Phase 1A

Phase 1A

The Phase 1A section of the canal runs through the most built-up areas of the 36-mile Cotswold Canals route.

The restoration was supported by a donation awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in January 2006. The remaining funding being provided by members of the Cotswold Canals Partnership and donations.

The revised Phase 1A plan included:

  • Restoration / reinstatement of 8 locks
  • Restoration of 6 miles of canal to a navigable standard
  • Reinstatement of a about 2,100m of infilled canal
  • Upgrading of towpath for walkers & cyclists
  • Construction of 9 bridges
  • Construction of new weirs & flood gate


It was the first stretch to be fully restored to navigation thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Overcoming Major Obstacles in Stroud

Restoring this length was far from straightforward. The Capel’s Mill section, infilled in 1987 for a bypass, required an ingenious waterway diversion that opened in 2011.

Capel’s Mill Before
Capel’s Mill After

Lock Restoration

To meet the requirements of National Lottery Heritage Fund, six locks were restored – with volunteers going even further by completing three additional locks. These were:

  • Gough’s Orchard
  • Ham Mill
  • Griffin’s Mill
  • Bowbridge
  • Dudbridge
  • Ryeford Double
  • Foundry (Wallbridge Upper)
  • Wallbridge Lower
Gough’s Orchard Before
Gough’s Orchard After
Ham Mill Before
Ham Mill After
Griffin Mill Before
Griffin Mill After
Bowbridge Before
Bowbridge After
Wallbridge Lower / Upper Before
Wallbridge Lower / Upper After
Ryeford Double Lock Before
Ryeford Double Lock After
Dudbridge Before
Dudbridge After

Bridge Restoration

Numerous bridges were rebuilt or replaced, ranging from moving swing bridges to traditional brick structures.

Ebley Mill Before
Ebley Mill After
Chestnut Lane Bridge Before
Chestnut Lane Bridge After
Lodgemore Bridge Before
Lodgemore Bridge After
Dr Newtons Way Before
Dr Newtons Way After
Bowbridge Bridge Before
Bowbridge Bridge After

Towpath Restoration

The entire length now features an upgraded towpath, creating a popular and accessible multi-use trail through the town.

St Cyrs at Stonehouse
Nutshell Bridge
Stonehouse to Ryeford
Ebley

Grand Openings

In February 2012, H.R.H. The Princess Royal declared the construction of the new four-lane Stroud Brewery Bridge open.

In February 2018, H.R.H. The Prince of Wales officially declared Phase 1A open.

The ultimate goal for Phase 1A is to reconnect this restored stretch with a redeveloped Brimscombe Port. While boats can already navigate the section, it will truly come into its own once Phase 1B (Cotswold Canals Connected) is complete – providing a direct link to the national waterways network via the Gloucester–Sharpness Canal at Saul Junction.

Want to be part of the current volunteering team
making Phase 1B happen?

Find out about volunteering