Hi All,
First time poster here!
The missus and I together with another couple (and our dog!) are planning on going on a week long boating holiday this year, possibly around June/July, so we're busy researching the canals and getting ideas on where to go.. Hitherto my boating experience has been limited to an inflatable with outboard in the Lake District, and a bit of experience driving my brothers 35' narrowboat on the Leeds Liverpool a few years ago.
So what we're looking for in an ideal world:
1. Canal 'down south', being a Northerner I am acutely aware that the climate gets better the further one goes down the M6, A1/A14.
2. Nothing too complex in terms of Locks, rivers, etc. As we're first timers we'd like a gentle introduction.
3. We'll be only looking at probably 5 or 6 hours cruising a day, we'd like to get out and explore pretty villages, abandonded windmills, and the like, plus I'm under no illusion as to the gravitational effect a good canalside tavern would have on us.
4. Nothing too 'built up', so we don't really want long stretches through cities (I'm thinking Birmingham or The Big Smoke).
5. A circular route would be great, but I know point (3) may limit this.
I was just wondering if anyone had any recommendations as to where might be suitable? We're also looking into The Broads, I've been to Suffolk a few times and absolutely love the place, so this is another option.
Thanks for your time and looking forward to some pointers.
Rob