Our recommended routes, depending on the length of your stay
Our pick of the best routes you can take – all sorted by the length of your stay. Of course, it also depends whether you’re the fast and furious type (well, as fast as 4mph) or the slow & steady type. For some, the most fun you can have is exploring deep into the wilds of the Grand Union. For others, it’s being moored outside of our local pub. The beauty of Epic Boating is that it’s totally up to you.
Ideal for families
Travelling from our base here in Stoke Hammond you'll pass through Fenny Lock and The Red Lion Pub with a shallow lock and swing bridge (yes- all together!) you will then enjoy 15 miles of lock free cruising through the town of Milton Keynes. Now, we know this sounds like just concrete cows and roundabouts but don't believe the rumors, this City (as known by locals) fully embraces the canal and all of its opportunities. Plenty of good pubs and eateries on the way as well as parks and venues such as MK bowl nearby.
For families a great day can be enjoyed by just mooring up in Campbell park and exploring the city. There is the Theatre district with escape rooms, arcades and bowling and even sky diving and skiing on offer as well as world cuisine all year around. For younger cruisers, you can take a short walk to Gullivers Land. Whatever you decide, you can return to your floating home from home at the end of the day assured of a great nights sleep.
Travelling on up to the historical Stoke Bruerne and tunnel involves 8 locks where you can enjoy the history of the canal at the museum, some great gift shops and a local art gallery and of course, more great pubs.
From here, you can turn the boat and head back to base or even do the infamous tunnel depending on time*
* Requires 21 hours total cruising excluding tunnel
Ideal for nature lovers
Within 20 minutes of leaving base you are into the infamous 'Soulbury three' - three locks one after another - indoctrination by fire! If you prefer to delay the inevitable, moor up and get dinner and a drink in the popular Gastro pub 'The 3 Locks' whilst watching other boaters tackle the flight and gaining some helpful tips! Once through the locks you move from Buckinghamshire through the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside towards the market town of Leighton Buzzard (market held on Tuesday & Saturday). Be sure to stop at The Globe on the way, one of the canals oldest canal side pubs with great outside spaces, outdoor play areas and mooring spots. Negotiating just one lock brings you into Leighton Buzzard. If you need provisions, a handy Tesco can be found right off the towpath, and there are plenty of local bars, pubs and restaurants to choose from. If you fancy travelling further afield, moor up and walk 10 mins to the train station where you can be in London Euston in just 40 mins and still be back to your cosy floating home before midnight!
Just a couple more locks takes you through 'the fields' (as known by canal folk) - an hour lock free cruise before you start your climb up towards Marsworth junction ( a lock every 20 mins). Moor up at Marsworth junction and walk the flight around Tring reservoirs, a nature reserve popular with 'twitchers' and fishermen alike before having dinner in the newly refurbished Grand Junction Inn for dinner. Turn at Marsworth before heading back to base.
Ideal for families
Continuing after 3 days you would travel through the Buckby Flight of 7 locks (be sure to be on your top game when passing The New Inn because EVERYONE will be watching your lock skills). Moor above at Norton Junction and become a spectator yourself over good pub grub dinner. From here you choose between continuing on The Grand Union, climbing the Braunston flight or turn right onto the Leicester Arm and head up to the staircase locks at Watford Junction Lock (no where near Watford) cruising 5 hours of lock free canal to the infamous Foxton Seven, a flight of single locks one after another with great historical value - not to be missed!
Ideal for nature lovers
Following on from the 3 day route above you will also have the opportunity to visit Berkhamstead, the fabulours upmarket Hertfordshire town with gastro pubs, restaurants and plenty of canal side dining. Take time out to wander around the boutique individual shops and if you need to pick up provisions call in at canal side Waitrose for a tasty treat.
We love - The Boat Inn for food and The Rising Sun for a sunny afternoon drink.
Looking for extended hire?
If you’re taking King’s Landing for a little longer than normal – be it two weeks, a month, or even more – then the canals & rivers are your figurative oyster. We’re happy to advise on some of the best routes for you based on what you love most about boating and holidays as a whole. We’ve travelled most of what England’s waterways have to offer, so we’re confident that we’re capable of giving top-notch advice – we’ll even let you know the best sights to see and our favourite restaurants/pubs.
See for yourself
We get it – sometimes, the novelty is in discovering everything our wonderful waterways offer on your own. King’s Landing is your home from home, and with it so is the canal on which she is located. If you fancy making a plan for yourself, we recommend taking a look at the Canal Route Planner and the CRT’s Full Waterways Map to see what suits you best.
