Cruising rings in the West Midlands

The Four Counties Ring

A great favourite with boaters, this is a fascinating tour through timeless English countryside and traditional towns, featuring the best of Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands – the four counties of its name.

From the Shropshire Union Canal through the rolling Cheshire Plains to the Trent & Mersey Canal, the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal and back via the Shropshire Union, the Four Counties Ring is one of the more rural Cruising Rings and is best savoured slowly.

Download a leisure guide to the Four Counties Ring
Download an eating and drinking guide to the Four Counties Ring

The Stourport Ring

Imagine your perfect canal cruise. Where would it take you? Through idyllic scenery? Past world-class tourist destinations and rare wildlife sites? Into cosmopolitan cities with superb shopping and restaurants? Welcome to the Stourport Ring.

The Stourport Ring visits no fewer than three cities of contrasting hues, the newly recognised City of Wolverhampton, industrial Birmingham and the ancient City of Worcester. Commencing at Aldersley Junction the route follows the line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and part of the River Severn before returning to Aldersley along the southern section of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.

Download a leisure guide to the Stourport Ring
Download an eating and drinking guide to the Stourport Ring

The Warwickshire Ring

Are you looking for a holiday combining relaxing narrowboating with adventures on and off the water? One offering traditional ‘Olde English’ towns, cosmopolitan cities and memorable waterway sights? Then you will love the Warwickshire Ring.

Sections of the Coventry, Oxford, Grand Union and Birmingham & Fazeley canals are components in the Warwickshire Ring which, despite the almost constant proximity of conurbation and industry, manages to carve a surprisingly rural route through manicured fields and ancient meadows for much of its length.

Download a leisure guide to the Warwickshire Ring

Find out more about Cruising Rings