We have many boats and routes to choose from.

Oxford and the Thames

Either up to Lechlade or down to Henley and back, this route takes you through some of the prettiest canal and river scenery in Britain.

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These route suggestions are offered in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. It is up to you to decide on your own stops and to ensure you return to the base at the agreed time.

we recommend you also check for current stoppages on the CRT website that may affect your choice of route

Oxford and the Thames

Hours (Approx.): 90 - 100
Locks: 94 / 110
Miles: 146 / 195
Either up to Lechlade or down to Henley and back, this route takes you through some of the prettiest canal and river scenery in Britain.

(Additional licence required at your own cost for the River Thames. Not recommended early or late season due to the likely flooding delays on rivers!)

Napton Marina to Napton Lock Flight

Pick up boat at 2.30pm, have instruction and proceed to The Napton Lock Flight. Go through 4 locks and moor for the night. It's a short walk back to The Folly pub.
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Section Summary: 2 and a half miles, 4 locks, 1 and a half hours cruising

Napton Locks to Cropredy

Start early and tackle the rest of the Napton flight of locks, then enjoy 4 hours of lock free cruising, stopping at The Wharf at Fenny Compton for lunch. Continue through Claydon flight to Cropredy and moor in the village where there are two pubs, The Red Lion and The Brasenose Arms and a grocery shop
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Section Summary: 15 miles, 13 locks, just over 8 hours cruising

Cropredy to Aynho

Today sees you passing through the town of Banbury, a historic canal town, before heading back into open countryside.
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Section Summary: 11 miles, 8 locks and 7 hours cruising

Aynho to Thrupp

Continue winding your way south through the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside before stopping at Thrupp, 5 miles outside of Oxford.
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Section Summary: 14 miles, 8 locks, 8 hours boating

Thrupp to Bablock Hythe

Today's journey takes you out onto the river Thames at Oxford, where you turn & head upstream.
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Section Summary: 11 miles, 6 locks, 5 and a half hours cruising

Bablock Hythe to the Olde Swan at Radcot

Continue west as you cruise towards the source of the Thames
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Section Summary: 14 miles, 4 locks and 6 & 1/4 hours cruising

Olde Swan at Radcot to Lechlade & back

Reaching the navigable head of the Thames, turn here & make you way back down the river to the Olde Swan again, or continue another 4 miles, 2 locks and 2 & 3/4 hours to the Trout Inn at Tadpole bridge
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Section Summary: 12 & 1/2 miles, 6 locks, 5 hours cruising

Alternative Route From Thrupp to Henley on Thames

Instead of taking the route off the Oxford canal through Dukes Cut, enter the Thames at Isis lock and head downstream.

Thrupp to Abingdon

This alternative route takes you onto the Thames at Isis lock in Oxford, and begins your Journey downstream to Henley on Thames
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Section Summary: 16 Miles, 9 Locks and 7 and a half hours cruising.

Abingdon to Goring Moorings

Past Didcot & Wallingford, mooring for the night below Goring Lock
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Section Summary: 19 miles, 6 Locks, 6 hours cruising

Goring Moorings to Henley-on-Thames

The mid point of your journey before turning back for Napton.
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Section Summary: 20 miles, 6 locks, 6 hours cruising

Retrace Your Route

Having reached the midpoint of your trip, it's time to start your journey back to Napton Narrowboats
Section Summary: Don't forget the return trip up the river will take longer each day due to boating against the current - up to 2 hours per day

Guidebooks / Maps

Pearson's Canal Companion: Oxford, Grand Union & Upper Thames

Pearson's Guide: Oxford & Grand Union Upper Thames

Pearson's Canal Companion Guidebook

Two routes between the midlands and the south-east are at the heart of this Canal Companion, with the delightful upper reaches of the River Thames thrown in for good measure. The Oxford Canal features in its entirety, all the way from the outskirts of Coventry to the City of Dreaming Spires, one of the most beautiful canals in the country, whilst its towpath is a designated long distance foot path too.

Coverage of the mighty Grand Union commences at the canal centre of Braunston in Northamptonshire and runs all the way down to Brentford

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COMPANY INFO

     
  • Metalacre Ltd. Trading as Napton Narrowboats
  • Registered Office: 16 Great Queen St. Covent Garden, London. WC2B 5AH
  • Company Number: 1‍514826
  • Correspondence Address: Napton Narrowboats, Napton Marina, Stockton, Southam, Warwickshire. CV47 8HX