Four Counties Ring
Hours (Approx.): 65
Locks: 94
Miles: 110
With 94 locks, this popular route takes canal boat holiday-makers through the counties of Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Cheshire and Shropshire.
This route gives suggested stops for a 10 day Fri-Mon trip. 11 day Mon-Fri gives you a day in hand for further exploration or visits to local attractions.
Autherley to Brewood
Pick up your boat from Autherley in the afternoon, and after your instruction, head north on the Shropshire Union Canal. 2 hours cruising will see you to your evening mooring at Brewood.
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Points of Interest
Charming village with 13th Century Church and interesting Gothic style speedwell Castle.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 14,
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Points of Interest in Brewood
A dog and family friendly canal side pub. Food served daily.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 14,
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Handy store for provisions
Section Summary: 5 miles & 2 hours cruising
Brewood to Goldstone Wharf
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Points of Interest
Wheaton Aston Visitor Moorings
A small village in Staffordshire, England about 9 miles (14 km) south west of Stafford.
Points of Interest in Wheaton Aston Visitor Moorings
A great range of real-ales, hand picked wines and contemporary cocktails. We serve a traditional comfort style pub menu complimented by daily specials which you can enjoy in a more traditional restaurant area, in the bar or overlooking the canal in our all weather beer garden.
Dogs welcome.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Tavern Bridge (19),
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Small Shop but stocks a wide range of goods. Also doubles as a post office.
Great Spar and well stocked, friendly and welcoming staff.
Not too far from the canal and located in the centre of the village opposite the lovely little square.
Dog friendly Marston's Sport's Pub, about half a mile from the canal.
A village in Staffordshire handy for the amenities it offers to passing boaters.
Points of Interest in Gnosall Heath
The Boat Inn is a proper local, with great beer, a cosy atmosphere, real fires, delicious homemade food and classic pub grub.
And we love dogs as much as people!
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Boat Inn Bridge (34),
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Convenience Store close to the canal.
The Navigation Inn, Gnosall
The Navigation Inn is a charming village pub and restaurant with a large beer garden with beautiful canalside views, perfect for Al fresco dining in the summer. Our lovely team are ready to welcome you and make your visit a memorable one!
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Gnosall Bridge (35),
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Home-cooked food, local ales and idyllic canal side views. We allow well behaved dogs, kept on a lead in our bar and beer garden.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canal Towpath,
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The Anchor Inn, High Offley
Canalside pub
The Wharf Tavern, Goldstone
As well as a good selection of cask ales and beers, global wines and a variety of spirits, we offer traditional home cooked meals, made with fresh ingredients sourced locally. Bookings by telephone only. PLEASE NOTE DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE PUB.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Goldstone Bridge (55),
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Section Summary: 18 miles, 1 lock and 7 1/2 hours cruising
Goldstone Wharf to Audlem
Lots of locks today, but you are rewarded by a delightful stop in the Shropshire Village of Audlem
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Points of Interest
Pretty town of half-timbered buildings, handsome church.
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Market Day Wednesday: Early Closing Thursday.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Newcastle Road Bridge (62),
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Points of Interest in Market Drayton
The Red Lion, Market Drayton
The Red Lion, Joule's flagship Brewery Tap, adjoins the Brewery itself. The pub dates back to 1623 and has been sympathetically restored to encompass the new Brewery which has been built on a half-acre site behind the ancient pub.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Berrisford Canal Aqueduct,
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Small supermarket hand for provisions.
A village in Cheshire and a significant canal location with it's flight of 15 locks and associated architecture.
Points of Interest in Audlem
Traditional Inn & Dining, named after the "Fly Boats" that used to work non-stop on the canal delivering urgent cargos. Family and pet friendly.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canal Towpath,
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A Marston's "Sky Sports" pub next to the canal.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canal Towpath,
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Audlem Co-op convenience store
Handy shop close to the canal for topping up your provisions.
Indian takeaway close to the canal, with online ordering.
A freehouse where you you can expect a warm welcome, wonderful wine and fine food.
We are dog friendly in the bar area and have dog treats for your furry friends!
Traditional Fish & Chips shop
Section Summary: 10 miles, 23 locks, 8 hours cruising
Audlem to Church Minshull
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Points of Interest
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
Hidden deep in the Cheshire countryside, the bunker stayed secret for more than 50 years. Now the blast doors are open and you can discover the labyrinth of rooms and authentic equipment used to run this defence region in the event of a National Emergency.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Burrows Bridge (85),
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One of England's loveliest market towns, with half-timbered buildings and narrow winding streets.
