The Cotswold Canals

The Thames & Severn Canal ran from the River Thames at Lechlade, ascending sixteen locks, then through the 2 ¼ mile Sapperton Tunnel, to link with the Stoudwater Canal at Brimscombe. Twelve locks brought the Stroudwater Canal down from Stroud to Saul. From here, it continued to Framilode where it locked down into the tidal River Severn.
In 1827, the Gloucester-Berkeley Ship Canal was opened, thus creating the 'crossroads junction' at Saul.
The mile length of the Stroudwater Canal to the Severn later became disused. The last recorded commercial toll on the Stroudwater Canal was paid in 1941. It was officially abandoned in 1954.
The Thames & Severn had met a similar fate in 1933.
Gloucestershire in general and the Stroud Valleys in particular are renowned for their beauty, seclusion and historic interest. Surely, reasons enough for the canal to be reopened to Stroud and beyond!

The Cotswold Canals Trust

The Cotswold Canals Trust is a Registered Charity and its aims are:

• To promote, for the benefit of the community, the reopening of the Cotswold Canals
• To promote the restoration of the two waterways to give a balance between the needs of navigation, development, recreation, heritage, landscape conservation, wildlife and natural habitats
• To promote the use of all towpaths as the Thames & Severn Way - long distance foot path
• To achieve restoration of the Cotswold Canals as a navigable route from Saul Junction to the River Thames

Saul Canal Festival

The Saul Canal Festival is about restoration . A concept forged over thirty years ago with the formation of the Stroudwater Canal Society. The event is designed to attract media attention, people and funds to facilitate the re-establishment of the link between the rivers Thames and Severn. The event takes place at Saul Junction, an unusual 'waterway crossroads' where the Gloucester - Sharpness Canal intersects the soon to be restored Stroudwater Navigation.

Five Elements

There are five distinct and complementary elements to the Festival.

1. Boat Gathering - A gathering for every type of boat afloat.canal, river & coasta
2. Folk on the Water Weekend - music, theatre and artistes from far and near
3. Craft & Marine Trades Market - Craft and marine traders from around the inland waterways
4. Real Ale Bar - The Drum & Monkey , providing real ales from local breweries
5. Family Fun Days - games, displays, boat trips, children's theatre and interactive exhibits
   

• To raise funds to assist in the restoration of the Cotswold Waterways
• To promote the re-opening of the Cotswold Waterways for the benefit of the community and rural economy
• To promote Saul Junction, the 'cross roads' of the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal & Stroudwater Navigation Objectives
• Create a profitable trading, entertainment and education arena for the benefit of all
• Stage an event where the owners of canal, river and coastal craft can meet
• Provide an opportunity for local people to view commercial, historic and leisure vessels