connect
Step onto the towpath and
12/06/2012 15:39
...
with the
great outdoors
Think of your canals and rivers and the
surrounding hedgerows as long, winding nature
reserves. An ideal habitat for tiny creatures
like dragonflies and butterflies, birds such
as kingfishers and herons, and even larger
mammals such as badgers, stoats or water
voles, it’s a great way to enjoy the Great British
countryside right on your doorstep. In fact, a
recent wildlife survey spotted over 60 different
species, and that’s not including the fish!
So make sure that you keep your
eyes peeled as you amble through
the scenery.
with great times
If you’re looking to break from routine, to
escape the hustle and bustle of everyday
life or to find a peaceful place to enjoy a
spot of lunch, your local canal is just a
stone’s throw away. With so much to do
and see, your canal is ideal for meeting
friendly, like-minded people or spending
quality time with your family and friends.
Or just bring yourself and a book for a
moment of peaceful solitude.
The handy map inside this leaflet is full
of information on the unique activities
and attractions that you’ll find on your
local waterway. So if you’re after some
fresh air and freedom, grab the kids or
grandparents and get out on the towpath!
with your great-great grandfathers
Our canal system is a vital part of the nation’s heritage, dating back to the Industrial Revolution.
And it still helps make Britain great today. Locks, aqueducts, tunnels and incredible boat lifts
are all testament to the golden age of British engineering, and most of it is beautifully preserved.
Get involved, join us
In an increasingly fast-paced and crowded
world, our historic canals and rivers are a
local haven for people and nature. The Canal
& River Trust is the new charity entrusted
with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in
England and Wales.
Donate time – volunteer!
Fancy getting involved with the valuable work
of the Trust? Whether you want to get stuck in
at your local canal or take on more of an officebased role, look at our website to find out
what’s happening in your area; there’s never
been a better time to get involved.
Give a dragonfly a home with
your mobile
This planting will provide a habitat that will
encourage birds, newts and dragonflies to
the area. Your donation could also help build
viewing platforms and a new path between
the canal and the reservoir. Support this project
now, and play your part in encouraging and
preserving nature at this special area of the
Grand Union Canal.
So please text a gift of £3 today – every penny
you give will help to transform the area and
provide a special place for people and wildlife
to use.
Text Tring to 70007 to give £3 to our Grand
Union project.*
We are undertaking 50 amazing projects to
help celebrate our launch. And we promise
that 100% of your donation will go directly
to your local project.
Please text today to help plant new flora and
provide a home for British wildlife on the
Grand Union Canal, near Tring reservoir.
Open up for your local map
For more information go to canalrivertrust.org.uk
*You will be charged £3 plus one message at your standard network rate of which the Canal & River Trust will receive a £3 donation, except from O2 customers where the donation received will be £2.96. If we receive more money than we need then the extra
donations will be used on similar work. By using this service, you agree that we may contact you in the future. If you’d rather we didn’t, reply ‘DECLINE to 70007’.
Charity number: 1146792
To the best of our knowledge correct at time of print
find out more at canalrivertrust.org.uk
B1W_M152_A5DD_MiltonKeynes.indd 1
with your
inner child
with a time
gone by
Connecting you
Connecting me
Milton Keynes, Banbury & Tring’s canals
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO
Milton Keynes, Banbury & Tring’s canals
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO
i
i
12/06/2012 15:39
connect
Step onto the towpath and
...
with the
great outdoors
with your great-great grandfathers
Our canal system is a vital part of the nation’s heritage, dating back to the Industrial Revolution.
And it still helps make Britain great today. Locks, aqueducts, tunnels and incredible boat lifts
are all testament to the golden age of British engineering, and most of it is beautifully preserved.
Think of your canals and rivers and the
surrounding hedgerows as long, winding nature
reserves. An ideal habitat for tiny creatures
like dragonflies and butterflies, birds such
as kingfishers and herons, and even larger
mammals such as badgers, stoats or water
voles, it’s a great way to enjoy the Great British
countryside right on your doorstep. In fact, a
recent wildlife survey spotted over 60 different
species, and that’s not including the fish!
So make sure that you keep your
eyes peeled as you amble through
the scenery.
