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absolutely agree. no desire to use a bus

I guess this is outside of the general brief but is it feasible to arrive mid morning at heathrow and get to Napton for a 3 pm hire departure ? Dont think there is a direct train and need to get into central London then a train to Rugby ? Seems there are multiple modes of transport required. Does anyone have any ideas ? Thanks

Thanks for the suggestions, I did check out Slow boat through Britain, easy watching.

It does seem to me that some responders have missed the point . The title referred to " casual boaters". i.e. those not lucky enough to own their own boat . I fully understand that long time boaters may find it all a bit ho hum. Horses for courses. Many of these videos give a valuable insight into a life that for us casuals is very enlightening . I view it as akin to my downplaying a visit to my country as i have seen it all, but for you its an exciting adventure . Be Kind .

Thanks for the Heads up on Dan Brown ( is he related to Guy Martin? could be brothers ) i like his style .

Expatriots and home grown wannabe boaters like me, thrive on the fix we get on you tube, especially now that any travel is not even on the radar. Rarely does a day go by when i don't watch at least one vlog. Usually its one of three. Tales of the swans neck, Foxes afloat, or Cruising the cut . All three are easy to watch, especially the 2 single handers, but Foxes also appeal. There are many others i know, but often there is way too much banter between presenters resulting in poor diction. Hard to follow for my ears. If i were to favour one it would be Swans Neck, hope he gets to expand his repertoire. Which preferences do others have ?

Roger, yes Grace certainly was longer than 47 foot, although i forget exactly how long . Its a 2 double berth boat and was very spacious in the saloon area, with room for 2 reclining armchairs, as the above picture suggests. Anyhow thank you so much for all your efforts in attempting to locate her, much appreciated. We may yet one day pass on our travels, but who knows when that may be , with my government giving little away .

Yes its Grace. i would seriously consider hiring again , especially if its now based on the T & M .

I checked out Pennine cruisers website , but dont recognise Grace in the layout . Do you know the new name ? Or if it was the Nantwich boat ?

I hired "Grace " from this company 3 years ago. Lovely boat. Seems they are no longer around , victim of Covid ?

Have revisited Ashby boat site and see no mention of king size beds. We hired Ashby, a 2+ 2 berth boat. it certainly had just the usual 4 foot bed. That's not to say they have not upgraded it but i doubt it.

yes a wide beam would certainly address the situation , except the L&L is one of the 3 hires i have already done . The others being the Oxford, ( with Ashby boats ) and the GU with Wyvern shipping , which is why the 4 counties is top of my preference list. May have to stick with the plan and readdress the dates .

Thanks , Napton boats are one of the few that do meet our needs , Unfortunately , they are already booked for next September , our preferred dates . I suspect this might be a common problem , with everyone taking staycation holidays .

I accept most members are boat owners , and hire infrequently, but its worth a shot . I am looking to hire a boat with both long and wide berths . 2 of our party are 6 foot 4 inches tall and of "ample girth "! So does anyone have recommendations for a company that caters to bigger clients ? Ideally we are looking for a company based on or near the 4 counties ring , but will consider other options . Thanks

Now where can I find a lawyer capable of interpreting ?

From a distance its difficult to keep up with evolving government restrictions . How does the Tier system affect general boating ? Is everyone now confined to base ? how about the cc ers ? without a permanent mooring , how do you access necessary services ? I imagine all hire operations are now indefinitely closed ? All very confusing .

Chester it will be then . Vaccinations permitting ! Its been a long winter , I need a fix ! Thanks I shall only manage 2 weeks on the 4 counties, but I am told it should still be a leisurely time. Clockwise or not ? which has advantages ?

Thanks, that's a great option that I have not considered and will cut 2 days cruising from my itinerary . Have never been to Chester and really want to spend at least a day exploring. Is it safe to moor up, and lock the boat for the day ?

Thanks . If I choose the Caldon, is it best to head to Froghall or Leek . which is the more scenic ? Alternatively , if I decide on Chester, where is best to moor up that is central to the old town ? Thanks for your responses .

Our intended trip next year ( hopefully ) has been extended to a 2 week hire . As yet we don't have a date but will choose a hire company on the 4 counties ring . Our options, additional to the ring are to also do a side trip on the Caldon canal / a cruise up the Macclesfield, to the Peak Forest / or a visit to Chester city. Undecided which, has anyone any thoughts ? I believe the Macclesfield option may be ambitious, but the other 2 choices easily achieved ? Thanks

Did you hear about the Dyslexic ,agnostic, insomniac ? He lay awake all night wondering if there really is a Dog !

I sold real estate for 17 years and have been in hundreds of homes. Some owners had pristine properties , most didn't. Those that had smellie homes were without exception , extraordinarily difficult to sell. I could always detect the presence upon first entering, ultimately I declined to take them on . A lot of work for often no result.

As expected a very wide range of opinions. I had better not be seen with anything but a "Proper Dog " ! Thanks

I wonder which pets are the most popular for liveaboards. and members views on the most suitable dog for life afloat . I guess medium to small is better , like perhaps a springer spaniel ? Just interested .

Ange , I could never be either so diligent or have the patience, So thank you and Athe for the greenie although I confess Its purpose confuses me . I gather this relates to profile reputation ? However it also says I have a neutral reputation . How might I attain a positive one , or god forbid a negative one ? When I may be able to travel is anyones guess, but hoping for next northern summer. May you both have the benefit of a long Indian summer with lots of canal time .