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North from Leighton Buzzard
Travel north along the Ouzel Valley through the parks of Milton Keynes and over the Aqueduct at Cosgrove and onto the picturesque Northamptonshire village of Stoke Bruerne.
Moor at the bottom of the Stoke Bruerne locks and enjoy a short walk up the locks to the famous canal village with its shops, pubs, restaurants and Waterways Museum.
For the more energetic take your boat up the flight of seven locks and on through the nearly 2 mile long Blisworth tunnel, through Blisworth village and on to Gayton Junction.
You can turn all our boats below and above the locks at Stoke Bruerne and at Gayton Junction.
This is an ideal mini-break cruise for the novice with plenty of entertainment for your children, some locks, two aqueducts and many good pubs and restaurants.
South From Leighton Buzzard
Head south towards the beautiful village of Marsworth keeping an eye out for the lion cut in the chalk on the side of Whipsnade hill.
The reservoirs at Marsworth, which were built to supply water to the canal summit, are now also used as extensive nature reserves. Wild-life is in abundance and it is very rewarding to have an afternoon or evening stroll around the lakes and study the bird life.
At Marsworth either cruise straight on for Berkhamsted or turn right for the Aylesbury arm.
Berkhamsted
From Marsworth travel up the seven locks to Bulbourne. The canal then enters a three mile cutting past Tring Station to Cowroast. Be on special alert as Kingfishers are often spotted in the cutting. At Cowroast the canal starts its descent to London, passing through Berkhamsted close to the old castle, outdoor swimming pool and leisure parks.
Aylesbury Arm
This canal runs from Marsworth to Aylesbury and is just 6 miles long with 16 narrow locks, only inches wider than your boat. Aylesbury has a small basin with visitor moorings close to the market town centre.
Entertainment Guide
All boats carry a 20 page local entertainment manual which covers many local facilities and attractions between Watford and Braunston.
The manual also includes details of canal side pubs (including phone numbers), shops, swimming pools and churches as well as many leaflets on local amenities.
Also listed are fresh water taps, turning places and refuse disposal points.
Hours Cruising each way to :-
North
Bottom of Stoke Bruerne 9 hrs.
(Ideal for a weekend cruise)
Gayton Junction 12 hrs.
(Ideal for a midweek cruise)
South
Aylesbury 10 hrs.
Berkhamsted 10 hrs.
Please note all holidays start and finish at Leighton Buzzard.
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