Shardlow and where you can go

The Purple Boat is moored in the historic village of Shardlow, giving you a great starting point for exploring the canals, countryside, and local area.

Welcome to Shardlow

Shardlow is a historic inland port village on the Trent and Mersey Canal. From the boat you can enjoy canalside and countryside walks, local pubs and cafés, while still being within easy reach of Derby and Nottingham.

Close by

8 pubs within walking distance, all serving food.
Indian and Chinese restaurant around 1/2 mile away.
Local village café.
Bus services to Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, and Castle Donington.
Around 20 minutes by car to Derby and Nottingham.
2 miles from Donington Park.
Around 10 minutes from East Midlands Airport.
Around 10 minutes from Long Eaton railway station.
Canalside and Countryside walks from the village.

Choose your route

There are lots of possibilities when you set off from Shardlow. Here are three example 6-night / 7-day cruises, based on around seven hours of cruising each day.

Shardlow to Willington

22 mile round trip

Head through Shardlow Lock and Aston Lock, continuing past Swarkestone junction and Swarkestone Toll House where there is a crane and old stop lock where the canal originally ran through to the River Trent. Pass through Stenston Lock and continue to Mercia marina, which you can moor up to visit the shops and restaurants.

After passing the visitor moorings and services there is a winding hole to turn around and make your journey home.

Willington has several pubs serving food including The Dragon Inn, The Green Man, and The Rising sun.

Good for: countryside, shopping, pub lunches.

Shardlow to Barton Turns

39 mile round trip

Head through Shardlow Lock and continue towards Aston Lock. Travel along the canal towards Swarkestone Junction before passing through Stenston Lock and on towards Willington. Carry on through Willington and past Mercia Maria, navigating the quieter stretches of the canal towards Burton-on-trent. Pass through Tatenhill Lock before reaching Barton Turn Lock. The Barton Turn visitor moorings are just before the lock, with Barton Marina a short distance beyond it, offering shops, cafés and restaurants.

The winding hole is just before Wychnor Lock, where you can turn easily.

Good for: countryside, waterside stops, exploring Barton Marina.

Shardlow to Fradley Junction

51 mile round trip

Leave Shardlow passing through various Locks before continuing towards Burton-on-Trent. From there, the route continues through the countryside towards Barton Turns, before carrying on towards Alrewas. You'll pass through Wychnor Lock and Alrewas Lock, with visitor moorings available above Alrewas Lock, before reacting Junction Lock and Fradley Junction. At Fradley Junction you can explore the visitor centre, Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, canalside cafés, or enjoy a meal at The Swan.

You can turn in Fradley Junction and begin your journey back to Shardlow

Good for: historic locks, wildlife, waterside pubs and cafés.

Shardlow to Stone

97 mile round trip

Head through Willington and Alrewas before reaching Fradley Junction and continuing straight towards Great Haywood. Along the way you'll pass through countryside and villages, with Shugborough Hall worth a visit before continuing to Stone.

There's a winding hole around 10 miles after entering Stone where you can turn for the journey home.

Good for: countryside, villages, and exploring historic places.

Shardlow to Cudworth

86 mile round trip

Head through Willington and Alrewas before reaching Fradley Junction where you'll turn left to join the Coventry Canal. Continue through to Fazeley Junction and turn right onto the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal towards Cudworth, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.

Fazeley is a useful place to stock up on provisions, and Drayton Manor Theme Park is also nearby.

Good for: families, attractions, and a varied route.

Shardlow to Market Harborough

102 mile round trip

Head out through Derwent Mouth Lock onto the River Trent towards Trent Junction, before joining the Grand Union Canal and continuing onto the River Soar.

At Foxton Junction, turn left to continue along the Grand Union Canal towards Market Harborough, avoiding the famous Foxton Lock staircase.

Good for: a longer adventure and experiencing a different stretch of the waterways.