The Cotswold Canals

Together known as the Cotswold Canals, the Thames & Severn Canal and the Stroudwater Navigation were built in the 1780s to link England's two greatest rivers - the Thames and Severn.

The 37 mile long Canals are a monument to the Industrial Revolution, running through Gloucestershire and part of Wiltshire traversing the glorious Cotswold Hills.

They are a haven for exploring - beautiful walks, charming pubs, abundant wildlife and 270 historic features, including one of the world's longest canal tunnels at Sapperton (over 2 miles)! Derelict for nearly a century, they are now being brought back to life by the Cotswold Canals Partnership.

For detailed information on the project and more information on exploring the Cotswold Canals, visit the Partnership's website at:

Cotswold Canals Project - the official Cotswold Canals Partnership website

Work has already begun on the section between Brimscombe and Stonehouse, funded mainly by the Heritage Lottery Fund, South West Regional Development Agency and Stroud District Council.

Volunteers are making a valuable contribution to restoration in many places along the Canals - if you are interested, visit the Cotswold Canals Trust website:

Cotswold Canals Trust - More Information

The Gloucester - Sharpness Canal

The Stroud District also has the much wider Gloucester - Sharpness Canal. Opened in 1827, the 16 mile canal was built to enable boats to reach Gloucester Docks and avoid the narrow winding stretch of the River Severn.

It is now mainly used by pleasure craft and is a haven for walkers and anglers. Today, the Canal is owned and managed by British Waterways. The Saul Heritage Centre, built on the junction of the Gloucester - Sharpness Canal and the Cotswold Canals, is well worth a visit.

Gloucester - Sharpness Canal - More Information

Waterscape - accessing England's waterways