Barston Lane near Catherine de Barnes, Solihull, West Midlands.
Where can you go?
Our base at Copt Heath Wharf is in the centre of the canal system. In just a few days you can travel the network of canals in Birmingham or sample the rural splendours of the West Midlands, taking in historic towns such as Warwick, Stratford, Worcester, Coventry and the villages of the canals like Offchurch, Wilmcote or Napton. The table below shows typical cruising hours needed for some of the popular destinations. It is always a good idea to build some sightseeing time even into a short break, to get the best out of your cruise. The main canals in the area are described briefly below. We will advise you on possible routes and provide maps and guide books as appropriate.
Destination
(Return cruise)		 Cruising Hours Recommended Days Hire
hard leisurely
Warwick 16 2 3
Napton 30 4 5
Birmingham 16 2 3
Birmingham Ring 19 3 4
Black Country Museum 30 4 5
Lowsonford 18 2 3
Stratford upon Avon 24 3 4/5
Tardebigge Top lock 22 3 4
Stoke Prior 32 4 5
Worcester 48 6 7
The Stratford Canal
The Southern Stratford down to the River Avon is one of the prettiest waterways in Britain. Passing through unspoiled countryside and country villages the charm of this waterway will captivate you as you cruise through farm and woodland with a strong chance of spying kingfishers, heron and other wildlife. And with the rewards of historic Stratford upon Avon and maybe a night at the theatre at the end! The North Stratford is similarly rural, even as it approaches Birmingham from the south.

The Grand Union Canal
This was the motorway of the canal age. Widened to employ double width locks in the thirties to forestall the loss of canal carrying, it now offers a scenic route through Warwickshire. Near Kingswood Junction a gentle stroll will take you to either of the National Trust houses of Packwood or Baddesley Clinton. The farm at Hatton Country World is a favourite with the children. After the spectacular Hatton Locks - the stairway to heaven! - you come to historic Warwick, with its castle. Further cruising after Leamington would take you through rolling countryside to Napton. The villages tend to be a short way from the canal, but there are plenty of canal side hostelries where the boatmen of old used to slake their thirst after a few locks and where you can still do so today.

Worcester and Birmingham Canal
From Copt Heath you reach the W&B via the North Stratford or from the centre of Birmingham. From Gas Street Basin it is the greenest route through Birmingham, passing the University campus at Edgbaston and Cadbury World at Bournville before reaching the one and a half mile long Wast Hill Tunnel. Beyond is more countryside and the descent to the Severn valley at Worcester, passing by many pretty villages, several reservoirs with waterfowl, Tardebigge Locks, Avoncroft Museum of Buildings, Hanbury Hall (NT), culminating in the Cathedral, Porcelain Factory, Commandery and other attractions of Worcester.

Birmingham Canal Navigations
Birmingham is the hub of the national waterways network - there are said to be more canals in Birmingham than in Venice, and you could travel some of them in a short break from Copt Heath Wharf. Over the past few years the waterfront has become a major feature of the city centre with the International Convention Centre, the Indoor Arena, Concert Hall, Repertory Theatre, Art Gallery and Museum, Jewellery Quarter and Sea Life Centre together with an astounding variety of international restaurants and bars.
All these are a day's cruise from our base. And there are another sixty miles of industrial heritage, modern waterfronts and surprising countryside on the BCN to explore. There is the Black Country Museum at Dudley, with superb mooring space, the new waterside art gallery at Walsall, famous black country pubs and even the Merry Hill shopping centre, near Stourbridge to attract you.

Birmingham and Fazeley and Coventry Canals
The 'Bottom Road' which used to serve the collieries of the North Midlands. In the heyday of carrying the waterway was thronged with boats plying to and from London deeply laden with coal southwards and imported raw materials back. They were the lifeblood of the industrial revolution. Today you pass through the old industrial centres but will be surprised by the tranquillity and attractiveness of the countryside in between. A visit to Coventry with its newly restored canal basin and famous cathedral is a must on this route. The busy canal side village of Braunston was the canal boatmen's spiritual home. Many were christened, married and buried there! A diversion up the lock free Ashby Canal is worthwhile.