Page updated 22 October 2005 

The Grand Union Canal

General

Management N97#1p9

In the Blue Box the Manager's phone number for the Brentford to Cowley, Paddington and Slough Arms is: 0208 571 8900.

Dimensions N97#1p9 N2k#1p9

See the separate Grand Union Dimensions page if you propose a cruise this waterway either in a craft with near-maximum dimensions or with a pair of working boats.

Brentford

River Thames

Brentford Gauging Locks N97#1p23 N2k#1p23

The water point is below the locks.

The page link to p142 should be to Book 7

High Street Bridge N97#1p23

The towpath between High Street Bridge, near the interestingly spelt "Brentford Guaging Locks", and Bridge 207 is on the SW bank.  It starts before the bridge by the boatyard on the east bank, at the bottom of the loop.

Brentford N97#1p25 N2k#1p25

La Rosetta an Italian Restaurant with pizza house next door is another place to eat. From Brentford Bridge walk into town (left from basin). It is situated in depressing 1960's concrete shopping centre, but it is VERY good.  Tel: 0208 560 3002

Three Bridges N97#1p22 N2k#1p22

At Three Bridges (205) the railway actually goes under the canal.  There is an additional lock (94) in the Hanwell flight, making six in all, between p22 and p23.

Bull's Bridge

Paddington Arm

Bull's Bridge N97#1p20

Tesco's superstore at Bull's Bridge is now open 24 hours a day, except Saturday and Sunday nights.

Bridge 195 N97#1p20

Nicholson's records this as "Starveall Bridge".  However, it carries a name-plate saying "Stockley Bridge".

Cowley Peachey

Slough Arm

Cowley Lock (89) N97#1p27 N2k#1p27

Boat Trips:  These no longer operate from the Swan and Bottle.  The London Borough of Hillingdon Narrowboats are now operated by Hillingdon Narrowboats Association and are based just above Coppermill Lock (see p30).  They are community boats and do not operate trips as such.

The canalside pub marked as "The Shovel" is now known as "The Malt Shovel", and has a restaurant. The pub operates a dining-only policy on Friday nights and all day on weekends and bank-holidays.

Dolphin Bridge (186) N97#1p27

The placing of symbols on the map is misleading.  The boatyard sign for Uxbridge Boat Centre (South of Dolphin Bridge) and pub sign for the "General Elliot" (by the text "Uxbridge Moor") should both be immediately next to Dolphin Bridge.

Bridge 184 N97#1p29 N2k#1p29

Denham Yacht Station is now known as Denham Marina having extended their chandlery.  All other details remain the same.  http://www.denham-marina.co.uk/

Denham Deep Lock (87) N97#1p31 N2k#1p31 N03#1p41

Following a BW safety audit, the lock now has top gate paddles fitted with baffles to avoid flooding the front decks.

The Boatyard symbol is for Denham Boat Services, Tel: 01895 271070. Along with all normal boatyard services, mechanical/welding etc, they also offer day boats for self-steer hire.

Black Jack's Lock (85) N97#1p31 N2k#1p31

Black Jack's Mill Restaurant (recorded as closed in the 2000 edition) is now open and takes credit cards (The 1997 edition said it didn't).  No information about its cuisine.  (The 1997 edition said English and Italian.)  [Further info requested! - Ed]

Bridge 177 N97#1p31 N2k#1p31

Fisheries Inn is now The Coy Carp.  [Further information about other changes welcome! - Ed]

Ricksmansworth

Bridge 174 N97#1p33 N2k#1p33

There's a Tesco (Not 24hour), with moorings, on the off-side.

Lock 81 N97#1p33 N2k#1p33 N03#1p43

The Feathers, through the church yard north of Batchworth Lock, is worth a visit. It has a good supply of real ales and food. Quiz night: Wednesday.

Bridge 169 N97#1p33 N2k#1p33

The pub symbol beside the bridge would appear to apply to the Fox and Hounds, which is miles away on the curving road between the School and Library, north of Batchworth Lock.

