bases are located at Norbury Junction, Great Haywood, Stone, Middlewich, and Autherley, offering flexible start points.
Moorings are available at visitor moorings, pubs, and marinas throughout the circuit, making overnight stops easy and accessible.
A Route for Every Interest
Whether you're drawn to canal history, rural countryside, industrial heritage, or just looking for a relaxing boating holiday, the Four Counties Ring delivers.
Ideal for families, couples, or groups
Opportunities for cycling, fishing, and walking
Plenty of canal-side pubs, tea rooms, and nature reserves
Embark on a narrowboat canal holiday full of history, scenery, and quintessential English charm. The Four Counties Ring offers a perfect balance of boating, discovery, and relaxation — all from the comfort of your own floating home.
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