The Avon Ring - Canal Ring Guide

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 countryside makes it all worthwhile!

• 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 whenn 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 beautiful countryside around the 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 thorugh 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 became possible in 2011 when the derelict Droitwich Barge Canal and Droitwich Canal were joined by a canalised stretch of the River Salwarpe. The ring is 20 miles long and can be done on a short break hire.