Bridge 78 N97#1p33 N2k#1p33 N03#1p43

The water point is above the lock.

Kings Langley N97#1p34 N2k#1p34

La Cassetta Italian Restaurant phone number should be 01923 262405.  A bit expensive, but good!  Very popular!

Hemel Hempstead

Bridges 153-154 N97#1p37

Between these bridges the towpath is on the north eastern side.

Lock 67 N03#1p47

There is an expensive-looking footbridge below the lock (shown in earlier editions - along with two pipe bridges and a slightly re-located Bridge 154!).

Lock 66 N97#1p37 N2k#1p37

There is a small retail park near the lock which includes a Sainsbury's. BW 24-hour moorings are available below the lock.

Apsley N97#1p37

The Albion pub no longer exists.

Berkhampsted

Bridge 142 N97#1p39 N2k#1p39

Bridge 142 is the bridge by Lock 54. The footbridge marked 142 is not numbered.

Lock 55 N97#1p39 N2k#1p39

The Rising Sun, by the lock is marked on the map, but not listed.

Lock 55-54 N97#1p39 N2k#1p39 N03#1p49

There is no water point between the locks. There is a water point west of Lock 53.

Locks 52-53 N97#1p39

There is an additional footbridge between these locks, by the mile marker.

Locks 52-53 N97#1p39 N2k#1p39

Between these locks there are excellent moorings for a new canalside Waitrose supermarket.  Use a good stake at the upstream end.  If both paddles are drawn simultaneously on the lock above a small tidal wave comes down the cut which has been known to pull out stakes.

Cow Roast Lock (46) N97#1p39 N2k#1p39

Cow Roast Inn, near Cowroast Marina, has an In-House Thai restaurant which is very busy and very good. They also do take-aways. You need to book a table at weekends.

Bridge 135 N97#1p39 N2k#1p39

The Royal Hotel, Station Road, Tring, is now closed.

Bridge 133 N97#1p39 N2k#1p39

One mile north east of the bridge is The Greyhound, Aldbury. Four Badger beers and very good food.

Bulbourne Junction

Wendover Arm

Lock 45 N97#1p41 N2k#1p41 N03#1p51

Bulbourne Dry Dock (Tel: 01442 822256) (replaces the boatyard "Chiltern Chuggers" in the 2003 edition) is located opposite Bulbourne Junction, next to the lock. It is fully covered and heated and available for DIY dock hire, as well as the normal range of dock services.

Bridge 132 N97#1p41 N2k#1p41

A great safe spot for week-ending a boat is on the 14 day visitor moorings between Bulbourne Junction and Bridge 133.

There are only long term moorings on the towpath side between Bridge 132 and Marsworth Junction.  The 14 day visitor moorings opposite, which were a good spot for week-ending are now also long term.

Marsworth

Ivinghoe N97#1p41 N2k#1p41

The pub symbol in the village is not in the correct place for the Rose and Crown.  There is a restaurant, The Kings Head, at that road junction.

Bridge 126 N97#1p43

Grebe Canal Cruises no longer sell diesel.

Lock 28 N97#1p47 N2k#1p47 N03#1p59

There is a new Fuller's pub called "Grove Lock", canalside at Grove Lock.

Bridge 114 N97#1p47#1p49 N2k#1p47#1p49

There's a Tesco on the towpath side to north of the bridge with 2hr visitor moorings opposite.

Lock 27 N97#1p49 N2k#1p49

The Swingbridge shown north of the lock is left permanently open.

Milton Keynes

Bridge 96 N97#1p50 N2k#1p50 N03#1p62

The Bridge Inn, beside the bridge, (and not listed in the 1997 Edition) is now a restaurant known as "The Bridge at Fenny". It is closed on Mondays.

Lock 22 N97#1p50 N2k#1p50 N03#1p62

The main text refers to a canal shop at Fenny Stratford Lock. This has closed.

Lock 22 N97#1p51 N2k#1p51

The pub symbol by Fenny Stratford Lock is the Red Lion, which is not listed.