Get involved, join us
In an increasingly fast-paced and crowded
world, our historic canals and rivers are a
local haven for people and nature. The Canal
& River Trust is the new charity entrusted
with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in
England and Wales.
with great times
If you’re looking to break from routine, to
escape the hustle and bustle of everyday
life or to find a peaceful place to enjoy a
spot of lunch, your local canal is just a
stone’s throw away. With so much to do
and see, your canal is ideal for meeting
friendly, like-minded people or spending
quality time with your family and friends.
Or just bring yourself and a book for a
moment of peaceful solitude.
The handy map inside this leaflet is full
of information on the unique activities
and attractions that you’ll find on your
local waterway. So if you’re after some
fresh air and freedom, grab the kids or
grandparents and get out on the towpath!
Donate time – volunteer!
Fancy getting involved with the valuable work
of the Trust? Whether you want to get stuck in
at your local canal or take on more of an officebased role, look at our website to find out
what’s happening in your area; there’s never
been a better time to get involved.
Give a dragonfly a home with
your mobile
This planting will provide a habitat that will
encourage birds, newts and dragonflies to
the area. Your donation could also help build
viewing platforms and a new path between
the canal and the reservoir. Support this project
now, and play your part in encouraging and
preserving nature at this special area of the
Grand Union Canal.
So please text a gift of £3 today – every penny
you give will help to transform the area and
provide a special place for people and wildlife
to use.
Text Tring to 70007 to give £3 to our Grand
Union project.*
We are undertaking 50 amazing projects to
help celebrate our launch. And we promise
that 100% of your donation will go directly
to your local project.
Please text today to help plant new flora and
provide a home for British wildlife on the
Grand Union Canal, near Tring reservoir.
Open up for your local map
For more information go to canalrivertrust.org.uk
*You will be charged £3 plus one message at your standard network rate of which the Canal & River Trust will receive a £3 donation, except from O2 customers where the donation received will be £2.96. If we receive more money than we need then the extra
donations will be used on similar work. By using this service, you agree that we may contact you in the future. If you’d rather we didn’t, reply ‘DECLINE to 70007’.
Charity number: 1146792
To the best of our knowledge correct at time of print
find out more at canalrivertrust.org.uk
B1W_M152_A5DD_MiltonKeynes.indd 1
with your
inner child
with a time
gone by
Connecting you
Connecting me
Milton Keynes, Banbury & Tring’s canals
Milton Keynes, Banbury & Tring’s canals
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO
i
i
i
Milton Keynes
t
To S
erne
Bru
oke
Your
local canal
3
9
10
11
12
13
1
2
3
4
To
C
ove 5
ntr
y
7
8
1
2
10
ad
8
Milton Keynes Station
3
(H5)
H6
H7
)
H8
21 (
A4
H8
i
A5
Spiceball Park
2
Bletchley Station
Banbury
King’s Sutton
In many ways this is the heart
of the Grand Union Canal.
Tringford Pumping Station was
built in 1818 to pump water into
the canal network from Tring
Reservoirs. These reservoirs
are not just essential for the
canal, but also vital for wildlife,
with a large population of
birds either passing through
or making their home here.
The reservoirs are designated
as an SSSI for bird interest.
Harder to spot but also abundant
here are tench, bream, carp,
roach, perch, pike and catfish.
Fishing tickets are available.
For something more active,
there are 11 miles of waymarked
walking trails taking in woods,
fields, locks and towpaths.
At the start of the Aylesbury
Arm Canal is the only staircase
lock on the Grand Union Canal.
NAL
Souldern
2
3
5
Marsworth Reservoir
ntr
y
Tackley
6
To Lond
1
Tackley
42
9
on
A422
Thrupp
Enslow
11
7 miles
d
Sat Nav: OX17 1PB
Middleton Cheney
To Banbury
xfor
To O
Tringford Pumping Station
Kidlington
AL
10
C AN
CROPREDY
ORD
12
3
OXF
Tringford Reservoir
AL
60
1
Startop’s End Reservoir
GRAND UNION CANAL
(WENDOVER ARM)
N I O N CAN
ove
44 miles
9
B48
G RAN D U
To
C
8
A42
4
2
Heyford
M40
8
ard
uzz
nB
hto
eig
To L
Cropredy
Before the Fairport Convention
Folk Festival made Cropredy
famous, it was better known
for being the site of a famous
English Civil War battle
in 1644. King Charles I’s
Cavaliers defeated Oliver
Cromwell’s parliamentary
troops so Charles was able to
cross Cropredy Bridge.
