narrow canal boats-uk

I've had fun doing a little research on canal boating, but haven't done it myself. There are a lot of resources on the Web, so a little Googling could help you sort through initial questions.

From what I've read, there are a couple of common themes: Canal boating is slow, to begin with, depending on how many locks you must transit. You also have to consider how many towns will be along your route for availability of groceries and restaurants. You might want to rent bicycles to take with you. The companies generally train you on how to drive the boat (of course), deal with, ahem, sanitary matters, and how to go through locks.

April-May is still likely to be cool and rainy through most of the European canal boat area. I know people do it at that time of year, but I think it would be better to schedule a trip in the summer or early fall.

We have done self-drive canal boating numerous times. The first time we did one was almost 14 years ago using the Crown Blue lines on the Petite Saone in Burgandy region of France. I recommend one way rental if possible and going down stream. We have since done Alscase Lorrraine region in France. In England/Wales we did a narrow boat on the Llangollen Canal which was very beautiful and dramatice crossing the Pontcysdyla (SP?) Aquedute. We picked up the 58ft narrow boat from "Black Prince" Chrik base. Lots of sheep and tranquil countryside ,etc. We did the Thames River from Benson up to Oxford and down to Henley. In Sept we did Venice Lagoon for a week. Still hope to do Canal du Midi, Holland, and the Costwold Canal when it opens. Narrowboat have heat if needed. My husband says he would recommend May over April for England. We made breakfast on the boat every morning and found interesting spots for dinner each night. England was mostly pub type restaurants. France was 2 star gourmet.

(cont) Bikes on the boat are optional. Boat go slow. They give you a "shake down" cruise to introduce you to your boat. Nice kitchens and bathrooms. Linens pillow and blankets are provided. Except for Venice area you can tie up almost anywhere. There are mooring spikes or we just tied up to a tree for the night. In the morning we make our way to a town to warm up our water for showers and my husband would be off to find the local bakery. It is like luxury RVing but on the water. A very different slow way of life and travel. Sometimes my husband would get off and walk along the canal as I drove. We bought wine, eggs, and local vegetables from the local lock keepers on some of the canal. They give you maps and you can purchase more detailed maps. You need to keep filling up you water ever 2 days. This is the water for your showers and toilets. Fuel lasts for the week. You see the countryside and it is so peaceful and beautiful. If want, please send me a private message for more details.

(cont) My husband want to tell you the story of our first lock in England. Our very first lock in France was a fun experience too. Met people from all over the world plus retirees who live on their boats and travel all over. You run into families or groups of friends or couples who are traveling together on larger boats. Our trips were just my husband and myself so far, but he wants to take our nephew. One trip we met a grandfather and his grandson from Italy doing a one week rental together. If you go to google and select video and type in search canal boating, you can find many videos that give you examples of what canal boating is like. Narrow boats you steer from the back with a rudder. On the continent and Thames you have traditional drive ("tub") boats. I like the ones you can steer outiside uptop on good weather but can come inside if it rains. I found this video of an English Narrow boat rental to give you a flavor of the experience. .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e00ubwjqKO8

Thank you Doug and Marie for your informatiom.

A good video on youtube of a narrow boat experience in England/Wales.... - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bySYg2ZmlqU