The Grand Union Canal came about in 1929 as the result of the amalgamation of existing canals, and the main line covers some 135 miles, with 165 locks, from Brentford in Middlesex to Salford Junction in Birmingham. The main section of the waterway - the Grand Junction Canal - was built in the early 1800s to provide a quicker route between London and Birmingham and on to the Potteries.
Prior to its completion, goods were transported by a circuitous route through Oxford and on to the Thames. The Grand Junction Canal was built to Braunston and then a short section of the Oxford canal took the waterway to Napton and further canals led in to Birmingham through Warwick. It was as a result of the "union" in 1929 that they were renamed as part of the Grand Union and sections were improved to provide navigation for wide-beam boats to allow greater use of the waterways for moving freight.
From Leighton Buzzard, the canal winds north around Milton Keynes and on to the picturesque village of Stoke Bruerne pictured above, with its Canal Museum and shortly afterwards is Blisworth Tunnel, 3057 yards long and wide enough for to narrowboats to pass. The Northampton arm is just after bridge 48 and the canal turns West through open countryside to Weedon and, with a main railway line on one side and the M1 motorway on the other, proceeds to its junction with the Leicester section before turning west for quieter surroundings.
Braunston is a renowned canal centre and the village is worth a visit before proceeding again through open countryside to Napton Junction and on through Leamington Spa and Warwick. The 21 Hatton Locks may prove a challenge but there follows a reasonable lock-free section until Knowle and the canal continues through Solihull and into the centre of Birmingham.
Map Ref 1 
The Plough, Simpson Village, Milton Keynes Tel : 01908 691555
By the aqueduct, south of bridge 91. Bar/restaurant providing a relaxed dining experience for the discerning customer, with only the freshest produce and the best service
Map Ref 2 
The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne Tel: 01604 862229
Canalside near lock 14. Housed in a 200 year-old cornmill, the museum tells the story of life and work on the inland waterways. Gift shop, open all year.
Map Ref 3 
The Royal Oak 1 Chapel Lane, Blisworth, Tel: 01604 858372
Just a few minutes uphill from bridge 50, new owners David and Angelique welcome boaters and families. Special deals throughout the week and live entertainment on Fridays. Open from Noon daily. www.royaloak-pub.co.uk
Map Ref 4 
The Five Bells, 14 Church Lane, Bugbrooke Tel: 01604 832483
10 mins East of bridges 35 and 36. Real ales, freshly-cooked meals, steaks a speciality, traditional Sunday lunch plus barbecues. Children welcome, large play area. Food served lunch and evenings Mon-Fri, all day Sat & Sun
"Very welcoming. Had good steaks at very reasonable prices"
"A pub meal to remember and recommend. Good value and brilliant welcome for children"
Map Ref 5 
The Wharf, Cornhill Lane, Bugbrooke. Tel 01604 832585
Canalside near bridge 36 with customer moorings. Recently refurbished and has a large comfortable restaurant and bar plus canalside beer garden.
Map Ref 6 
The Narrow Boat Inn, Watling Street, Stowe Hill Tel: 01327 340536
Canalside at bridge 26.Originally built as a drovers' inn in the 1780s, serving light bites and bar meals lunchtime and evenings until 8pm (ex. Sat evening). Vegetarian dishes, Sunday lunch £8.45. Three restaurant areas. En-suite accommodation.
Map Ref 16 
The Old Plough, 82 High Street, Braunston Tel: 01788 890000
Friendly & warm with open fires, good home-cooked food and real ale. Quiz night alternate Sundays Meat Raffle Sunday lunch & afternoon. Open Noon-2.30 Mon-Thurs and 6-11.00 Mon& Tues, 4-11.00 Wed & Thurs, Noon-11 Fri& Sat, Noon-10.30 Sun. Food served Noon-2 & 6-9 daily, 8.30 Sun.
"Service and food very good. White wine was chilled to perfection. Very enjoyable"
Map Ref 17 
The Two Boats Inn, Southam Road, Long Itchington Tel: 01926 812640
Canalside at bridge 25. Built in 1743, this traditional canal pub has undergone a complete kitchen refurbishment over winter and there is a new menu, using locally sourced fresh produce with prices ranging from £2.95 for a burger to £14.95 for a fillet steak. Open daily Noon - 11.30pm, Food served Noon-2.30 and 6-9 Mon-Fri, Noon-9 Sat & Sun (Sun 6pm in winter).
"Good value quality food. Made very welcome"
"Very good food. Made us very welcome"