Getting There
Sat Nav: B91 2TJ
Leave the M42 at Junction 5 to take the A41 signed Solihull, Birmingham, northbound 1st exit, southbound 3rd exit.
At the traffic lights turn right, signed Meriden B4102, and stay on this road until reaching the hamlet of Catherine de Barnes.
The Boat Inn is on the right side, just before a canal bridge.
Return to M42 Junction 5
Turn left out of the car park onto the B4102 and continue to the traffic lights at the A41 junction to turn left, signed Warwick, M42, M40. The A41leads back to the roundabout accessing the M42.
Catherine de Barnes – Towpath walk
Cross the road from the Boat and turn right to take the pedestrian route over the canal bridge. After the bridge, cross the road again (with care) to join the public footpath leading down to the towing path.
You are now beside the Grand Union canal, formerly one of the pulsing arteries of the industrial revolution but now a haven for ducklings and young canoeists.
The choice here is whether to carry on – to the left, or turn right.
Turning left will take you past the boathouse into rural Warwickshire. The path itself is clear, although narrow.
Turning right under the bridge will take you past a vista of marine gardens on a wider and busier section of the towpath.
Facilities
At the Boat Inn. Free parking. Spar supermarket opposite The Boat. Dogs are not permitted inside the Boat, but there is an inviting outdoor area. Food is available all day in this Chef & Brewer establishment, and the menu contains a range of popular options.
Useful Links
Grand Union Canal
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