I am in need of advice concerning the topic of canal boat rentals. There is a lengthy back story (probably only of interest to me) concerning our motivation, which has been "carbonated" (a term Rick seems to like) by the Acorn series "Canal Boat Diaries".
My wife and I are in our 70's, no boating experience of any kind, and dealing with health issues that will eventually put us under. I lived in London during the late 1960's but I was not aware of the canal system although I probably walked over a few without realizing what I was seeing. This will probably be our one opportunity to experience a brief canal adventure. I understand there are a number of rental agencies throughout the canal system in the U.K., but I have preconcieved thoughts about what would be best for us. Our requirements would be to travel on the most scenic canal routes with a minimum of locks - zero would be ideal. Our mobility limitations would probably be tested by more than a few. We are considering a week on the canals. No preference as to where our journey would begin or end, but hopeful that a memorable adventure would be the result. If you have thoughts, experiences or advice regarding this topic, I eagerly encourage a reply. Many thanks from the Pacific Northwest.
Posted by
Chicago, IL
121 posts
I have no suggestions, but this trip sounds wonderful. I hope you are able to make it happen.
Posted by
Preston UK
1882 posts
I should be able to help here. My wife and I have been canal boating since the 1970s and we had our own boat from 2003 until a few weeks ago. we have travelled over the majority of the navigable system in England and Wales. We are also in our 70s but the sale of the boat was not for health reasons, but more for lack of time due to family commitments with a new granddaughter.
Many would point you in the direction of the Llangollen Canal, which has the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct over the River Dee. There has been a breach on the canal which means that only the western end west of Whitchurch is available until later this Summer, but there are lots of hire bases and only two locks to navigate. But as a consequence it does get very busy and would not be my personal choice. The canal is beautiful at the very western end but fairly nondescript for large sections further east.
My personal favourite canal is the Caldon, which runs from Stoke-on-Trent east into the edge of the Peak District National Park. But it does have a number of locks.
One canal that I have never cruised but have walked along a length of is the Brecon & Abergavenny which runs in South Wales along the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons NP). The canal is not connected to the national network but is a gorgeous short canal which will reward a leisurely week long cruise.
There are many other choices and many hire companies and bases to choose from. Three national companies with many bases are Black Prince, Anglo Welsh and ABC. ABC have a base on the Brecon & Abergavenny and there are also 4 small companies - Beacon Park Boats, Castle Boats, Cambrian Narrowboats and Road House Narrowboats.
Please ask if you have any more questions.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
897 posts
This is a link to the organisation responsible for our rivers and canals - the section dealing with lock free canals.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/boating-blogs/top-six-lock-free-boating-locations
It also has links to further information about canal holidays.
These are links to some of the companies that hire boats - both river and canal.
https://www.hoseasons.co.uk
https://www.abcboathire.com
https://www.waterwaysholidays.com
They all say they welcome beginners.
Bon Voyage
Posted by
London and Chester
311 posts
We had a canal boat when I was a teenager so I have some experience.
It’s a great way to travel but it’s not for the physically unfit. You need to be able to hop an off the boat quickly when mooring up, also have the strength to pull the boat in either by rope of boat hook.
If you are inexperienced I understand wanting to avoid locks but they are part of the experience. You also tend to have more of them in scenic areas because the land is less flat.
For a beginner it can be stressful, you are in charge of several tons of moving metal with no brakes!:-) I’m mentioning it because my aunt and uncle decided to have a canal holiday and they hated it. 30 years later they still talk about the river ‘parking ticket’ they got from the Queen!
A number of companies run hotel barges on the canals, that might be a better option for you?
I don’t have any experience of sailing there but the Norfolk Broads could also be an option for the simple reason it’s flat? Other forum members will likely have more experience of this.
Sorry if this is a bit negative….
Posted by
Lake District, England
11617 posts
A lock free navigation (except for the 6 locks on the Glasson Dock Branch) is the 41 mile Lancaster Canal from Preston through Lancaster and Carnforth to the current head of navigation at Tewitfield, on the southern edge of the Lake District (where the M6 cuts the Northern reaches off).
From there you can walk the towing path to the original terminus at Kendal- quite an interesting walk and some stretches remain in water/have been restored to water. The hourly 555 bus to Keswick via the Central Lake District stops at the Canal Terminus.
The other obvious option is the non tidal Thames- above Teddington Lock. Yes there are locks but they are all manned, and if not manned at any time are automated push button ones. I know the Thames is a river, not a canal.
But if you take a hotel boat then all the work is done for you, although you are free at any time to assist with the locks (or swing bridges on some canals) as and when you want.
This is the umbrella web site for hotel boats in the UK- https://www.hotelboating.co.uk/