warwickshireman

Thanks one and all for your suggestions. I'm aware of gps limitations but there are a couple of interesting ideas to try.

I've just bought my first (android) smartphone. I've been looking for an app that will give me my current speed to a tenth of a mph for both boating and walking. Haven't found one. Any suggestions?

Ray T. Thanks for the info. What are the purple conduits I see sometimes along motorway reservations for? I always assumed fibre optics.

When I was at school we had a couple of these terrapin johnnies in an aquarium in our classroom. Following numerous lunchtime experiments I can report that they like bacon sarnies almost as much as I do!

My vote would be for the Mon and Brec. As it's a special occasion try for a boat from Beacon Park Boats which have to be the nicest you can hire anywhere.

Driving on the right for boats/ships seems to be the rule all over the world. Not so on land. Have a look on Wikipedia to see just how many countries drive on the left. They include the world's largest democracy, third largest economy and largest island. Most unlikely one is probably the former dutch colony now called Surinam. Trains also vary considerably in their rule of the road, even within Europe. Again have a look in Wikipedia.

For scenic canal walking visit the area around Hazelhurst junction on the Caldon Canal. You can park at the Hollybush Inn for refreshment and explore the arms towards both Leek and Froghall. Skipton is also well worth a visit. A classic northern market town and probably the world's best fish and chips at Busy Lizzies right by the canal. Consider a ride from here on the Settle to Carlisle railway. For canalside walking in the area drive to East Marton (on the A59) and walk North West (towards Skipton) to the top of Bank Newton locks. The long distance path, The Pennine Way, shares the towpath for a short distance here and the scenery is stunning. For stately homes Chatsworth is definitely number 1. Hardwick Hall also very interesting. Enjoy

I have in my possession a brochure entitled 'The Leam Link' which I picked up at a boat show maybe 15 years ago. The plan was to make a short cut from the GU at Radford Semele dropping down through 2 locks into the River Leam which is only about 100 metres away at that point. The navigation was then to follow the Leam through Victoria Park in Leaminton with 2 more locks and entering the Avon via the Leam a short distance north east of the GU aqueduct over the river.

I would suggest the South Oxford canal which has no tunnels (though you can see where it/they used to be). Lots of hire bases around Napton junction which is at the north end of the S Oxford - does that make sense? - but the more southerly part is quieter and just as scenic. Boats from these people at Lower Heyford always look smart:- http://www.oxfordshire-narrowboats.co.uk/index.html A few pounds extra spent on a slightly larger boat will be money well spent in my view.

There is also White Horse Boats at Devizes Wharf. You might think this is the wrong side of Caen Hill but in fact this flight is well maintained and relatively easy to work through. Also highly satisfying. Get your family to visit and lend a hand. Alternatively go East - much quieter and very scenic. Their prices seem a bit less than the figures quoted. Maybe that reflects the location as much as the boats?

In Stratford it's nice to moor on the river opposite the theatre. You have to buy an overnight licence which is £5 well spent.

If your number 1 son has a motor get him to drive you to the Pytchley in West Haddon. Great food, sensible prices.

johnmck suggested the Mon and Brec. I would second that. Scenery better than the Llangollen and there's more of it. You can just comfortably cover it all in a week. For a really posh boat hire from Beacon Park Boats or for something a bit different try an electric boat from Castle Narrowboats.

Contact sport? Yes but...... Good steerers sometimes hit the sides but they do it slowly and intentionally. The incompetent hit things hard and accidentally.

Thanks to all who replied. It seems remarkable that BW/CRT doesn't have a list. So maybe the answer is self help. Between us all the users of the forum must know where all the machines are. Why don't we compile a list ourselves. If you would like to share your knowledge post details here - canal name, location, year when last confirmed to be there (eg 2012). If there are enough replies I will collate them and post a list in a couple of weeks. Perhaps the mods will nail it on page 1? To start the ball rolling here are some places I noted last year on the K and A:- Dundas wharf (west of aqueduct) 2011 Bradford on Avon (above the lock) 2011 Seend (opposite the Barge Inn bridge 153) 2011 Devizes (above Caen Hill flight by lock 45) 2011 Devizes wharf 2011 Great Bedwyn wharf 2011 If you're posting details of somewhere that uses other than BW/CRT cards (like on the Thames) please say so. Multiple reports of each place are welcome for confirmation.

I much prefer to use a diy pumpout as I can do a much better job than boatyard people seem able or prepared to do but I've never found a list of where these things are available. Does anybody know of one?

Beacon Park Boats on the Mon and Brec have a very nice cottage right next to their boatyard. Don't know about discounts but their boats are without question the best you'll find in any hire fleet. The canal is fantastic too and just right to do in a week.

Trooperdan. For you I recommend the Llangollen and the shropshire union to Chester. You can comfortably do all of that in 2 weeks. Castles to visit en route: Beeston, Chirk, Castel Dinas Bran (Llangollen) and the walls round Chester. Churches: buy a Nicholsons guide, they're obsessed with 'em. Don't worry about your trip being there and back rather than a ring. The view is different on the way back and you'll be able to visit different pubs.

I would strongly suggest that before buying in you go to an owners meeting to get to know the other people you'll be dealing with. Particularly so if it's an independent syndicate. Friends of mine own their own boat, moored at the end of their garden, but almost never use it simply because it's always there. If something comes up at short notice or the weather is dodgy they cancel their plans to go cruising. They do this year after year! If your dates are fixed well ahead chances are you will actually get out on the water even if does rain.

Two weeks gives you time for one or two side trips off the ring. A short way along the Macclesfield you can moor within walking distance of Little Morton Hall (NT) which is well worth a visit. The Macc has some of the best canal architecture anywhere so consider going further along, maybe to Bosley locks which are in a stunning setting. Or how about going down to Chester. Moor near the city walls and send the distaff side shopping while you circumnavigate the walls. If the weather's good en route walk up to Beeston Castle, fantastic views.

This is an excellent route. Once away from Reading the countryside is beautiful and varied. Newbury and Hungerford are both good places to visit. Although a look at the map shows you following the railway and the busy A4 they are rarely intrusive. Much of interest on the canal, turf sided locks, swing bridges, river sections and the great Crofton pumping station. Yes, the locks are hard work and the flows can be tricky in places but nothing you won't be able to handle. One warning though - do watch out for the gate paddles on some of the locks. Incautious opening could leave you with a lot of water on the foredeck - or worse!

If you're heading for Stratford but time is looking short or the weather discouraging you could stop at Wilmcote where there are good pubs and touristy things like Mary Ardens house. Consider a visit to Stratford by train from there. It gets you there in about eight minutes as opposed to a full day by boat and gives you a chance to restock the larder. You will have done the most attractive part of the South Stratford anyway. Consider a side trip along the GU to the top of Hatton Locks.

Bear in mind that restricted hours will be in force at Calcutt Locks (0900 - 1600) and possibly others if it doesn't rain in the near future. Check the Waterscape stoppages page before you set off.

If you missed the first episode it is repeated tonight (Saturday) at 23.50 on BBC 4.