Avon Ring, Circular waterway route in Worcestershire, England
The Avon Ring is a 109-mile circular waterway route connecting the River Severn, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, and Worcester & Birmingham Canal network. The system comprises a continuous water pathway with numerous locks, moorings, and supply points for boaters.
The waterway developed during the Industrial Revolution, creating vital trade links between Birmingham, Worcester, and Stratford-upon-Avon. This network of artificial and natural canals played a key role in the region's economic growth during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The route passes through Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre sits beside the Bancroft Basin and visitors experience connections to literary history. Along the water, you see old locks and bridges that reflect the importance these places held for artists and craftspeople over the centuries.
The complete circuit takes approximately two weeks and includes 131 locks with numerous mooring spots and supply facilities along the entire route. Plan your journey based on season and water levels, as conditions can vary throughout the year.
The Tardebigge Lock Flight contains 30 locks in succession, making it the longest series of narrow locks on the British canal system. This concentrated sequence of locks is a striking engineering feature that boat operators will encounter.
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