First time cruise suggestions?

[junior]

I was working double crewed last week and the chap that had the pleasure of my company in the car all week ended up getting through both my Waterways World magazines from cover to cover during the week. This got us talking in depth about my plans to live afloat soon. By the end of the week i had him hooked and he's just told me that he spent all last week at home looking at narrowboat holidays.

 

He is late 30's with a wife of around the same age, and a boy and a girl both between 5 and 10 years old i believe. They would like to go on a good 'all round' route for first timers. He told me they looked at Norfolk Broads but that it looked 'a bit boring'. They want to do locks, have pubs, nice scenery but with the option for stops in a built up area i think, and if possible a route with things for the children to do en route.

 

I wondered if you kind folk could give me any reccomendations to pass on to him? Oh, he's looking to go end of may/beggining of june time.

[Guest]

How long is he planning for 1 week?, 2?

 

That will affect what people will say. If two weeks the best 'all rounder' I can think of (and have done) is the Leicester ring - there is stuff on the route too that may interest the kids such as the National Space centre - though they will be busy enough 'helping' with the locks, or at least the 10 year old will be.

 

The only down side of course is it is very weather dependant as it includes the Soar and a very short bit of the non tidal Trent, which add a lot of interest but when they are behaving are not to be feared.

 

Of course it goes without saying - life-jackets essential for the kids but the hire co. will sort these and they are normally FOC.

Edited December 31, 2012 by The Dog House

[Naughty Cal]

I doubt they would find the broads boring. It is about as varied a cruising ground as you can get for a week or twos holiday.

[Guest]

I doubt they would find the broads boring. It is about as varied a cruising ground as you can get for a week or twos holiday.

 

I'd agree with that too - OK no locks to play with but plenty of variety, especially if you can do both the North and South which have their own 'character'.

[Naughty Cal]

And very tidal in places which always makes it interesting for novice crews!

[Guest]

And very tidal in places which always makes it interesting for novice crews!

 

Especially when they untie the bow of a moored boat first which is facing upstream and the tide is going out....

 

The drinkers and diners at the Bridge Inn Acle enjoyed the spectacle though....

[Skye]

One of the first holidays we went on, my son would have been about 10, was down the Leeds Liverpool from Silsden to Wakefield. You get the chance to experiance many of the waterway fetures, from electric powered swing bridges, manual ones, locks both self operated and assited, including the famous Bingle 5 rise.

 

There are many places to eat and drink along the way, and of course once in Leeds there is the Royal Armouries and many other attractions a major city can provide. The people we met along the way were both very friendly and above all helpful.

 

Hope this helps a little

 

David

[Guest]

One of the first holidays we went on, my son would have been about 10, was down the Leeds Liverpool from Silsden to Wakefield. You get the chance to experiance many of the waterway fetures, from electric powered swing bridges, manual ones, locks both self operated and assited, including the famous Bingle 5 rise.

 

There are many places to eat and drink along the way, and of course once in Leeds there is the Royal Armouries and many other attractions a major city can provide. The people we met along the way were both very friendly and above all helpful.

 

Hope this helps a little

 

David

 

It's not often we see that particular run suggested on here but yes another good suggestion. It's a real pity more don't come up here for their boating holidays seeming to prefer the 'usual' Midlands (inc. East and West) and Welsh stuff.

[junior]

One of the first holidays we went on, my son would have been about 10, was down the Leeds Liverpool from Silsden to Wakefield. You get the chance to experiance many of the waterway fetures, from electric powered swing bridges, manual ones, locks both self operated and assited, including the famous Bingle 5 rise.

 

There are many places to eat and drink along the way, and of course once in Leeds there is the Royal Armouries and many other attractions a major city can provide. The people we met along the way were both very friendly and above all helpful.

 

Hope this helps a little

 

David

 

That sounds just the ticket!! The dad is ex forces so the Armouries will go down well with him i think. Is that achieveable in a weeks cruise? And can you reccomend any hire companies on that route?

[Guest]

Do-able in a week I would say. Your mates hire options in terms of companies on that particular route are limited though to just about one - Silsden boats at Silsden.

 

However coming further West and starting at Skipton or even Barnoldswick gives you more options as it opens you up to Snaygill Boats or Pennine Cruisers at Skipton and Canal Boat Escapes at Barnoldswick.

 

Starting at Barnoldswick will bring you some stunning scenery, arguably the best on the system as you cross the Pennines heading for Skipton.

 

Your mate may not get all the way to Wakefield and back in a week from there though but Leeds (to pick up the Armouries) and back should be doable particularly if he puts some longish days in.

 

I'm biased I'll admit as we did the L&L as our first ever canal boat holiday and still have very happy memories of it.

