Canal Boat Moorings in Stafford, Staffordshire

Navigating through Stafford by narrowboat offers several convenient mooring locations primarily along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, which skirts the eastern and southern edges of the town. Because Stafford town centre does not sit directly on the mainline canal network, boaters typically moor at strategic bridge access points such as Radford and Baswich, or at nearby scenic hubs like Tixall Wide and Great Haywood. This guide details the best visitor moorings, their available facilities, time limits, and access routes to Stafford.

Radford Bridge Moorings (Bridge 98)

Radford Bridge is the closest and most practical mooring point for accessing Stafford town centre. Situated on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, this location features designated visitor moorings along the towpath.

  • Stay Limit: Typically 48 hours to allow turnover for visiting boaters.
  • Access to Town: Stafford town centre is approximately 1.5 miles northwest. Frequent bus services run along the nearby A34, or visitors can take an easy 25-minute walk or short bicycle ride.
  • Nearby Amenities: A pub and local dining options are situated directly beside the bridge.

Baswich Moorings (Bridge 101)

Located just south of the historic junction with the former River Sow Navigation, Baswich provides quiet towpath mooring suitable for short-term stays.

  • Stay Limit: Standard 14-day towpath mooring rules apply where not signposted for shorter visitor stays.
  • Access to Town: Direct access to local footpaths leading through the Baswich and Weeping Cross suburbs, with regular bus routes into Stafford centre.
  • Nearby Amenities: Local convenience stores, pharmacies, and post offices are within walking distance in Weeping Cross.

Tixall Wide

A short distance east of Stafford lies Tixall Wide, an expansive, lake-like section of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. While outside the urban boundary, it is one of the most popular overnight stops for boaters visiting the Stafford area.

  • Stay Limit: 48-hour visitor moorings operate along the towpath opposite the Tixall Gatehouse.
  • Access to Town: Approximately 4 miles from Stafford centre; best suited for boaters carrying bicycles or those using local taxi services.
  • Features: Known for picturesque rural scenery and calm waters, though running engines or generators is strictly regulated to preserve the quiet environment.

Great Haywood Junction

Situated just north of Tixall Wide where the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal meets the Trent and Mersey Canal, Great Haywood provides full service facilities for passing boaters.

  • Facilities: Canal & River Trust (CRT) water point, sanitary station, Elsan disposal, and refuse facilities.
  • Stay Limit: Designated 48-hour visitor moorings are available near the junction and Clifford’s Wood.
  • Access to Town: Direct transport links to Stafford via bus routes operating from the village of Great Haywood.

Mooring Regulations and Guidelines

Most moorings directly serving Stafford are managed by the Canal & River Trust. Boaters must carry a valid CRT cruising license. Pay close attention to towpath signage regarding maximum stay limits, which usually vary between 48 hours and 14 days. Double-banking may be required during peak summer cruising months, provided it does not restrict the main navigation channel.