A beginner's guide for boaters

Want to travel on the Ashby Canal? This is the perfect guide for you.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll show you everything you need to prepare for your first journey on the Ashby Canal.

This includes:

• Where to start your journey
• Fun activities to do along the Ashby Canal
• The number of locks
• The best places to moor on or near the Ashby Canal

And much more!

Let’s get started: 

Ashby Canal at a glance: A boater’s quick facts list 

A popular destination for UK boaters, the 22-mile-long Ashby Canal is a gentle and picturesque waterway weaving across the English Midlands and travelling through the counties of Leicestershire and Warwickshire. 

While unbelievably picturesque, Ashby Canal is well-suited as one of the best beginner canal routes to explore.

This is because the Ashby Canal is remarkably flat, meaning there are absolutely zero locks to deal with. 

You can start your journey along the Ashby Canal at Martson Junction, which connects to the famous Coventry Canal, close to the market town of Nuneaton.

From there, it meanders southwards through rural landscapes and pretty villages before reaching its southern end at Snarestone. 

Canal information:

• Length: 22 miles
• Number of Locks: None
• Built between 1794-1804
• Start Point: Coventry Canal at Marston Junction, Bedworth, Warwickshire
• End Point: Snarestone near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, North West Leicestershire

Maximum boat dimensions

The best places to moor near the Ashby Canal 

One of the most convenient and well-equipped marinas along the Ashby Canal is Trinity Waterside Marina, perfectly located near the village of Stretton-under-Fosse. 

This modern marina offers excellent facilities for boaters, including secure moorings, a well-stocked chandlery, and a family friendly pub and restaurant next door. 

The marina's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the canal's northern stretches and the nearby attractions of Nuneaton and Hinckley. 

With easy access to and from the marina, boaters can cruise all 22 miles of Ashby’s lock-free route. 

Along with the recreational amenities available on-site, Trinity Marina is also equipped with secure access and other facilities, including:

• Gated main entrance and pontoons
• 24-hour emergency call-out
• 24- hour toilet and shower facilities
• Refuse and recycling facilities
• Laundrette
• Staff on-site

Best things to do on the Ashby Canal

A popular destination for visitors and locals, Ashby Canal has plenty of activities available to choose from, including fishing, canoeing, and much more.

Here are just some popular activities you can consider along the Ashby Canal: 

Fishing

The Ashby Canal is a well-known fishing destination and is popular with anglers who visit the canal for its wide variety of freshwater species.

Some of the most popular catches you’ll find include:

• Roach
• Bream
• Tench
• Roach 
• Pike 
• Carp

The tranquil waters and rural setting provides the perfect environment for a peaceful day of fishing. 

Anglers who want to fish on the Ashby Canal will require a fishing permit which they can obtain from the Canal & River Trust.

Canoeing

For those who enjoy more active adventures, the Ashby Canal is a fantastic spot for canoeing and kayaking. 

As the waters are calm and lock-free, the canal offers the ideal location for novice paddlers or families with young children. 

The scenic surroundings and abundance of wildlife make for a truly nature-filled experience. 

Several canoe clubs and hire centres dotted along the canal offer equipment rental and guided tours.

If you plan on taking your own canoes, you may need to get a boat licence from the Canal and River Trust. 

Visiting Sutton Cheney

Along the northern stretch of the Ashby Canal, the charming village of Sutton Cheney is a must-visit destination for boaters. 

It’s a picturesque hamlet with a rich history, shown by its medieval church and 12th-century motte and castle remains. 

The Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Center commemorates the famous battle from the War of the Roses that took place nearby. 

Sutton Cheney also offers a popular local pub and quaint village streets for an enjoyable stroll away from the water. 

History of the Ashby Canal

Ashby Canal’s varied history dates all the way back to the 18th Century.

It first began its construction in 1794 under the guidance of engineer Robert Whitworth.

The goal? To meet the rapidly growing demands of efficient transport routes during the Industrial Revolution. 

The canal was originally intended to stretch south, ending at the town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. However, financial problems halted construction at Snarestone.

Despite being hindered by finances, the Ashby Canal still played a crucial role in the area's economic development. 

Limestone, coal, and other goods were transported between Leicestershire, Coventry and Birmingham and the canal was used to ship coal to factories and manufacturing companies.

However, as railroad use increased during the mid-19th century, the transportation of goods became easier and quicker. 

And the Ashby Canal became far less popular for shipping, leading to a decline in usage.

Fast forward to 1990, though, and extensive restoration work has transformed the canal into the scenic waterway you see today - loved by boaters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts alike. 

Ashby Canal FAQs 

How many locks are on the Ashby Canal? 

One of the most appealing features of the Ashby Canal is its complete lack of locks. 

This makes boating along the waterway a relaxing and hassle-free experience. 

Boaters can enjoy cruising the waters and surroundings without the need to hop on and off their boat to open and close locks.

Is the Ashby Canal shallow?

While Ashby Canal is well-maintained and reasonably easy to navigate, boaters must still be aware of its limitations. 

As the canal is relatively shallow with a maximum draught of 1.28m (4ft 2"), larger vessels will need to be careful in certain areas, particularly during drier seasons and low-water-level periods. 

The Canal & River Trust can provide up-to-date information on current water levels and conditions and boaters are advised to check the latest information before sailing on the canal.

How long is the Ashby Canal?

The Ashby Canal extends for a total length of 22 miles (35.4 km), making it an ideal destination for recreational boaters looking to explore the entire waterway for a few days or a week. 

Its lock-free waters and scenic rural surroundings make it perfect for leisurely cruising and there are plenty of opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty and rich history.

Ashby Canal offers a unique and memorable boating experience to those who travel its waters. 

Along the canal's length, there is an abundance of wildlife, water birds, and historic locations. 

Experienced boating enthusiasts or new sailors will be enchanted by this historic canal, which provides hours of uninterrupted cruising and a chance to enjoy the unspoilt English countryside.