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The Avon Ring & Droitwich Ring

The Avon Ring is made up of two rivers and two narrow canals, just possible in a week, more relaxed in two! The River Severn and its tributary the Warwickshire River Avon will take you to Stratford upon Avon, from where the hard work begins on the heavily locked Stratford Canal and Worcester and Birmingham Canal. But the wonderful ‘Heart of England’ countryside makes it all worthwhile!
The new Droitwich Ring is just 20 miles long, one of the few rings that can be done in less than a week!


Lock on the Upper Avon

Lock on the Upper Avon

  • The River Severn is wide and deep and all the locks are electrically operated by lock keepers, hold onto chains on the lock wall if you can. Take care to avoid the weirs, especially when levels are high, and when entering and leaving Diglis basin. Never navigate when the river is in flood! Mooring places are limited on both the River Severn and River Avon.
  • The River Avon is privately run and a licence needs to be bought before entering. You operate the locks yourself and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The river flows through the beautiful Vale of Evesham.
  • Stratford upon Avon is a must to explore, but always very busy with tourists. Now the hard work starts, 43 uphill narrow locks but through beautiful countryside.
  • The Worcester and Birmingham Canal is famous for the 30 Tardebigge locks, a daunting sight but usually in good condition and can be done in a morning – with the right crew!
  • The Droitwich Ring was created in 2011 when the derelict Droitwich Barge Canal and Droitwich Canal were joined by a stretch of the River Salwarpe. The ring can be done on a short break hire.
Avon Ring and Droitwich Ring Map
Avon Ring and Droitwich Ring Map

The Avon Ring & Droitwich Ring – Junctions, locks and lengths

bullet  AVON RING –  The River Severn at Diglis Basin, Worcester, 1 locks, 16 miles to …

bullet  The River Avon at Tewkesbury, 17 locks, 43 miles to …

bullet  Stratford Canal at Stratford upon Avon, 43 locks, 25 miles to …

bullet  Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Kings Norton Jnct, 58 locks, 25 miles back to Diglis Basin

bullet  DROITWICH RING –  Worcester & Birmingham Canal  at Diglis Basin, Worcester, 16 locks, 9 miles to …

bullet  Droitwich Canal at Hanbury Junction, 16 locks, 7 miles to …

bullet  River Severn at Hawford Mill, 4 miles back to Diglis Basin.

Diglis Lock on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal
The deep and wide Diglis Lock on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Boat Hire from family firms on or around The Avon Ring & Droitwich Ring

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Droitwich Canal

Cafwin Cruisers

Inspire romance and indulge in the idyllic Worcestershire & Warwickshire waterways in our new luxurious Boutique Narrowboat from April 2019. Expect nothing less than perfection when holidaying with Cafwin Cruises.

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River Severn

Starline Narrowboats

Starline are a small, friendly, family-run company based at Stourport on Severn. Cruises include the majestic River Severn, Shakespeare's River Avon to Stratford or the scenic West Midlands canals.

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