I'd love to join you in Brum but it takes too long to get there from Reading.

Further South the Kennet & Avon is great, depends if you are looking for folking en route or good cruising.

Most companies are fair or better I have heard of few that are listed as poor! I'm spoiled livi8ng on mine. Yes the admiral is pretty expert.

BTW
I discovered last night that The Rising Sun in Stockcross (near Newbury) is only 1 mile from the canal and has a clog dancing landlady and Keith Holloway (Random and a few other bands) as Landlord. As well as a good range of WEst Berks Brewery Ales.

So there is one very friendly hole on the K&A anyway.