Grand Union Canal
Grand Union Canal boat hire, direct from owners
Narrowboats and dayboats along England's longest canal, from the Chilterns to the Midlands, booked with the people who own them.
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Where to cruise on the Grand Union
Berkhamsted to Marsworth
Steady lock-ladder cruising through the Chilterns, with the Marsworth reservoirs and plenty of towpath cafes at the top.
Stoke Bruerne to Blisworth
The canal museum, a run of seven locks and the 3,076 yard Blisworth Tunnel. A memorable first tunnel with a torch and a coat.
Braunston and the Leicester Line
Braunston Turn is the traditional heart of the network. Turn north for the quieter Leicester arm and Foxton's staircase locks.
Warwick to Hatton
Hatton's flight of 21 locks is a full day's work and worth every one. Best shared with a crew who like a windlass.
The Grand Union is managed by the Canal & River Trust.
Grand Union hire, the practical bits
Do I need a licence to hire a boat?
No. The owner holds the boat's licence and the hire endorsement that lets it be hired out. You just turn up and cruise.
Do I need experience?
No. Every owner runs a hands-on handover before you set off, covering steering, mooring, locks and the safety kit on board.
How is BoatStays different from a hire fleet?
You book the owner's own boat and deal with them directly. They know the water, the moorings and the good pubs, and you get their number for the whole trip.
How far can I get in a weekend?
Plan on roughly 3mph plus about 10 to 15 minutes per lock. A relaxed weekend is usually 15 to 25 miles there and back.
Locks on the Grand Union are wide beam, so you can often share with another boat and halve the effort.