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Thanks everyone for the help. I have bought Pearsons 4 counties ring guide from "The canal shop ". Seems they were the only one that delivers to NZ despite a previous purchase from Amazon UK. I like to research my trip prior to departing rather than buy upon arrival. I am an avid planner and like to be prepared.

Thanks Athy . I am now looking at them also. As yet we are undecided exactly which route we shall take . But it is likely to be the area covered by Nicholsons 4 counties and welsh canals edition . As I am unfamiliar with Pearsons , can you advise which covers a comparable area ? thanks Quick research from the IWA site suggests they do not deliver to NZ .

The site is currently under maintenance

Thanks to all responders . It appears Canal shop may have them available in October sometime. Amazon UK are out of stock . Amazon US want an arm and a leg .

Seems they are out of print ? is this because everyone is doing the staycation and the canals are hectic ? I have looked on both Amazon and Canal shop, with the same result. Must I be patient or is there a reasonably priced alternative that is available ? Need to ship to NZ .

I just stumbled upon this video of a cycle ride along the Marple locks . Nice countryside, but I noticed not one boat throughout the whole clip. Is this normal or is it perhaps in mid winter ? Have not seen too much of the Peak forest / Macclesfield canal , I am guessing it is quite scenic ? Keen to know more . Thanks

Thanks a good pointer, i have before viewed the C&RT maps , but not with this level of detail. hopefully i have internet connection.

Looking forward to my next Hire. But not this weather pattern. Warmer here in NZ and its mid winter . Think i'll pick September .

I guess I have to read between the lines , But thanks , I have no desire to attempt 21 locks , with even more to follow .

You have me there ... The 21 ?

Hi all. Further to the above , can someone identify the attached pic ? its on the website of Countrywide cruisers, and is very much the scene I am hoping to encounter. Its says Stourport ring, so if I have it correctly, it would be too much of a stretch from Brewood in 7 days . However I believe out and back to Worcester has possibilities?

Thanks for all the suggestions . Can someone please recommend an online book store other than Amazon. I am in NZ and currently the guide is not available for delivery here. Why is beyond me as I bought my Oxford one on Amazon . Thanks

I am considering buying the guide for 4 counties ring to be used next year . Have read the various reviews on the Amazon site , with some being quite negative on the coverage . Specifically that a lot was devoted to the wider area , to the detriment of information pertaining to the canal itself. I already possess a copy for the GU, & Oxford, 2009 print, and found it very useful on 2 previous trips. Be interested if other members have any views on the current edition . Thanks

I am interested how a boat share plan works . Is this on the same basis as a property time share , where you get allocated a set period each year , or is it a lot more flexible . Typically, how many shares is an average ?

So fast forward to 2020, and £1000 / week seems about the rate ? I consider this good value given its an all in cost. Transport /Home / entertainment . I shall fly from New Zealand to do it again. the cost for me and wife adds another £2000 plus . We also intend on hiring a cottage ,likely in the Lakes , an area I know very well. This will cost in the region of £700, add to that £200 for a car plus fuel to get about and the comparisons are evident. And... the view when you wake up is the same every morning . The UK canals are a unique experience to be had no where else , even France has nothing comparable in extent or terrain.

OK. thanks, I had put in the first and last days as 4 hours because that's about the time allowed by a hire company on those days . Pick up time is usually after 3 pm . and drop off time around 10 am . However I better understand the wording now .

is that return ? and 8 hours each day ?

Will someone please clarify my understanding . I have punched in Autherley junction to Leek tunnel ( northeast ) Return. I am getting 7 days 40 minutes at 8 hours cruising per day . Plus 4 days cruising on first day , and 4 days cruising on the last . Is this first and last day included in the 7 day total , or additional to it ? Thanks

Good morning all. As requested I should better explain our situation. Although I have been in NZ for 40 years I am English , my wife is a Kiwi. I spent 10 years as a tour bus driver both in England and Europe, so I have had my fill of Cathedrals and museums . NZ pubs are horrendous drinking holes , devoid of any convivial atmosphere, so almost any English pub is in comparison delightful. I have done trips on the Oxford, Leeds Liverpool, and lastly the G.U. from Linslade to Stoke Bruene. The G.U. is the only canal my wife has done , and she commented there were long stretches of tree lined canal obscuring much of the view. We like different things , for my part I miss the old village scene, the more time spent strolling them the better I shall think of our trip. Small towns also interest me, if we hit a wet week, I prefer to be close to any town where we can escape cruising in the rain. Our trip is planned for next year, possibly June , if not September, subject to our borders opening . No date on that , we are still confined to home . I have considered the Caldon canal, but canal plan says its a push unless I have 8 or 9 hour days . So lots of time to research. Thanks everyone for your thoughts .

I have picked Countrywide cruisers at Brewood as my preferred hire company . Canalplan gives me just over 5 days journey time at 7 hours / day to do Stourport return . This I believe is ideal in that it should be quite a relaxed week. Are there likely to be any unforeseen holdups that might delay me ? I am hoping this plan gives ample time to both explore some villages plus include relaxed lunches at whichever pubs we discover . Would appreciate anyones thoughts, good or bad Thanks .

Hmm so differing viewpoints , evidently its a subjective question but I am inclined to take the advice of the majority. I also like the winding contour aspect of the Stourport trip. The route north on the Shroppie looks line a railway line . In my view boring in the extreme ( but I could be wrong ). Thanks for everyones' input, much appreciated .

So I think South is the way to go. I watched both videos above, no contest . The Stourport basin Looks complicated. Are there plenty of visitor moorings? it looks a busy spot. Or would turning there and mooring up at the bird in Hand pub be a wise move ? Also is it necessary to enter the basin to make a turn? I see no winding hole . Thanks for all the replies .

For a 7 day there and back hire, which direction is the more scenic ? I am considering either North to Stone/Stoke, or south to Stourport . Like most I wish to stop at pubs overnight, but I prefer a more open route rather than one shrouded by long stretches of tree shrouded canal. and of course a good selection of villages to explore . My searches suggest either route is feasible in the given time ? Have also determined that the 4 counties ring is a bit of a rush ? Thanks

Update . I have a second crewman . So my choices have widened immeasurably. I still prefer a narrow canal but otherwise open to anything new . As stated , have previously done the Oxford/ Grand Union / and L & L . so hoping for other suggestions . I like open country ( not too many long stretches of tree shrouded views ). Villages, Small towns and definitely not industrial. Does the Staffs & Worcs fit ? I like the look of Napton Narrowboats from Autherly Junction . Thanks .