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Slow Boat to ---!!Perhaps, just perhaps, you are a little bored with your existing holiday arrangements, the same hotel in Spain, the familiar coach tour packing and unpacking your case at every stop; cruising the high seas when mal-de-mer is just not for you. Then consider a different choice. A Narrow Boat on a quiet and peaceful canal in rural England, We have done just that for the last two years, not because we were bored, but we wanted something different. We will…all being well, do it again next year. The first year we hired a boat from Nuneaton and cruised down to, then up the Ashby Canal (no locks on this one) then returned up the Coventry Canal where we sampled some locks above Nuneaton before returning the boat. For the first time this was great, no hassle and plenty of wild life to examine. |
The second year feeling slightly more adventurous we tackled the Llangollen Canal. Starting from the base at Trevor we travelled the first day up to Llangollen; a canal which is narrow in places, but still no problem. Turning in the Marina (you pick your turning places carefully with a 65ft boat and a narrow canal) we moored alongside for the night.
Next day returning to Trevor, we crossed the famous Aqueduct at Pontcysylite; a very impressive structure 126ft above the valley, and some 1007ft long; opened in 1803 after 10years in building, at an estimated cost of £47,018. The cement for the masonry was a mixture of lime and Ox blood, with the joints in the metal trough sealed with welsh flannel and lead dipped in boiling sugar. When crossing; on one side there is a pedestrian walk way, originally the tow path. On the other it is a direct drop to the valley below. The scenery is quite spectacular from mountains to cricket pitches and the river Dee meandering its way along. Soon after leaving the aqueduct yet another one appears, being the Chirk Aqueduct with the railway line running alongside and two tunnels to navigate, all sounds very complicated, but it was no problem, just a very interesting few miles and an experience to remember.
As to the boat itself, it was completely self-contained, from the efficient diesel engine to a fully equipped galley containing all the utensils required plus a cooker, grille, refrigerator, freezer and microwave. Sleeping was comfortable in two double beds. The boat was equipped with two toilets and a shower (full size). Hot water was always available. We took the precaution of topping up the water tank as and when we could; there are plenty of places for doing this. For a week’s holiday with four people the tank for the toilets did not require pumping out, a task we would have had to pay a small sum for at one of the stations along the route. Locks are not a problem. It is suggested that you allow about 20 minutes per lock; all the opening and shutting of lock gates is completely logical and requires a little effort, not too much for the fellows but the ladies have to put a little more of their backs into it. Our ladies did very well and I am sure they enjoyed it. Lift Bridges are super. You can hold up a line of traffic with ease, or you can show your friendly nature by allowing a car to proceed after bringing it to a halt by lifting the bridge slightly, then lowering it for the car to pass, the driver’s gratitude is a real “lift”.
For those interested, the wild life is plentiful. Ducks of every kind, the very graceful Swan families deigned to grace us with their presence; they all know where the galley is. I have never been so close to a Heron-I could have touched it if I had 6ft arms. One day whilst walking along the tow path a group approached carrying ladders, now ladders and canal do not really mix, so we asked them what were the ladders for. They were a group for preserving Barn Owls and were inspecting the nesting boxes. If you are a owner of a dog then this is the life for you and your dog, as the tow path is always adjacent and is excellent for walks (early morning and later at night). Almost every boat has a least one dog aboard, but I did not hear one bark. Handling the boat is not difficult if you take it carefully at first, giving yourself plenty of time to correct any impending mistakes, after all top speed is just about 3miles per hour, turning at the appointed places (winding holes, said to be pronounced like the wind), needs to be taken carefully, but with a little thought it usually works out. I can recommend it, as a relaxing time and very enjoyable scenery. If you fancy trying it and would like a little encouragement I would be only too pleased to oblige. Frank Webb Click here to see more images from Frank's canal trip
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