Dr Bob

Thanks, I take your point on asking about places to avoid, but until we get out on the boat and get the feel for the canals, its difficult to imagine what places are going to be like when you look on the Nicholson's guide. On the yacht it was second nature to 'guess' what new ports were going to be like - we spent two years sailing from Edinburgh to Messalonghi in Greece - from the various pilot books but as a total canal newbie we just do not know what to expect. After a few days out, I am sure we will pick it up. Bit concerned over the 'bit congested'. Need to get our 'ettiquette' right. As a Yottie you just raft up. Guess that's frowned upon from everything I read here?

...and this makes 5. I'll PM now

Well that makes 4 WotEver, thanks for the tip

What a great response! I have been reading the forum here for a couple of months and have been impressed how helpfull everyone is (most of the time!). I didnt think it could be as helpful as the YBW forum was for yatties ...but this is better. Some great advice and so we have a number of options so probably aim to get to the Cape. Zenataomm .... I am looking at 9/10th May at the moment dependent on the sale going through on the 6th. PM me if you can....not sure I can PM yet as I've only posted 3 times.

Thanks Rob-M, that sounds like the best plan then.

Hi All, first post to the Forum. We are in the final stages of buying a 60ft NB and should be taking ownership early in May. First job is to take it from the Napton Jnct area to just before the Solihul area to get some fit out work done. I have a short window of 2 days to do this before I have to be somewhere else - and as luck would have it - