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Routes from Great Haywood
Fradley & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
3 nights 
25 miles 
12 hours 
10 locks 
All levels
Fradley & back
Great Haywood Start your journey from our Great Haywood base on the Trent & Mersey Canal. The village of Great Haywood is home to the Canalside Farm, Shop & Cafe, and the Clifford Arms pub.
Haywood Lock Pass Great Haywood Junction, where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal and just after you’ll go through Haywood Lock, passing the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate to the right.
Little Haywood You’ll pass the village of Little Haywood with The Red Lion and Lamb & Flag pubs, and St Mary’s Abbey Church. And you’ll go through Colwich Lock.
Wolseley Bridge Less than a mile later, you’ll reach Wolseley Bridge, with the canalside Wolseley Arms and the Staffs Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre.
Rugeley You’ll pass through the village of Rugeley with its Colliers pub and access to Cannock Chase, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Brereton At Bridge 62, you’ll find the canalside Ash Tree pub at Brereton.
Armitage Two miles after Rugeley, you’ll pass the charming village of Armitage, home to the Armitage Shanks factory and two beautiful churches.
Handsacre Less than a mile later you’ll pass the canalside Crown Inn at Handsacre and nearly two miles after that you’ll pass King’s Bromley Marina.
Woodend Lock Just over a mile later, you’ll reach Woodend Lock, then soon after Shade House Lock and Middle Lock.
Fradley Junction You can moor up just after Middle Lock, opposite Fradley Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal. There’s a Canalside Café and the Swan Inn to visit. And you can enjoy spotting wildlife along the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. You can turn the boat around at Fradley Junction and make the journey back to Great Haywood.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
