There are two slipways on the Cotswold Canals. The first is at Eastington, just to the east of Pike Lock. The second is at Strachan’s Close, just off Chestnut Lane, close to the centre of Stroud. Both are currently free to use but have a chain and padlock to protect them from rogue parking. The key you will require is a Canal and River Trust WaterMate key. ( Keys can be purchased from the Cotswold Canal Trust’s Visitor centres)
This slipway is accessed just off the A419 roundabout with the road to Eastington and Churchend. The slipway is 90 degrees to a small cul-de-sac. The slope to the canal is a gentle incline suitable for most trailers. There is parking for some vehicles and trailers. This slipway currently gives excellent starting point to the western edge of the canal that is currently in water and perfect introduction point for canoeists and kayakers.
For boaters, you will be able to cruise in an easterly direction, passing through Blunder and Newtown Locks until you reach the fixed bridge at Bond’s Mill. A Lift Bridge at Bond’s Mill is due to be commissioned in 2026.
The Eastington slipway above Pike Lock - please return the heavy stop plank into position after use. Please note that there is a pile of underwater debris in the Eastington Slipway on the left hand (upstream side) - for best results, use the right hand side.
This slipway is situated just to the right hand side of a small cul-de-sac called Strachan’s Close which is off Chestnut Lane, which itself is accessed from Caincross Road.
The slipway is free to use but has a chain and padlock across it to discourage rogue cars parking. There are three parking spaces just passed the slipway that are for canal users. A limited number of other parking spaces are close by. The key to the padlock is a Canal and River Trust WaterMate.
This slipway gives the cruiser access to the main section of the recently restored Cotswold Canal that is now navigable from Ocean basin at Stonehouse to Bowbridge Lock.
The slipway at Strachan’s Close currently provides the only access for trailerable boats into the navigable length of Phase 1A. This is quite a steep slipway.
