The Avon Ring canal route

The Avon Ring travels through the heart of England on a mixture of canals and rivers, and passes through some of the prettiest countryside and most famous sights in southern England, including the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds through typical English villages.

What to see on the Avon Ring

The route takes the River Avon from Stratford-upon-Avon, through Evesham to Tewkesbury. At Tewkesbury you join the river Severn to Worcesterand on to the Worcester and Birmingham canal. From here the route meanders through Worcestershire and Warwickshire to the outskirts of Birmingham where it joins the Stratford-Upon-Avon canal and on to Stratford-Upon-Avon itself.

A map of the Avon Ring

Approximate Distances (anti-clockwise)

Stratford upon Avon Canal from Bancroft Basin to King's Norton Junction
25.5 miles, 55 locks

Worcester & Birmingham Canal from King's Norton Junction to Diglis Junction
24.5 miles, 56 locks

River Severn from Diglis Junction to Evesham Lock junction with the Lower River Avon
16 miles, 1 lock

Lower River Avon from Evesham Lock to junction with the Upper River Avon
25 miles, 7 locks

Upper River Avon to Bancroft Basin junction of the Stratford upon Avon Canal
1 lock 110 yards

Upper River Avon to the junction with the Lower River Avon
10 locks 18 miles.

How long does it take?

The route is some 109 miles, and about 60 hours cruising, including 129 locks. Allow 10 or 11 days enjoying a relaxing trip. An experienced crew can cover this Ring within a week but it is advisable to spend a little longer if you want to visit places of interest en-route. For most people two weeks will allow a good mix of sightseeing and cruising.

License Requirments

Please note that you will need to purchase a licence on entering the River Avon.