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Four Counties Ring

A guide to the Four Counties Ring and narrowboat hire on the Four Counties Ring

The Four Counties Ring itself:  
Cruising Hours: This route consists of 110.265 miles, 94 locks and 2 tunnels. Which will take 8 days, 6 hours and 44 minutes when travelling for 7 hours per day at our default speeds.

Departure Point: Beeston, Cheshire  
Cruising Hours: This route consists of 122.063 miles, 106 locks and 2 tunnels. Which will take 9 days, 6 hours and 32 minutes when travelling for 7 hours per day at our default speeds.

Address: "Beeston, Cheshire Hire Base", Beeston Castle Wharf, Beeston, Tiverton, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9NH

Departure Point: Stone, Staffordshire  
Cruising Hours: This route consists of 110.265 miles, 94 locks and 2 tunnels. Which will take 8 days, 6 hours and 44 minutes when travelling for 7 hours per day at our default speeds.

Address: "Stone, Staffordshire Hire Base", Crown Street, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8QN

The Four Counties Ring has been the most popular cruising ring for years - for several good reasons. Where else can you experience all that the English countryside has to offer within 1 - 2 weeks, and all from the comfort of your holiday home? You will take in the tranquil waters of Tixall Wide, the industrial heritage of Stoke-on-Trent and dive into the past and learn more about Hack Green Secret Bunker.

Try making your own mugs and bowls at one of the many potteries on the way and experience the infamous Harecastle Tunnel first hand. Still got some energy left? There are in total 94 locks to tackle. But don’t despair: plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes are there to recharge your batteries. If you need a change of pace, why not go on a daytrip to Alton Towers? While in Stoke-on-Trent, this great theme park is only a short taxi drive away from the canal.

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Further reading and learning about the Four Counties Ring

Guides / Offline Canal Maps

Book cover for Four Counties & the Welsh Canals - Nicholson Guide No 4

Related Nicholson Guide:
Four Counties & the Welsh Canals - Nicholson Guide No 4
Available at Canal Shop or on Canal Junction

Videos

Useful youtube videos covering some or all of this route.

Please note: These are independent youtube video, and not affiliated with or endorsing our business Roam&Roost Canal Boat Holidays

Hire Boats for the Four Counties Ring.

Below you'll see the available hire narrowboats for this route.
Click here to find a boat for your Four Counties Ring canal boat hire.

Not sure if the Four Counties Ring is for you?

Take a look at some of our other canal boat hire routes in this area

Canal Cruising Co

Hire boat at Froghall
Stone to Froghall
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