Boating along the Grand Union Canal

Though the Grand Union Canal is Britain's longest single waterway trunk route, it offers a surprisingly varied experience for the boater.

Each of the three independent navigations which made up the main line retains its own character. For example, the locks south of Braunston - originally the Grand Junction Canal - are very different to the 1930s replacements on the old Warwick & Birmingham line, where the flight at Hatton has unusual paddle gear not found on any other canal.

Though the Grand Union is usually thought of as a main line with a long branch to Leicester, it has an abundance of short canal arms which are worth exploring. Try the Aylesbury Arm - conceived as the start of a through-route to Abingdon, now just a quiet cul-de-sac - and the nearby Wendover Arm, where restoration is ongoing.

There are few hire bases on the southern section of the canal, but opportunities abound for boat hire in the Midlands. Several modern-day marinas are clustered around the historic canal settlements of Braunston and Napton, making this area one of the busiest on the system.

The 1930s scheme to widen the Grand Union north of Braunston was never completed. Broad-beam boats are commonplace around London, but north of Berkhamsted, the canal is still dominated by narrowboats. Boats wider than 7ft may continue north along the main line if they notify British Waterways in advance: the narrowest point is a 12ft 6in bridge at Blue Lias, near Stockton, Warwickshire.

Thames Lock - 020 8568 2779

Bridge & lock opening times

London by Water

Advice

Following a couple of recent incidents in the London area, British Waterways would like to remind boaters that water levels will fluctuate on both rivers and canals, so some allowance should be built in when tying up craft directly to the canal bank.

The incidents occurred on the Grand Union Canal at Brentford and River Stort during the Autumn when the water levels rose as a result of high rainfall and increased river flows. Thankfully neither resulted in any serious damage or personal injury.

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.