Simpson Aqueduct N97#1p51 N2k#1p51

There is a phone box right next to the Plough pub.

Bridge 88 N97#1p51#1p53 N2k#1p51#1p53

There is a Chinese takeaway immediately adjacent to Milton Keynes Marina.

Bridge 84 N97#1p53 N2k#1p53 N03#1p65

The winding hole north of the bridge does not exist.

Bridge 82A N97#1p54 N2k#1p54

Milton Keynes: The text says you can get to MK shopping centre by bus from Bridge 82A.  But you can't get to the road from canal at Bridge 82A!  You can walk from one of the footbridges in Campbell Park, but it's over a mile and easy to get lost!  (1997 Edition users note that the Tourist Information Centre is now at Margaret Powell Square, 890 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes. Tel: 01908 558300)

Bridge 82A N97#1p53 N2k#1p53 N03#1p65

The winding hole shown (not the 1997 edition) south of the bridge is nearer to Bridge 83 than indicated.

Bridge 81A N97#1p53 N2k#1p53

The bridge marked as 81A does not exist. Bridge 81A is marked as Bridge 81

Bridge 81 N97#1p53 N2k#1p53

This is the bridge marked as 80A.

Bridge 80A N97#1p53 N2k#1p53

This is the bridge marked as 79D.

Bridge 79D N97#1p53 N2k#1p53

This is the bridge marked as 79C.

Bridge 79C N97#1p53 N2k#1p53

This bridge is midway between those marked 79B and 79C.

Bridge 78 N97#1p53 N2k#1p53

MW Stores, just behind Gifford Park Pub at the bridge, offers an Off licence, Post Office and groceries.  Open: 7:00-23:00 (Sun: 8:00-23:00).

Bridge 76 N97#1p54 N2k#1p54

The Black Horse Inn by the bridge is now The Proud Perch, much more a food orientated place than a pub.  The main areas for drinking are now all outside, in particular, the area adjacent to the canal.  There is a water point at the northern end of the external area, mainly intended for supplying dogs with water, but having normal tap connectors.

Lock 21 N97#1p57 N2k#1p57

There are signposts to good stores (open from Good Friday till late summer) in the caravan park to the east of Cosgrove Lock.

Yardley Gobion N97#1p57

Kingfisher Marina, offering long term moorings, is sited in a new lagoon just to north of Yardley Wharf (Baxter Boatfitting Services).

Bridge 57 N97#1p56 N2k#1p56 N03#1p68

The White Hart, Grafton Regis, now does food on Sunday evening 7-9pm. They can be busy so booking is recommended.

Stoke Bruerne

Stoke Bruerne N97#1p59 N2k#1p59

There are safe, no time limit, piled moorings north of the village, opposite Blisworth Tunnel Boats.  A good spot for week-ending!

Gayton Junction

Northampton Arm

Gayton Village N97#1p63 N2k#1p63 N03#1p75

Queen Victoria, High Street Gayton. (A few houses south of the Eykyn Arms) Charles Wells and Guest ales. Children welcome. Food: L & D Tues-Sat, all day Sunday. Bar billiards. Accommodation.

Bridge 47 N03#1p72

The winding hole shown south of the bridge does not exist.

Bridge 43 N97#1p60 N2k#1p60 N03#1p72

There is a new road bridge (43A) immediately east of the bridge.

Bridge 36 N97#1p65 N2k#1p65 N03#1p77

The winding hole shown south of the bridge at Bugbrooke Marina will accept a 68ft boat. [Confirmation of the 70ft capacity that Pearsons record would be welcome! - Ed.]

Since Canal Craft left at the end of 2001 Bugbrooke Marina no longer offers brokerage or boat sales. The other facilities exist for private moorers only. (The 2003 Edition retains the Boatyard symbol on the map, but lists no details.)

Bridge33 N97#1p64

The winding hole shown near the bridge should be immediately to its west, not a little distance to the east.

Bridge 32 N97#1p64 N2k#1p64 N03#1p76

This is Furnace Lane Bridge.

