Foss’s Puntathon!

Launch date 10.00 – 13.00, Saturday 13 June, 2026, Bancroft Basin, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

To follow Foss's journey on instagram click here!

At first glance, Foss and his punt, Mayfly, look wonderfully unsuited to the challenge ahead! But together they will attempt an extraordinary journey through the heart of England’s canal system: over 216 miles, through 179 locks, from Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewitfield, 10 miles short of Kendal on the Lancaster Canal — the furthest navigable point north on the connected canal network.

And all of it is being done to raise money for causes supporting the Armed Forces community!

About Foss

Having served with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment in the 1970s, supporting the Armed Forces community has long been close to his heart. Foss feels that this Puntathon is the perfect way to raise money for the ABF, and to combine that with his love of boats, canals, and the outdoors.

About Mayfly

She is a traditional 25-foot Oxford punt — no motor, no emissions! At just 37 inches wide, weighing around 300kg, she will be not only Foss’s, transport, but also his home!

The Challenge

This unique challenge will be slightly mad, physically demanding, unpredictable, and at times exhausting — but every mile travelled and every lock negotiated is for a worthwhile cause.

The route will take Foss and Mayfly through some of Britain’s best-known waterways and industrial landscapes, including:

Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Crewe, Widnes, Manchester, Wigan, Preston, Tewitfield near Kendal.

The canals include:

Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, Grand Union Canal, Birmingham Canal Navigations, Walsall Canal, Shropshire Union Canal, Trent & Mersey Canal, Bridgewater Canal, Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Lancaster Canal. 

The plan

The aim is to average around 10 miles per day, but with weather, fatigue, lock flights, and fundraising events along the way, the journey is expected to take between 4 and 5 weeks. Foss will be sleeping aboard Mayfly throughout the expedition.

Donate

If you are able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would mean a great deal. Your support will help motivate Foss through the long days, sore muscles, bad weather, and inevitable setbacks along the way.

Please donate if you can, and please, please share this page with others who might like to support this unique expedition.

Thank you for being part of the adventure!