Grand Union Canal

About

The 200 year old Grand Union Canal runs from London to Birmingham crossing straight through the Chilterns. Linking two of the UK’s biggest cities, it is a popular canal route, passing through a variety of surroundings and many picturesque settings.

The Aylesbury Arm is one of the most peaceful stretches of the canal in the country. It was first authorised in the 1770s and finally opened in 1815.

Explore the 11 mile network of locks, towpaths and trails and discover boating bliss, historical engineering and timeless tranquillity. Tring Reservoirs is an important and rich natural haven, home to a wealth of wildlife and water birds. Built to feed the Grand Canal, these reservoirs have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Canal boats are available for morning, afternoon and day trips, as well as self-steer hiring, giving you a chance to guide your own way through the locks. Bring your boots, bikes or fishing rods and spend time enjoying these manmade beauties.

Grebe Canal Cruises offers many boat hire options from catering for parties to ‘day hire’ trips for you and your friends. This gives you the freedom to explore the Chiltern canals the way you want to.

The Aylesbury and Wendover Arms of the canal provide a perfect place for walkers. With miles of canal to discover, take a well-earned rest at one of the many traditional village pubs which line the route. Walking is the ideal way to capture the history of the Buckinghamshire villages and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat.