Hawkesbury Junction Sutton Stop
A picturesque canal junction where the Coventry and Oxford canals meet, featuring a historic footbridge and traditional pub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beautiful canal views
Hawkesbury Junction Sutton Stop
Best Time
Beautiful canal views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque canal junction where the Coventry and Oxford canals meet, featuring a historic footbridge and traditional pub.
"Beautiful & picturesque part of the canal tucked away."
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce; arrive early, especially on weekends or sunny days.
🚶♀️ Canal Path Access
Great spot for walkers and bikers to join the Oxford Canal Path.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Footbridge
At the junction
A charming, old footbridge offering scenic views of the converging canals and passing boats.
The Greyhound Inn
Adjacent to the junction
A traditional pub with outdoor seating, perfect for a break after exploring the canals.
Canal Scenery
Along both canals
Enjoy tranquil waters, passing narrowboats, and reflections on the water, especially on a sunny day.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Junction
Best for Boaters & Walkers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce; arrive early, especially on weekends or sunny days.
🚶♀️ Canal Path Access
Great spot for walkers and bikers to join the Oxford Canal Path.
🚤 Narrow Lock
The lock to the Oxford Canal is very narrow, only suitable for narrowboats.
📸 Scenic Reflections
Capture stunning reflections on the water, particularly on calm, sunny days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce; arrive early, especially on weekends or sunny days.
🚶♀️ Canal Path Access
Great spot for walkers and bikers to join the Oxford Canal Path.
🚤 Narrow Lock
The lock to the Oxford Canal is very narrow, only suitable for narrowboats.
📸 Scenic Reflections
Capture stunning reflections on the water, particularly on calm, sunny days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hawkesbury Junction for its picturesque scenery, historic footbridge, and the traditional charm of The Greyhound Inn. It's a tranquil spot appreciated by boaters, walkers, and photographers alike for its canal views and peaceful atmosphere. Some note the limited parking and the narrowness of the lock as practical considerations.
"Also known as Sutton Stop. At the Junction of Coventry and Oxford canals with fabulous old footbridge, Greyhound pub and facilities for boat owners, like toilets and watering points, and tank emptying facilities.
NB the lock to enter Oxford canal is very narrow, ( you can jump across it if your fit or foolish, so it can only take narrow boats.
It is approx 5 miles by canal to Coventry Canal Basin a stones throw from the city centre (nb it has limited mooring spaces)
For bikers and walkers Hawkesbury is a good place to join the Oxford Canal Path if you head east it is approx 11 miles to the Barley Mow Pub which sells food and has nice toilets and it has picnic benches by the canal. useful if you bring your own food. it's just beyond the tunnel and pretty close to Rugby itself. (See photos)
PS there are only a few parking spaces available at Hawkesbury on the left as you drive down to the pub."
Terry Street
"Nice place for a sunny spring, you get the view of the canal, the boats. there is a path for a walk around the area.
there are lots of B&Bs in the area and the boats can also be hired for short stay via airbnb website.
would recommend to explore"
Mona Faraji
"Beautiful & picturesque part of the canal tucked away. Directly opposite the traditional Greyhound Inn"
Claire Dragon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hawkesbury Junction, also known as Sutton Stop, is accessible by car, though parking is limited. It's a popular spot for canal boaters and can be reached via the canal network.
Yes, there are a few parking spaces available on the left as you drive down towards The Greyhound pub. Arrive early as they fill up quickly.
Absolutely! It's a great starting point for cyclists looking to explore the Oxford Canal Path.
Coventry city centre is approximately 5 miles away by canal, with limited mooring spaces available at the basin. Rugby is also relatively close.
Yes, it's a lovely spot for a short day trip, especially for a walk along the canal or a meal at the adjacent pub.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hawkesbury Junction is a public waterway and access is free. There are no tickets required to visit the junction itself.
As a public waterway, Hawkesbury Junction is accessible at all times. The Greyhound Inn pub has its own operating hours.
There are no entry fees for walking or cycling along the canal paths connected to Hawkesbury Junction.
Yes, there are facilities for boat owners, including watering points and tank emptying. Overnight mooring is also possible.
The historic footbridge is part of the public access to the junction and does not have an admission fee.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the scenic canal views, watch boats navigate the junction, walk or cycle along the canal paths, and visit the historic footbridge. +1
Yes, it's a very photogenic spot with its historic bridge, canal reflections, and passing boats.
Indeed, there are toilets, watering points, and tank emptying facilities available for canal boat users.
Dogs are generally welcome along the canal paths, but please keep them on a lead and clean up after them.
A leisurely walk along the canal paths, perhaps stopping for a drink at The Greyhound Inn, offers a great experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Greyhound Inn is directly opposite the junction and offers food and outdoor seating.
Yes, there are picnic benches by the canal, and you can bring your own food to enjoy the scenery.
The Greyhound Inn is a traditional pub, likely serving classic pub fare. It's also been noted for serving breakfast.
While not explicitly stated, traditional pubs often have vegetarian options. It's best to check directly with the pub.
Besides The Greyhound Inn, there are no other immediate food or drink vendors at the junction itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic footbridge, canal reflections, narrowboats passing through the junction, and the surrounding waterscapes are prime subjects.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide beautiful light for capturing reflections and scenic views. Sunny days enhance the colors.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Canal & River Trust regarding any restrictions before flying.
Photos capturing the convergence of the two canals, the old footbridge, and boats in motion are particularly popular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the junction, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on passing boats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the canal paths offer space for kids to walk or cycle, supervision is essential due to the proximity of the water. The Greyhound Inn is also a family-friendly pub where you can stop for refreshments. It's a relaxed environment that allows for a pleasant, low-key family excursion.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The paths are generally flat and well-maintained, making for an enjoyable and accessible experience. The junction itself provides a picturesque backdrop for your journey.
🚤 Canal Boat Enthusiasts
Whether you're transiting through or staying overnight, the junction provides a functional and scenic stop on your waterway adventure. It’s a testament to the ongoing life and utility of Britain's canal network.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Hawkesbury Junction
The junction is particularly notable for its narrow lock, which connects the Oxford Canal and is only wide enough for narrowboats. This feature highlights the distinct engineering and operational differences between various canal networks. The presence of facilities for boat owners, such as watering points and tank emptying stations, underscores its continued role as an active part of the waterways community.
Beyond its practical function, Hawkesbury Junction offers a picturesque setting. The historic footbridge and the tranquil waterscapes have made it a subject for photographers and a pleasant spot for leisurely walks. It’s a place where the past and present of canal life converge, offering a glimpse into a unique aspect of Britain's industrial heritage.
+2Exploring the Canal Paths
The paths are generally well-maintained and offer a peaceful escape from urban life. You can expect to see a variety of narrowboats, wildlife, and scenic countryside views as you travel. The journey is relatively flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
It's worth noting that while the paths are great for exploration, amenities can be spaced out. Planning your route and carrying essentials like water and snacks is advisable, especially for longer excursions. The proximity to towns like Coventry also means you can easily access more facilities if needed.
Boating at Hawkesbury Junction
Boaters can choose to moor overnight at the junction, enjoying the atmosphere and proximity to The Greyhound Inn. Alternatively, it serves as a transit point, allowing boats to continue their journey along either the Coventry Canal towards Coventry city centre or the Oxford Canal towards destinations like Rugby.
The experience of navigating through Hawkesbury Junction offers a blend of practical necessity and scenic enjoyment. It’s a place where boaters can interact, share information, and appreciate the enduring charm of canal life.
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