Restoring the Canal to its Former Glory

Stroudwater Canal near Saul

The restoration of the Cotswold Canals - the Stroudwater Navigation (7 miles/12km) and the Thames & Severn Canal (29 miles/46km) - will see the connection of England`s two greatest rivers; the Thames and the Severn for the first time in over seventy years.

The Cotswold Canals shaped the landscape of the Stroud Valleys for nearly 200 years and their renaissance will do this once again. Find out more about the project from The Cotswolds Canals Partnership.

Visit the Canal

Chalford Round House

The canals and towpaths are a special feature of the Stroud Valleys; walk or cycle any stretch of the towpath between Eastington and Sapperton, a distance of 12 miles, and you will experience peace and quiet away from busy roads.

The canal banks have become a linear nature reserve where you will see ducks, moorhen and dragonflies as well as the occasional flash of a kingfisher or an early morning deer.

Industrial heritage is also in evidence as you glimpse former Cotswold stone textile mills enroute.

Stroudwater Towpath Map

A good place to start is the Canal Visitor Centre at Wallbridge in Stroud or Stroud Tourist Information Centre in the Subscription Rooms. A copy of the Towpath Map is available to purchase at the Canal Visitor Centre on-line shop, click here Stroudwater Canal & Thames & Severn Canal Towpath Map

Find out more about cycling the Stroudwater Canal. Visit the canal now and you will see it whilst restoration is underway.

The Cotswold Canals Trust

Join The Cotswold Canals Trust or become a volunteer. The Cotswold Canals Trust is a registered charity restoring the Cotswold Canals. You can get involved in this fantastic restoration project by becoming a member or a volunteer. Canal working parties take place during the week and at most weekends. There are even taster sessions for new volunteers.

Stroud on Water Festival 2012

Stroud on Water Festival

The first Stroud on Water Festival took place on 2nd - 4th June 2012, coinciding with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 40th anniversary of the Cotswolds Canals Trust. The Inland Waterways Association’s annual Trailboat Festival was also hosted here and lots of boats were seen on the Stroudwater canal for the first time in over 100 years!

Boats on the Stroudwater Canal

Stroud on Water 2012