Heading north out of Springwood Haven Marina, a very pretty countryside stretch of canal passes Hartshill Yard with its splendid clock tower, and some attractive British Waterways buildings. The Anchor Inn at Hartshill is on the right just after if you fancy a drink, and then cruise lock-free to the pleasant 18 century town of Atherstone with a marketplace in front of the church. You can turn your boat just before Atherstone Top Lock and then moor up and walk into the town where there are plenty of cafes and pubs for lunch.

On the way back, if time permits, you can moor at the Anchor Inn and take a walk through the woods.

Heading south from the marina, an hour’s easy cruising will bring you into the town of Nuneaton, where the Horseshoes Pub is 300 yards away from the canal on the right near Boot Wharf. Your route gradually becomes more rural, before reaching Marston Junction which is the entrance to the Ashby Canal, originally built to carry coal from mines near Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Turn your boat here and return to Springwood Haven, perhaps stopping at the Horseshoes Pub for a late lunch or a drink.