Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 26 on the Four Counties Ring

Gailey Wharf, Staffordshire

Take a leisurly trip through England's rural countryside and visit the Potteries

About the location

Base 26 is near Stafford and is run by one of the largest boat operators in the UK. It is easily accessible by road or rail and near Birmingham Airport.

At the junction of the Trent and Mersey and Staffs and Worcester Canals, and on the doorstep of Lord Lichfield's Shugborough Hall, this base offers a wide choice of cruising routes and canalside attractions. The area abounds with stately homes, castles, gardens and pretty villages to take time-out and explore.

Short breaks, one week and longer routes are available from this base.

Kennet and Avon Ring Canal Location

Routes from this base

Your holiday isn't tied to a specific route. You simply hire a boat for the time you choose, then explore the canals however you like. Our short-break, week, and two week routes are just ideas to help you plan your ideal canal holiday.

Short break routes (3 - 4 nights)

  • Stone and Return • 18 locks • 12 hours • Follow Four Counties Ring south west
  • Fradley and Return • 10 locks • 14 hours • Continue south on the Trent and Mersey Canal

One week routes

Four Counties Ring

94 locks • 54 hours

The inland waterways most popular Ring, giving a lively mix of locks and level cruising. The world famous 2670 metre Harecastle Tunnel is on this route and the Wedgwood Visitor Centre is well worth a visit.

The Black Country Ring

103 locks • 42 hours

Take in the splendour of Cannock Chase and cruise all the way to the heart of Birmingham City Centre. Visit Penkridge, Fradley and Old Turn Junction. This is a great one-week Ring.

  • Market Drayton and Return • 38 locks • 38 hours • This follows the Four Counties Ring to the home of Gingerbread!
  • Caldon Canal and Return • 35 locks • 40 hours • Alton Towers Theme Park is a short distance from the end of the very rural Caldon Canal.
  • Drayton Manor and Return • 10 locks • 25 hours • Drayton Manor Park and Waterworld are both within two days cruising and you can moor up outside the gates!!

Longer routes

The Four Counties or Black Country Rings at a more leisurely pace

  • The Four Counties Ring and Caldon Canal • 128 locks • 73 hours