If you would like to see more
of the village, you can’t do
better than to follow the village
trail, which is a leisurely milelong stroll around the village
streets. If you walk along the
Oxford Canal itself, you may
be fortunate enough to spot a
kingfisher, or if you are really
lucky, an otter.
A34
GRAND UNION CANAL
(AYLESBURY ARM)
i
Lower Heyford
7
Cropredy
zzard
A4146
i
Steeple Aston
A41
D
ton Bu
h
To Leig
OR
CA
A4260
46
A5
5
OXF
Tring
Sat Nav: HP23 4LJ
Tring
13
Fenny Stratford
Sat Nav: OX16 5UN
Wilstone Reservoir
If you’re up for a longer walk,
you can take the towpath
alongside the Oxford Canal
to Cropredy, four miles away.
You’re almost certain to spot
moorhens, mallards and
perhaps even a shy water vole.
Aynho
4
BANBURY
To Aylesbury
famous Banbury Cross (yes,
there really is one). And why
not treat yourself to an equally
famous Banbury Cake?
V4
3
Simpson
Here you’ll find the oldest
working dry dock in Britain –
Tooley’s Boatyard – which has
been building and repairing
narrowboats since 1790. Now
it’s also where you can stock up
on canal souvenirs, or learn a
canal-related craft like painting
Roses & Castles.
A few minutes’ stroll from
the canal is the centre of this
historic market town, and the
H10
The Mill Arts Centre
Castle Quay
Shopping Centre
H9
12
Middleton Cheney
Cropredy
Connect with history
B1W_M152_A5DD_MiltonKeynes.indd 2
4
11
Banbury
7
The stretch of the Grand Union Canal around Milton Keynes has
barely changed since it was constructed 200 years ago, when it
was an integral part of the Industrial Revolution. The impressive
Cosgrove ‘Iron Trunk’ aqueduct between Wolverton and
Cosgrove was added in 1811, replacing a failed brick structure,
and was restored in 2012. Stroll along and soak up the history.
A509
Springfield
Sat Nav:
3 MK9 4AD
Taking in scenery such as the magnificent Campbell Park and
Willen Lakes, your local canal provides an idyllic way to enjoy
the British countryside. It also makes an attractive natural
habitat, so look out for dragonflies, damselflies, herons, barn
owls and kingfishers amongst the various wildflowers.
The Redway Nature Trail is a great place to start.
H5
2
Central Milton Keynes
(H3)
H4
6
5
Tooley’s Boatyard
Café Quay at Banbury Museum
Ye Olde Auctioneer
Ye Olde Reindeer Inn
Great Western Arms
Connect with people
Connect with nature
A422
Pennyland
The Red Lion
The Brasenose Arms
1
Walking trails are a great place to say “hello” and you’ll find
plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants along the canal, making it
ideal to grab a bite of lunch. Look out for canal cruises too for a
real taste of the waterways.
t Ro
V8
44 miles
6
wp
or
M1
8
5
w
To Ne
9
Old S
tratford
Road
V6
7
4
GRAND UNION CANAL
olverton Road
Old W
V8
6
3
Wolverton Station
agnell
port P
M1
5
2
Take to the Water
The Red Lion
7
White Lion Pub and Dining
The Anglers Retreat
Bluebell Tea Rooms
The Grand Junction Arms
Mead and Sons Farm Shop and Café
Half Moon
Cropredy
Ne
4
1
V10
2
Cosgrove Narrowboat Company
Milton Keynes Canal Cruises
thecentre:MK
Gulliver’s Theme Park
Xscape
Campbell Park
The Galleon
The New Inn
The Black Horse
The Giffard Park
Pear Tree Bridge Inn & Marina
The Plough
The Red Lion
Banbury
Banbury
MILTON KEYNES
Tring
V7
1
Milton Keynes boasts a scenic stretch of the Grand Union
Canal running from historic Bletchley to picturesque Cosgrove.
