Henry Crun

Hi all, I am planning for 6 of us to go away for a week's holiday at the end of May, and was hoping for some suggestions / help. I have spent some 8-9 weeks on the canals at different times since 1985, so am fairly experienced. I am fit and 45. My crew include my wife (similar); my children (boy 12, very fit; girl 9, fit too); my mum-in-law (70) and my dad-in-law (75), who are both walking fit, but not used to holidays quite this active - walking birdwatching holidays, but that's the limit. They are up for the challenge though. What I'd like to do is the Stour Valley Ring, which I've done before (though I'm up for alternative suggestions), as ... it's a ring (so we don't repeat what we do); it includes a river it includes a flight (but which isn't a Caen Hill start-but-you-can't-stop type!) it is a good mix of town and country it includes a few good tunnels. But is it do-able in a week with my crew? I am happy to spend 7 hours a day cruising, but if the weather is inclement, or the crew need a 1/2 day off ... Alternative suggestions very welcome. However, whilst I love the Llangollen, but only 6 locks will bore the kids - and me if I'm honest! It doesn't need to be a ring. Next question: who to go with? In the good old days (my view only :-)), there were small companies some with good boats, a number not; medium companies (Black Prince, Alvechurch) with good boats, but fairly dear (the most reliable I found, and we used them a lot); and Hoseasons, etc. which then seemed to eat up the small companies. But since I last boated in 2001, all seems to have changed. So, any recommendations? I'd like good, reliable, and not too expensive, i.e. £1,500 might be OK, but £1,800+?? I think not. Oh, and Iam I too late to book at all?!!! Thanks for any help. And, yes, do disagree with me, I expect it! BTW, I'm based in the Thames Valley, so would prefer not to go too far north. Henry