Graham Davis

Perhaps some members ned reminding of the opening post here: Note the 2 highlighted statements, which I think is where the concerns are being raised. To me the second implies that they want to cruise the boat and in thaat case the Oxford is not suitable.

Can't answer the first bits, but in relation to the highlighted, trespass on Railway land has a lot more legal weight behind it than on other land, and is subject to Railway By-Laws which carry much higher penalties.

I wonder how many hire boats safely navigate the Severn and Avon without an anchor? I know we did it several times.

I've done parts of the Avon Ring a few times, including with 3 kids under 10. The Avon is included but as long as the flows are low I've never found it a problem, and it can be done in 2 days. We did Evesham to Worcester (and beyond) in 2 days a few times. The Severn is easy between Worcester and Tewkesbury as there is only Diglis Lock, which is manned and the 2 wide locks off the river. After that is the narrow Worcester & Birmingham and the Stratford. Always found the Severn boring!

Dave, the Avon Ring contains a lot of narrow canals. It would be useful to know where the OP is starting their trip. To the OP, The hire company should be able to provide you with safety devices for all of you, if you ask. We took our children on canal holidays from before that age and never had a concerns. We explained the dangers and ensured that they were supervised at all times. By the time they were that age certainly our son was working locks, with adult help. I wouldn't worry about it.

I suspect it is incorrectly registered!