The Coventry Canal runs from Fradley Junction to the centre of Coventry and is 38 miles long with 13 locks. The first stretch, from Coventry to Bedworth was opened in 1769 and whilst it was the intention of the canal company to link up with the Trent & Mersey, it was overtaken by the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal Company and this first section from Fradley to Whittington is part of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal that was bought by the Coventry Canal Company and renamed.

This is a lock-free section passing Huddlesford where the Wyrley & Essington Canal is being restored and on to Whittington where there are some shops. At Bridge 78 the Canal becomes the Birmingham & Fazeley and continues South past Hopwas Hays Wood and through the village of Hopwas and on to Fazeley Junction where you'll find water and a useful selection of shops etc.

The Coventry Canal now runs eastwards around Tamworth past Alvecote Marina, through Polesworth and then, through open countryside to Atherstone, a charming town with some interesting buildings and its aptly-named main road, Long Street. There is a group of 11 locks here taking the boater up towards Hartshill, with its British Waterways yard, and on through Nuneaton.

South of the town is the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction and the Coventry Canal continues through Bedworth and, on the outskirts of Coventry reaches Hawkesbury Junction. This junction with the Oxford Canal is also known as Sutton's Stop after the family who were toll clerks here in the 19th century and some interesting canal buildings still remain making this a good spot to absorb some canal history.

The canal then continues through the northern suburbs of Coventry to the Basin in the centre of the city whose attractions include the Cathedral and the Museum of British Road Transport.