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Of special interest - Parish Church considered "The Cathedral of South Cheshire" for its size, beauty, fabulous wood and stone carvings, contemporary needlework and lovely glass.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Public Moorings,
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Points of Interest in Nantwich
16th Century timbered town house. Open to view.
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Churche's Mansion was built in 1577 for a wealthy merchant and remains in wonderful condition with many original features. It is Grade I Listed, with a wealth of history to enjoy both inside and out. It is very rare for a merchant's house to have survived in such original condition for over 430 years.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Public Moorings,
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The fascinating history of one of Cheshire's most attractive and historic towns is brought to life by Nantwich Museum.
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Located in Pillory Street, at the heart of the town, the museum has main galleries telling the story of Nantwich through the ages - Roman salt making, Tudor Nantwich's Great Fire, the Civil War Battle of Nantwich (1644) and the more recent shoe and clothing industries.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Public Moorings,
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A Jacobean house built in 1616, with beautifully-plastered ceilings, oak panelling and woodland garden.Open from April to end of October Tuesdays and Bank Holiday
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Public Moorings,
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Enjoy our historic pub by the canal with a large beer garden, dog-friendly atmosphere, and a warm interior. Perfect for family gatherings, casual drinks, and local events
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Visitor moorings on the embankment,
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Friendly local pub showing all live sports, dog friendly and fantastic homemade food.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Visitor moorings on the embankment,
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Real ales and homemade food in a local microbrewery pub with seats in a grassy garden by the canal.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Pubside moorings or the towpath opposite,
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The Badger Inn, Church Minshull
The Badger's cosy and characteristic ambiance makes for the perfect visit for every occasion. In the summertime there is a glorious hidden garden over looked by the tall, elegant and distinctive St Bartholomew’s Church or for the colder times, sit back and relax next to one of our real log fires.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: MinshullHill Bridge (14),
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Section Summary: 14 miles, 5 locks and 6 & 1/2 hours cruising
Church Minshull to Sandbach
Passing through the town of Middlewich today, your mooring for the night is at the 'Rookery Moorings' on the outskirts of Sandbach.
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Points of Interest
A town in Cheshire, straddling the Trent & Mersey and the Middlewich Branch Canals
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Location: On Google Maps
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Points of Interest in Middlewich
Lidl Supermarket, Middlewich
Large chain Supermarket.
The White Bear, Middlewich
The white bear was built around 1625 and was one of the main coaching Inns for the salt town of Middlewich. Real Ale, family & dog friendly.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Visitor Moorings,
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Cheshire Cheese Pub, Middlewich
The Cheshire Cheese Pub is a family friendly, clean and vibrant place to have a nice cold pint
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Visitor Moorings,
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Middlewich Takeaways & Restaurants
Many food outlets (Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Pizza, Cafes and bakeries) are grouped along Wheelock Street, giving you a wide range to choose from.
The Rookery Tavern pub is a hidden gem located in Ettiley Heath, serving food and are dog friendly
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Rookery Bridge (159),
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Section Summary: 10 miles, 7 locks and 5 hours 40 minutes cruising.
Sandbach to Thurlwood
Today takes you up 14 of the 25 locks of the renowned "Heartbreak Hill", or Cheshire Flight, with the rest to follow tomorrow
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Points of Interest
A large village near Sandbach in Cheshire.
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Points of Interest in Wheelock
The Cheshire Cheese pub, Wheelock
A characteristic, charming local inn, situated in the village of Wheelock.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Wheelock Wharf,
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Handy convenience store close to the canal
Shampaan Indian Restaurant & Takeaway
Authentic, Creative Indian Cuisine. An extensive menu featuring a variety of delectable dishes.
Canalside Marston's pub serving beer & food.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Broughtom Arms Bridge (140),
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Section Summary: 5 & 1/2 miles, 14 locks, 5 hours cruising.
Thurlwood to Stoke-on-Trent
Today sees you complete the Cheshire Flight, head through the 1.6 mile Harecastle Tunnel to finish at the Festival Park moorings in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent
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Points of Interest
A traditional public house in a semi-rural location alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal. Large lockside beer garden and car parking facilities. Good selection of cask, draught and bottled beers
Canalside Community pub offering food and real ales
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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Large chain supermarket next to the canal
The Blue Bell Inn, Kidsgrove
Welcome to the home of Real Ale, great food and friendly people! Come and warm by our log fire, and don't forget to bring your beloved furry friends!
