The Stroudwater Navigation in the Cotswolds is an 8 mile stretch of canal with 12 locks along the route. It is a canal managed by the Cotswold Canal Trust. These are a group of volunteers who are actively working on restoring the canal to its former glory.
As it stands, the canal links the town of Stroud to the River Severn at Framilode. Once an industrial canal, the navigation is now only really used by pleasure boaters. Paddlers and walkers also enjoy this stretch, as it provides a superb place to paddle if you love nature and history. As you paddle along you’ll spot several mill and toll style buildings. There’s also an impressive mixture of wooden foot and large brick bridges, with something to stop and observe at every twist and turn.
Nature lovers will also revel in the wildlife on offer. Kingfishers are regularly seen along this stretch and a variety of butterflies and the odd heron fishing too!