Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is surprisingly little used. Only a relatively few miles removed from the popular Avon Ring cruising circuit, the G&S attracts relatively few pleasure boaters to its charming waters – which is a shame, for a wealth of interest and some lovely scenery are packed into its short length.

Once Gloucester’s fascinating docks but somewhat dreary suburbs have been left astern, the waterway traverses a gloriously remote landscape beside the broad waters of the River Severn, with far-ranging views across to the Forest of Dean. Numerous highlights vie for your attention: pretty Saul Junction; the immaculately kept swing-bridges (all manned); the world-renowned Slimbridge Wildfowl Centre, established by Sir Peter Scott on the marshes between the canal and the Severn; and divine Frampton-on-Severn, one of the most attractive villages in Gloucestershire, with its huge village green and cluster of pretty pubs. The canal concludes its journey to the Severn Estuary at Sharpness Docks, where moorings are provided for pleasure craft and you can linger awhile watching, if you’re lucky, a coaster or two arriving from some exotic foreign port.

See NarrowBoat website for a Historical Profile of the Glouceser & Sharpness Canal (opens in new window)