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canal Towpath,
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built in the 1820's, this is a 1.6 mile long tunnel under Harecastle Hill. It is only wide enough for 1 boat, so boats take turns to travel the 40 minute journey in convey, first one direction, then the other. As such, you may need to wait until a convoy is travelling the same direction as you.
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Location: On Google Maps
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Toby Carvery, Festival Park
Timeless family chain restaurant serving roast meats carvery-style, kids' menus and classic puds.
Section Summary: 8 miles, 12 locks and 7 hours cruising. Also 1 long tunnel!
Stoke-on-Trent to Stone
Now heading back toward Autherley, today sees you head towards Stone
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Points of Interest
Timeless family chain restaurant serving roast meats carvery-style, kids' menus and classic puds.
Home to Stoke-on-Trent's most prestigious brand, Wedgwood, and the galleries of the V&A Wedgwood Collection. Our multi-experience site houses our hands-on Creative Studios, Wedgwood Factory, Wedgwood Tea Room, and a diverse range of retail outlets, delicious eateries and bars.
A market town in Staffordshire, Stone is a popular stop on the Trent & Mersey canal. The listed facilities are just a small selection of what's available here.
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Location: On Google Maps
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Points of Interest in Stone
Traditional pub right next to the star lock
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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A thriving freehouse in a carefully renovated Grade II listed building, close to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Eight hand pumps serve ever-changing beers. There's also real cider on draught. Strictly adults only, dog friendly, and the pub does not serve food.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 93,
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Supermarket a short walk from the canal
Wetherspoon's Chain pub in the old post office
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 83,
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Indian Restaurant and takeaway with online ordering
Section Summary: 10 miles, 14 locks and 6 & 1/2 hours Cruising
Stone to Stafford
Head south to Great Haywood junction, (home of Shugborough Hall) , then turn onto the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal, through the beautiful 'Tixall Wide' to finish your day on the outskirts of Stafford.
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Points of Interest
The junction of the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal
Points of Interest in Great Haywood
We offer a fine selection of cask-conditioned ales and guest beers together with a wide choice of freshly prepared, value for money meals and snacks.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Trentlane Bridge (73),
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A stately home and estate near Great Haywood, Staffordshire, England. Now owned by the National Trust and open to the public.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Trentlane Bridge (73),
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A body of water resembling a lake on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal. Supposedly built so a local landowner would not have his view spoiled, This makes a good turning point on your Journey.
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Location: On Google Maps
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Handy supermarket a short walk from the canal.
The Radford Bank Inn Stonehouse
Budget comfort food and daily carvery in family pub-restaurant branch, with sport on TV and garden.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Radford Bridge (98),
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Section Summary: 14 miles, 5 locks and just under 7 hours cruising
Stafford to Cross Green
Wending your way back down the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal brings you back to the Anchor in for your last night before returning the boat to base in the morning
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Points of Interest
A Small village to the south of Stafford.
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Points of Interest in Penkridge
Canalside pub serving traditional 'pub grub'
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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The Boat Inn Penkridge was built at the same time as the Staffs and Worcs Canal in 1779 and is one of the old 'Gateways' to the Village, for many years it was the first or last stopping point, as locals and visitors travelled along the Cannock Road. Now a modernised Gastro-Pub & Restaurant, serving a range of menus including traditional hearty British meals, Bottomless Brunch and Sunday Roasts.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 86,
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Store close the the canal, handy for topping up provisions
Canal side pub dating back to the late 1700's. Offer pub classics & seasonal dishes, and with a well stocked bar.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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Section Summary: 13 miles, 11 locks, 7 & 1/2 hours cruising
Cross Green to Autherley
Return your boat before 9.00am.
Section Summary: 3 miles, 1 lock, 1 hour 20 minutes cruising
Guidebooks / Maps
Pearson's Guide: Four Counties Ring Companion
This Companion is the 9th edition of the perennially popular Four Counties Ring cruising circuit, but additionally features the whole of the Trent & Mersey Canal, the beautiful Caldon Canal and for the first time in this guide the curiously overlooked Weaver Navigation.
Buy at Amazon
