South Grand Union Canal Map
Our cruising route starts at the marina in Cow Roast, Hertfordshire, which is conveniently located just a few miles from the M25 and the M1. From the marina, you have the option to cruise your hire barge northwards on the Grand Union canal through the beautiful Chilterns countryside and villages, and also take a small detour down the picturesque Wendover Arm. Alternatively you can travel southwards and explore the lovely historic town of Berkhamsted where you'll find lots to keep your crew entertained.
How far you travel during your barge holiday will depend on how much time you wish to spend cruising each day and the length of your stay. We'll provide you with some suggested routes and times before you set off on your own, but if there are specific things you want to explore on the Grand Union during your trip, let us know and we'll help you get it planned so you don't have to miss out on anything!
2026 SEASON UPDATE : PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WENDOVER ARM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE AT CRT NOTICES
Check out interactive map below to see the cruising route and points of interest.
Find Out More About Our Barge Hire on the Grand Union
- Our Boutique Fleet: Step aboard our flagship vessel to explore the contemporary, high-end comfort of our boutique 5 berth narrowboat hire, expertly designed to serve as your stylish country home-from-home.
- First-Boater Guidance: Rest assured that prior experience is never required; we specialize in premium canal boat holidays for beginners backed by gold-standard personal steering and lock tuition.
- Pet-Welcoming Luxury: Ensure every single member of the family shares in the adventure with our five-star, fully integrated choices for dog friendly canal boat holidays.
- Planning Reassurance: Take the guesswork out of your travel preparations and browse our master guide to canal boating frequently asked questions for immediate answers on utilities, power, and marina logistics.
- Pre-Arrival Checklist: Keep your luggage perfectly organized for a smooth cast-off with our definitive guide on what to pack for a canal boat holiday.
- Waterway Inspiration: Discover local heritage secrets, historic regional market towns, and our favorite hidden waterside dining spots within our canal boat travel journal.
- The Complete Escape: When you are ready to select your perfect dates and cast off from Cowroast Marina, explore our primary all-inclusive canal boat holidays to secure your journey into the slow-travel lifestyle.
If you have any questions when booking your canal holiday (or just prefer to speak to a real person!) please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01296 486216 or send us a message and we'll be happy to assist you.