The canal passes Fenny Stratford Lock (great for a pub
lunch or waterside pint) and leafy Giffard Park. Much of the
town remains hidden behind greenery, pretty bridges and
narrowboats. It’s a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle,
and you could imagine yourself being deep in the English
countryside. Follow the towpath and you soon will be!
1
Cosgrove
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes
Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk to download family trail maps
The map is for illustration purpose and is not to scale
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2012, Ordnance Survey 100019843. Note: Sat Nav postcodes take you to a central point.
Castle Quay
Shopping Centre
Always remember to stay SAFE near water
– Stay Away From the Edge.
Banbury
Key
Canal, River or Dock
Railway Station
Marina
Lock
Pub, Restaurant or Café
Picnic Area
Bridge
Place of Interest
Information
Canal Towpaths
Boat Trip & Hire
Parking
King’s Sutton
Aynho
12/06/2012 15:39
connect
Step onto the towpath and
12/06/2012 15:39
...
with the
great outdoors
Think of your canals and rivers and the
surrounding hedgerows as long, winding nature
reserves. An ideal habitat for tiny creatures
like dragonflies and butterflies, birds such
as kingfishers and herons, and even larger
mammals such as badgers, stoats or water
voles, it’s a great way to enjoy the Great British
countryside right on your doorstep. In fact, a
recent wildlife survey spotted over 60 different
species, and that’s not including the fish!
So make sure that you keep your
eyes peeled as you amble through
the scenery.
with great times
If you’re looking to break from routine, to
escape the hustle and bustle of everyday
life or to find a peaceful place to enjoy a
spot of lunch, your local canal is just a
stone’s throw away. With so much to do
and see, your canal is ideal for meeting
friendly, like-minded people or spending
quality time with your family and friends.
Or just bring yourself and a book for a
moment of peaceful solitude.
The handy map inside this leaflet is full
of information on the unique activities
and attractions that you’ll find on your
local waterway. So if you’re after some
fresh air and freedom, grab the kids or
grandparents and get out on the towpath!
with your great-great grandfathers
Our canal system is a vital part of the nation’s heritage, dating back to the Industrial Revolution.
And it still helps make Britain great today. Locks, aqueducts, tunnels and incredible boat lifts
are all testament to the golden age of British engineering, and most of it is beautifully preserved.
Get involved, join us
In an increasingly fast-paced and crowded
world, our historic canals and rivers are a
local haven for people and nature. The Canal
& River Trust is the new charity entrusted
with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in
England and Wales.
Donate time – volunteer!
Fancy getting involved with the valuable work
of the Trust? Whether you want to get stuck in
at your local canal or take on more of an officebased role, look at our website to find out
what’s happening in your area; there’s never
been a better time to get involved.
Give a dragonfly a home with
your mobile
This planting will provide a habitat that will
encourage birds, newts and dragonflies to
the area. Your donation could also help build
viewing platforms and a new path between
the canal and the reservoir. Support this project
now, and play your part in encouraging and
preserving nature at this special area of the
Grand Union Canal.
So please text a gift of £3 today – every penny
you give will help to transform the area and
provide a special place for people and wildlife
to use.
Text Tring to 70007 to give £3 to our Grand
Union project.*
We are undertaking 50 amazing projects to
help celebrate our launch. And we promise
that 100% of your donation will go directly
to your local project.
Please text today to help plant new flora and
provide a home for British wildlife on the
Grand Union Canal, near Tring reservoir.
Open up for your local map
For more information go to canalrivertrust.org.uk
*You will be charged £3 plus one message at your standard network rate of which the Canal & River Trust will receive a £3 donation, except from O2 customers where the donation received will be £2.96. If we receive more money than we need then the extra
donations will be used on similar work. By using this service, you agree that we may contact you in the future. If you’d rather we didn’t, reply ‘DECLINE to 70007’.
Charity number: 1146792
To the best of our knowledge correct at time of print
find out more at canalrivertrust.org.uk
B1W_M152_A5DD_MiltonKeynes.indd 1
with your
inner child
with a time
gone by
Connecting you
Connecting me
Milton Keynes, Banbury & Tring’s canals
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO
Milton Keynes, Banbury & Tring’s canals
YOUR FREE GUIDE TO
i
i