I just thought I'd update everyone on this post I created over a year ago. I appreciated all the responses and advice I received... thank you. I suppose it goes to prove what a procrastinator I am that it's taken such a long time to organise a trip but 'better late than never' so they say.
I've just booked a weeks trip in mid October with ashbyboats.com on the Ashby Canal, coincidently in the NB Ashby.
I went with some of the advice given here. The company look great, boats up-together and the one week routes all look interesting. We will probably make our way down to Stoke Bruerne and back although that's not set in stone.
So.... if you see two befuddled guys trying to operate a lock.......if we pass you by too fast or hold you up by being too slow.....if we take too long trying to moor up...or any such idiot newbie errors...
roll your eyes but think kind thoughts....and offer some advice, lend a helping hand...all will be gratefully received.
Thanks once again
;-)