A magnificent holiday combining the very best of both canal and river cruising. Travelling south on the Grand Union you should plan to meet the River Thames at Brentford approximately 4 days after leaving Weedon.

Having passed out of the canal on to the River Thames, turn sharp right and head for Teddington. Do not stop until you have passed through Teddington Lock. This short section of the River Thames is tidal and for safety reasons must be navigated in the upstream direction i.e. Brentford to Teddington. This passage can only be made 2 1/2 hours either side of high water.

Your journey along the River Thames will take you past Hampton Court with its maze, Windsor Castle, Marlow, Henley and Sonning. There are many beautiful riverside houses with lawns running down to the water edge, On through Reading and the Goring Gap, unusual birds may be seen here! On reaching Oxford, turn right at Osney or preferably carry on up river to Kings Lock and turn right at Dukes Cut on to the Oxford Canal which winds its way up through the Cotswolds and so back to Weedon.

249 miles - 174 locks - 2 tunnels - 1 swing bridge and some lift bridges
9 hours per day navigating (a busy two weeks).
To explore the many beautiful riverside towns and villages on route you do need three weeks - 5 3/4 hours navigating per day (an easy three weeks).

a River Thames licence is required - (Please see Licences on the "Your Questions Answered" Page)..

Places of interest for this route

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