The Canals of Southern England & Wales

The Inland Waterways of Southern England did not play the same major role in the Industrial revolution as did those further North, and a number of routes fell into disuse many years ago. But what remain open up some beautiful countryside. The splendid Kennet and Avon Canal which strides across the Berkshire Downs, was reopened in 1990 after 40 years of dereliction, and hopefully others will follow.
See more at Canal Junction!
The River Thames of course, has long been a major route for trade, going back to before Roman days. Most of the non tidal Thames above Teddington is now used mainly for leisure purposes, passing through beautiful water meadows in the meandering stretch above Oxford, and cutting spectacularly through the southern end of the Chilterns around Marlow.
The Rivers Severn and Avon have long trading histories too, The Severn being an important trading route to Shrewsbury and Wales in medieval times. The Avon was navigable up to Stratford in the 17th century.
The Grand Union and Oxford canals were part of the late 18th century 'canal boom', as was the Mon and Brec Canal in South Wales.
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