pomkitanner

Hi, can anyone suggest a link to a site that gives time/ locks on any given route ? I am thinking of a return trip from Great Heywood to Stourport on Severn , and whether its a 1 week trip ? If this is too ambitious , what would anyone suggest is the better half , North or South ? Thanks

Thanks for all the advice . So now I have a few more questions that have come to light . If we were to Begin our trip at Wooten Wawen, on the Stratford, is it feasible to travel on a 7 day hire as far as Evesham ? Also is the Avon tidal ? and how much more envolved is it negotiating a flowing river ? I believe locks on this river may be manned, Correct ? My searches have identified a £50 river licence fee, are there any other fees to consider ? Sorry for all the questions, Derek Tanner.

Thanks . I note some locks on the Thames are manned. Is this the case for any Canal routes ?

I have heard mention of a fee to travel from the Thames to The Oxford via the Dukes cut . Is this a nominal fee or something considerable ? Were I to base myself at Oxford and choose to travel to Lechlade, is this a route that might be of interest? I have never been on a tidal river, so unsure of which skills might be needed . I gather from a previous answer that there are still locks to negotiate . Thanks

Thanks for the updates . To be honest I had not even considered being alone would be deemed detrimental. Its not as if I am a first timer . Anyhow lots of time to arrange . unlikely I shall be travelling anytime soon given all the restrictions . Many thanks

Hi all. I am again looking at a weeks holiday but need some advice . As its likely I will be single I prefer only a narrow canal, so I am better able to handle the locks . I have previously hired on the L & L Oxford and Grand union, but always with a mate . I would like to find a canal that is both scenic and with plenty of villages to choose an overnight stop/ ( with pubs ). The Oxford I did only as far south as Cropredy. Does the southern section fit the description ? Thanks for your help.

Excellent , thanks all , some very good options

Thanks Athy, The Ashby boat Co was my first ever hire. we did the Oxford as far as Croperdy. And I would not want to do a lock free trip, all part of the fun .

Great thanks Ray T and Mrsmelly some thing to go on . I did hire from Wyvern shipping one time , and the armchairs were excellent . But I want to try a new canal having ticked off the Oxford, Leeds/Liverpool and Grand Union .

Many websites of hire companies lack sufficient photos to make an informed choice . I have found a bench style seat, on previous hires uncomfortable , so I am looking for boats with a pair of lounge chairs. The features section usually does not specify the included furniture, so I rely on interior pictures. These are often lacking in many of the smaller companies . Getting expensive to hire also since I first hired , so want to ensure my money is well spent . I realise most on the forum are owners and hence not able to offer guidance , but any input would be appreciated . Thanks

I'll be more than happy to help out if you pay MY travel costs, with perhaps a Chateaubriand thrown in for lunch !