Edited December 31, 2012 by The Dog House

[Skye]

To quote The Dog House " some stunning scenery, arguably the best on the system as you cross the Pennines heading for Skipton", also the opportunity to practice your steering skill! as the television mast you appear to be heading towards moves about with regularity and pops up both sides of the boat, in front, behind, in front, you get the picture.

 

The view from the top of Bank Newton locks,as to be seen to appreciate and by the time they get to Gargrave a well earned drink would be the order of the day.

[canalboater2012]

If recommend hiring from canal boat escapes Barnoldswick hired with them I think 2 years a go very family run outfit. Lovely boats we hired Grace & got to Leeds at RTN in a week but it was August so long days the route & views are just stunning there is a stretch were the canal is contouring the hills by zig zagging its way and really is just beautiful. The only problem we had was that some of the locks were manned but only between 8-3 I think and was locked up after this time so you couldn't self operate.

 

Although you say that they would like to a ring so I'd highly recommend the four counties ring. Lots to see and do and includes the harecastle tunnel and the Cheshire locks

[Guest]

If recommend hiring from canal boat escapes Barnoldswick hired with them I think 2 years a go very family run outfit. Lovely boats we hired Grace & got to Leeds at RTN in a week but it was August so long days the route & views are just stunning there is a stretch were the canal is contouring the hills by zig zagging its way and really is just beautiful. The only problem we had was that some of the locks were manned but only between 8-3 I think and was locked up after this time so you couldn't self operate.

 

Good point - restricted opening and assisted operation will be on the Bingley 5 and 3 rises and on the run down into and out of Leeds. Any route planning needs to incorporate this.

[canalboater2012]

Yes early starts I suppose & early finishes haha!

[johnmck]

I loved the Leeds Liverpool. But, it was challenging. Wide locks, numerous swing bridges, may not be the best introduction for a family with young children. Stunning scenery though and we will return.

 

The likes of the South Oxford, Llangollen and Mon's and Brec offer beautiful scenery, narrow locks and many places of interest. Perhaps a more relaxed holiday. The Mon's and Brec being isolated from the system is special. A must do canal and a truly wonderful introduction.

 

Wherever, Enjoy.

[Naughty Cal]

How's about the chesterfield canal?

[matty40s]

Lee and Stort into London, gives you lovely countryside and big city, see the sights with accommodation moored at Paddington or Little Venice. If the nerves are up to it,add a Thames by the boat too, otherwise just have a trip on a clipper.

[junior]

Lee and Stort into London, gives you lovely countryside and big city, see the sights with accommodation moored at Paddington or Little Venice. If the nerves are up to it,add a Thames by the boat too, otherwise just have a trip on a clipper.

 

Thats a good call and would be sure to give them the mix of everything they want. Can you or anybody else suggest any hire companies on the Stort? I've just had a quick Google and can only find one company that only has widebeams. I don't think they want a Wb. Is mooring in London easy and SAFE enough for holiday hirers?

[matty40s]

Thats a good call and would be sure to give them the mix of everything they want. Can you or anybody else suggest any hire companies on the Stort? I've just had a quick Google and can only find one company that only has widebeams. I don't think they want a Wb. Is mooring in London easy and SAFE enough for holiday hirers?

Paddington is a very secure mooring, and Little Venice not much worse. I never had a problem mooring (either space or security wise, summer or winter).The other option is to hire from west london (black prince) or a bit further north if they have two weeks (leighton buzzard - wyvern).

[canalboater2012]

Yes the L&L is challenging to say the least with the big heavy lock gates and swing ridges

[Guest]

Yes the L&L is challenging to say the least with the big heavy lock gates and swing ridges

 

Yes but you sometimes have the 'key of absolute power' that brings busy roads to a grinding halt in a cacophony of flashing red lights and sound - great fun!!

[the grinch]

my own choice would be the shropshire union hiring from Norbury or Autherley and heading north stopping at Market drayton, Nantwich and of course Chester a nice weeks cruising with only Audlem locks being a big flight

if you have 2 weeks then up the llangollen to ellesmere in addition is a lovely 2 weeks

[Naughty Cal]

Yes but you sometimes have the 'key of absolute power' that brings busy roads to a grinding halt in a cacophony of flashing red lights and sound - great fun!!

 

Tis good fun.

[tillergirl]

Our first outing as a family was the L&L for Skipton to Foulridge and back. I also agree with the Chesterfield Canal suggestion...............very pretty.

[Skye]

Yes but you sometimes have the 'key of absolute power' that brings busy roads to a grinding halt in a cacophony of flashing red lights and sound - great fun!!

32 to my right 16 to my left is my record, ups should I be pleased!

Seriously The Leeds Liverpool down to Leeds is a great introduction to canals, that I suggested. My personal favourite is the Calder and Hebble, but don't spoil it by telling anybody!