The idea of this particular section is to provide you with information about the range of cruising options possible using Canaltime-at-Sawley as your base.
The itineries shown below should be used merely as a guide. The number of available daylight hours and weather conditions will always vary as will differences between what our guests actually want to derive from their holiday with us. Do remember, you are hiring a boat to relax, slow down, and enjoy.
7-Night intermediate (click to view map): Sawley to Fradley Junction or
Sawley to Loughborough. Overnight at Trent Lock, or Zouch, if in plenty of time. Thence Loughborough, for steam heritage railway trips and final night at Normanton- on- Soar.
7-Night challenging (click to view map) : Sawley to Fradley and beyond on either the Coventry canal or continue along the Trent & Mersey towards Stone and Stoke. Alternatively, if on the Leicester Line, overnight at Zouch, then Leicester, suggested stop at Birstall. Final night at Mountsorrel or Normanton-on-Soar.
14-Night trip (click to view map) : A circular trip, or ring can be undertaken in two weeks which would follow the 7 night route from Sawley to Fradley Junction on the Trent and Mersey, then south to Fazeley Junction along the Coventry canal.
Bearing east here toward Alvecote the route continues along the Coventry to Hawkesbury Junction where the Oxford Canal is followed to the famous canal village of Braunston. Beyond Braunston, the Grand Union Leicester line is picked up at Norton Junction, and this then heads north towards
Market Harborough, Leicester, Loughborough and a return to Sawley.
Canaltime Cruising Planner (click to view) : a simplified summary of local waterways, locks and distances to help you plan your cruising holiday with us.

More information can be found at British Waterways the effective custodian of the nation's canals. The great advantage of this particular link is that it allows access to all sorts of material, ranging from history to environmental policy, and provides interest for all.