Click Checkboxes to Display Cruising Resources on the Map
Just less than five miles and no locks. Turn around in Slough Basin.
Note: Loading Locks & Bridges at the same time on large & complex maps can be cluttered.
Zoom in to spread items and see greater detail.
Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Slough Arm now serves as a tranquil and scenic waterway, perfect for narrowboaters, widebeam owners, and canal boat holidaymakers looking for a leisurely journey. The canal’s towpath and surroundings also offer plenty of activities for walkers, cyclists, anglers, and nature lovers.
Ease of Navigation: The Slough Arm is lock-free, making it a straightforward stretch of canal for boaters of all experience levels.
Mooring Spots:
Cowley Peachey Junction: Convenient mooring near amenities and access to the Grand Union mainline.
Slough Basin: Offers mooring at the end of the canal, ideal for exploring the town and its attractions.
Boater Facilities
Water points and waste disposal are available along the route.
Slough Basin offers nearby access to shops for resupplying during your journey.
Slough Basin: The canal’s endpoint in the heart of Slough is a great spot to explore the town’s history, including its connection to the Great Western Railway.
Cowley Peachey: A picturesque junction where the Slough Arm meets the Grand Union mainline. It’s a hub for boaters, with nearby pubs and amenities.
Nearby Historical Landmarks
St. Laurence's Church: Located near Cowley Peachey, this historic church dates back to the 12th century.
Langley Park: A beautiful estate with landscaped gardens and ancient woodlands, just a short distance from the canal.
The Red Lion (Langley): A short walk from the canal, this pub is known for its traditional menu and cosy ambience.
The Waters Edge (Cowley): 400 yards north on the Grand Union Canal. A classic canalside pub offering hearty meals, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Local Cafes in Slough: Explore Slough’s diverse culinary offerings, from classic British fare to international cuisine.
Walking, Cycling, and Nature
The towpath along the Slough Arm is well-maintained and perfect for walkers and cyclists looking for a peaceful route through the countryside. The canal is surrounded by greenery, and its calm waters attract a variety of wildlife, making it a delight for nature lovers. Look out for:
Birdlife: Ducks, swans, herons, and even kingfishers.
Aquatic Life: Fish such as perch and roach can often be spotted in the water.
Wildflowers: The canal is lined with vibrant flora during the spring and summer months.
Anglers will find the Slough Arm an excellent spot for a day’s fishing. The canal is home to a variety of fish, including:
Bream, Perch, Roach, Rudd and Pike
Ensure you have a valid rod license and check for any local fishing regulations before casting your line.
The Grand Union Canal Slough Arm combines rich history with modern-day recreation, making it a unique destination for boaters, holidaymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're cruising its peaceful waters, exploring the towpath, or enjoying a canalside pint, the Slough Arm offers something for everyone.
The Grand Union Canal Slough Arm, located in southern England, is a 4.5-mile branch of the Grand Union Canal that connects the mainline at Cowley Peachey Junction to the town of Slough.
Built in the late 1800's, it served as a vital transportation route for goods like coal and timber, helping to shape the economic development of the area. Today, the canal has transformed into a haven for boaters, walkers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The Slough Arm was constructed between 1881 and 1883 to provide a direct link between the Grand Union Canal and Slough. Before its creation, goods had to be transported by road, a time-consuming and expensive process.
The canal’s construction cost £60,000, a hefty sum at the time, and featured no locks along its route, making it an efficient waterway for transporting bulk goods.
By the mid-20th century, with the rise of rail and road transport, the canal fell into disuse. Proposals to close and fill in the Slough Arm in the 1960's were met with significant opposition, leading to its preservation as a recreational waterway.
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
We have added 103 Waterways and there are 3121 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
Waterways Resources -
Boat Build & Fit Out -
Waterside Attractions. We continue to add items on a very regular basis.
Many entries have several services on offer, on average 5 services (some have many more). This means there are approx. 5 x the number of services listed.
