The Four Counties Ring

The Four Counties Ring

The Four Counties Ring is probably the most popular circular canal route, particularly for hire boat holidays because it can be covered in one, fairly busy, week. And there’s so much else to see just off the 4 Counties Ring by taking a few detours.

Audlem locks and the Shroppie Fly pub

The Trent & Mersey Canal starting from the old canal town of Middlewich lifts you off the Cheshire Plain up the 31 locks boaters call ‘Heartbreak Hill’ into Staffordshire. Then comes Harecastle Tunnel, a long, dark and wet experience not to be missed, before emerging into the daylight of the Staffordshire Potteries. Then downhill through pleasant countryside to turn off at Great Heywood.
The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal soon enters Tixall Wide, a pleasant the lake-like place to moor before the canal crosses the wide open heathlands of Cannock Chase, filled with wildlife but also the roar of the M6 traffic. On the outskirts of Wolverhampton there’s a tricky narrow section with passing places just before reaching Autherly Junction.
The Shropshire Union Canal heads north into some of the least populated areas of England, along long straight stretches of canal in deep cuttings and upon high embankments, on its way back towards the Cheshire plain. From Barbridge the Middlewich Branch completes the circular route.
Leave the Ring and find lots more to see. For instance explore the fascinating Caldon Canal and Churnet Valley for a few days, continue up to Chester and the National Waterways Museum, take the Anderton Lift down to enjoy a cruise along the River Weaver or head into the Welsh Hills up the stunning Llangollen Canal.

Trip boat entering the bottom of Anderton Lift

Boat Hire from family firms on or around The Four Counties Ring

Trent and Mersey Canal

The Canal Cruising Company is located in the canal town of Stone. We are ideally placed for a number of out and back routes and circular routes. Our boats are 2 to 8 berths, all are ETC graded.

Shropshire Union Canal

Chas Hardern Boats, family run for over 40 years offering a fleet of excellent value, well equipped 2 to 6 berth boats for all year cruising. Ideal for the Shropshire Union Canal, the Llangollen Canal & adjoining canals.

Shropshire Union Canal

Cheshire Cat Narrowboats, perfect for the Llangollen Canal & Four Counties Ring. Clean, comfortable, well-equipped boats, individual attention, sensible prices, no hidden extras. A warm, friendly welcome guaranteed.

Macclesfield Canal

Heritage Narrowboats
offering 'quality graded' Narrowboats to cruise the Cheshire & Four counties Rings and beyond. Or why not have a day out on the canal on one of our 12 person dayboats.

Llangollen Canal

Marine Cruises on the magnificent award winning Llangollen canal have well equipped 2 to 10 berth boats.

All boats have bathroom with shower & galley with full size cooker.

Shropshire Union Canal

From our new base at Autherley Junction, Napton Narrowboats family-run fleet now gives you the widest choice of boats and cruising routes.

Shropshire Union Canal

Norbury Wharf luxury narrow boats at the heart of the beautiful Shropshire Union canal, ideally situated for the Llangollen canal, Four counties ring & much more, Short & long term hire available. Diesel & Gas included.

Shropshire Union Canal

The Blue Riband Club comprises two owner operated companies who guarantee to give you the highest standards of both comfort and service. All boats are Tourist Board annually inspected.

Staffs and Worcs Canal

UKvacationsAfloat At M6 J12 we are centrally located for easy scenic cruises on the picturesque 'Shroppie', Trent and Mersey canal for the Potteries and the Birmingham canals for the industrial history buffs.

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All materials and images © Canal Junction Ltd. Dalton House, 35 Chester St, Wrexham LL13 8AH. No unauthorised reproduction.

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The Four Counties Ring