High House Wharf N97#1p64

Delete the note about Boat Trips. The Saucy Sue has been sold.

Bridge 28 N97#1p64 N2k#1p64 N03#1p76

This is Standing Barn Bridge.

Stowe Hill Wharf N97#1p64 N2k#1p64 N03#1p76

Millar Marine, once known for its low diesel prices, has closed down.

Bridge 24 N97#1p64 N2k#1p64 N03#1p76

The Ming's Court Chinese Restaurant, near the bridge, has closed down. The adjacent take-away is still open.

There are Happy Shopper and Londis Stores (8:00-21:00) in Weedon.  Moor on the non-towpath 14day Visitor moorings south of the bridge.

Norton Junction

GU Leicester Section

Buckby Top Lock N97#1p67 N2k#1p67

It has been reported that "it is virtually impossible to moor above the lock."  It's true that Norton Junction is a busy spot and now that the Stags Head is shut (See update: Bridge 6, Leicester Section), it has the only pub within hours of cruising. However, there is room for at least 8 boats on the 48 hour moorings, although, on the towpath side, all moorings are long term.

Boaters heading up the main line for Braunston could consider stopping a lock early, there are some 48hr and 14 day spots below the top lock, or using nearby alternatives.  On the Leicester arm, there is a decent stretch of 14 day moorings within a reasonable reversing distance of the junction.  (In January 2004 some of these 14 day spots were taken by boats displaced from the long term moorings by the work to the wall on the south bank of the junction.)

There is a BW car park for those "car hopping" and BW keep a couple of work boats there.

Braunston

The Stop House N97#1p68#3p92 N2k#1p68#3p92

There is a Refuse Disposal Point here, in addition to the Sewage Disposal and Water Points.

Braunston Turn

NOTE: Nicholson Guides and Pearson Canal Companions both show the length between Braunston Turn and Napton Junction as being part of the Grand Union Canal. As the bridge numbering clearly demonstrates, this length is more properly part of the Oxford Canal. Any updates to this length appear on the Oxford Canal page of this site.

Oxford Canal

Napton Junction

Oxford Canal

Ventor Farm N97#1p70#3p94

There is now a massive marina on the towpath side halfway between Lock 3 and Bridge 18.

Stockton Top Marina N97#1p70#3p94 N2k#1p70#3p94 N03#1p85#3p102

This marina has been renamed from "Blue Lias Marina" and is by Bridge 21 and not, as suggested in the text, by Bridge 20.

Warwickshire Flyboat Company N97#1p72#3p96 N2k#1p72#3p96 N03#1p84#3p102

The shop, by the Kaye's Arm, re-opened in 2004 after a two-year closure and has added a tea-room specialising in home-made cakes. Water and diesel are still available, but the pumpout is no longer operational. Boatbuilding and repairs on the site are now run by a separate business, Stockton Dry Dock Company. (Phone Graeme Pearce on 01926-814441).

Long Itchington N97#1p73#3p97

Harvester is the correct name of the "Harvesters" pub, an error which dates back to the very first edition of Nicholsons!

Long Itchington N97#1p73#3p97 N2k#1p73#3p97

The Jolly Fisherman, has become The Duck on the Pond and is owned by Green King.  It serves their beers and Anglo-Mediterranean food.

Radford Semele N97#1p74#3p98 N2k#1p74#3p98

The Old (no "Old" in the 1997 edition) White Lion at Radford Semele is now a Chef and Brewer pub with a heavy food emphasis.

Royal Leamington Spa

Bridge 43 N97#1p74#3p98 N2k#1p74#3p98

Immediately east of the bridge there's a Sainsburys.  It's open till 10pm and has a Pharmacy.  Also nearby is a McDonalds, KFC and Deep Pan Pizza.

Warwick

Bridge 46 N97#1p74#3p98 N2k#1p74#3p98

South of the canal, between the bridge and River Avon, there's a 24 hour (0800 Mon to 2200 Sat; 1000 to 1600 Sun) Tesco supermarket.  BW 24hr offside moorings provided.

Locks 24-25 N97#1p77#3p101

There are two water points in the area, one, as shown, east of (below) Lock 24 and one west of (above) Lock 25.

The Cape of Good Hope does not sell Traditional Bulmers Cider.  Its symbol is missing and should be immediately above Lock 25, on the off-side.

Hatton Locks N97#1p76#3p100 N2k#1p76#3p100

The lock keepers unofficially permit short and medium term mooring on the long term moorings between Hatton Top Lock and Bridge 55.

Shrewley N97#1p78#3p102

The Durham Ox now serves Greene King and Marstons ales.

Kingswood Junction

Stratford-on-Avon Canal

Kingswood N97#1p78#3p102 N2k#1p78#3p102 N03#1p90#3p107

The garage mentioned in the text sells the most expensive petrol you're likely to find.

Bridge 62 N97#1p78#3p102

The Case is Altered serves Flowers and Greene King real ale.  It also has Brains Dark Mild.  Children are not welcome in this pub, described in the 2000 edition as "an old fashioned ale house".

Bridge 70 N97#1p80#3p104 N2k#1p80#3p104

The Heron's Nest (The Bridgewater in the 1997 edition) is at Bridge 70, NOT 75 as stated.

Knowle N97#1p80#3p104 N2k#1p80#3p104 N03#1p93#3p111

From here to Bordesley Junction the canal is shallow and contains more than its fair share of rubbish (June 2004).

Hen Wood N97#1p82#3p106 N2k#1p82#3p106

The lack of map symbol confirms there is no boatyard at Hen Wood, so the reference to the Stephen Goldsbrough Boatyard (mentioned at #1p83 and #3p107 in the 1997 edition) should be removed . The Stephen Goldsbrough yard is at Knowle (See #1p81 and #3p105).

Bridge 78 N97#1p83#3p107 N2k#1p83#3p107 N03#1p95#3p113

The last safe moorings before Birmingham are at Catherine de Barnes. The garage mentioned in the text no longer exists.

Solihull

Bridges 78A-79 N97#1p83#3p107 N2k#1p83#3p107

The bridge marked as Bridge 79 does not exist.  The pipe bridge, shown just south east of this bridge is actually just east of the bridge marked as Bridge 78A, which is probably Bridge 79 (it has no sign on it).  The unmarked bridge east of the one marked as 78A is actually Bridge 78A.

Bridge 84 N97#1p82#3p106 N2k#1p82#3p106 N03#1p94#3p112

There is a petrol station (the only one between Birmingham and Knowle) on Warwick Road, accessible from this bridge.

Birmingham

Lock 52 N97#1p85#3p109 N2k#1p85#3p109 N03#1p97#3p115

A new (June 2004) BW sanitary station with all facilities, inc. wheelchair access has been built just above the lock.

Bordesley Juncton

Bordesley Branch

Bordesley Junction N97#1p85#3p109 N2k#1p85#3p109 N03#1p97#3p115

From here to Knowle the canal is shallow and contains more than its fair share of rubbish (June 2004).

Salford Junction

Birmingham and Fazeley Canal

Tame Valley Canal

Paddington Arm

Bull's Bridge Junction

Bridge 20 N97#1p21 N2k#1p21

The pub marked at Bridge 20 but not listed in the text is the "Hambrough Tavern".

Add Navigational Note:  Immediately South of Bridge 20, what looks like a good stretch of towpath for moorings suffers from underwater obstructions so mooring isn't possible, except at one spot which has a permanently moored boat.

Willowtree Marina N97#1p20

The marina, a 1000yds north of Bridge 20, (Text on p20, map on p21) no longer offers electric boat charging.

Western Avenue Bridge N97#1p18#1p21 N2k#1p18#1p21

The two roads south of the bridge, running N-S and E-W show a mass of service and pipe bridges between them. All these are south of the road bridge running E-W

There is a new foot-bridge just south of the Western Avenue Bridge.

Bridge 12 N97#1p19 N2k#1p19

This is the Piggery Bridge. (unmarked in the 2000 edition but close to the join with p11)  The moorings of the West London Motor Cruiser Club are here, to the west of the bridge on the north bank.

Bridge 11 N97#1p19 N2k#1p19

There's a Sainsburys just to west of the bridge, with good moorings available.

Bridge 4 N97#1p14 N2k#1p14

The main text and map indicates Water and Refuse Disposal Points. These do not exist.

Little Venice

Regent's Canal

Little Venice N97#1p17

The listed pubs miss out the four nearest the canal, and the ones used by most local boaters. Two remain from the list: The Bridge House (right by the West end of Browning's Pool) and The Warwick Castle (North of the canal up an alleyway on the way to Warwick Avenue tube station).

The Crocker's Folly (above Maida Hill Tunnel), once a favourite, is now closed. (Local rumour has that it is to be turned into a Restaurant) Another old favourite, The Paddington Stop (next to the footbridge immediately East of the Pool), has already been refitted and renamed to 'The Waterway' an upmarket Restaurant and Bar. "Pleasant, but very different in Character to the Paddington Stop."

Paddington Basin N97#1p15 N2k#1p15

The towpath on the Basin Arm runs from Little Venice to Bridge 1.

Head of Navigation

Slough Arm

Cowley Peachey Junction

Iver N97#1p26

The text says "West of Iver the water is relatively clear, and there are often attractive weeds and reeds to be seen growing in the canal in Summer."  This should read: "East of Iver....."  West of Iver the canal tends to be heavily weeded (because it doesn't get enough use) and the reed growth can make it almost impossible to reach the bank to moor.  The Slough Arm West of Iver is definitely in the "use it or lose it" category.

Iver N2k#1p26

West of Iver the canal tends to be heavily weeded (because it doesn't get enough use) and the reed growth can make it almost impossible to reach the bank to moor.  The Slough Arm West of Iver is definitely in the "use it or lose it" category.

Head of Navigation

Wendover Arm

Bulbourne Junction

Tring Mill N97#1p41 N2k#1p41

It is very easy to wind boats up to 60ft in the feeder stream just beyond Tring Mill (marked as a 50ft winding hole). A 65ft narrowboat also regularly turns here. If the summit level is up to the weir and you have the muscle power for ropes and poles it also is possible to wind a full length/draught working boat (provided it isn't loaded) - This was been done several times during the Wendover Arm Trust rally in 2000.

There are very pleasant moorings in the old stop lock at the (current) head of navigation.  You will have to go stern first one way or the other for the last ¾mile unless you are less than 30ft.  Up to that length it is possible to turn just before the Pump House, if fenders are removed.

Head of Navigation

Aylesbury Arm

Marsworth Junction

Wilstone N97#1p42 N2k#1p42

In winter, Wilstone Stores opening times are 08:30-14:00 and 17:00-19:00. (Confirmation awaited of summer opening times.)

Lock 11 N97#1p40 N2k#1p40

The lock requires a BW Key to unlock top ground paddles.

Bates Boatyard (Tel: 01296 632017 & 07718 096557), by the lock. Specialises in wooden boat restoration; timbers and materials, help, advice, towage, carrying and salvage. "Quite amazing seeing old wooden boats being restored, some finished work back on the water tied to bronze bollards with human faces that look out at you across the water as you pass. There is nowhere quite like it...."

Locks 14 and 15 N97#1p45 N2k#1p45

These locks require a BW Key for the top and bottom paddles.

Lock 16 N97#1p44 N2k#1p44

There's a Tesco just to the east of the lock.

Head of Navigation

Northampton Arm

Gayton Junction

Grand Union Canal

Rothersthorpe Top Lock N97#1p60 N2k#1p60 N03#1p73

There is a full size, and rather exposed, winding hole just above the lock. It allows a visit to Gayton Marina without having to turn in the marina entrance.

Northampton Lock

Rive Nene

Bordesley Branch

Bordesley Junction

Grand Union Canal

Bordesley Junction N97#1 N2k#1

The bridge across the southern end of the branch does not exist.

Typhoo Basin

Digbeth Branch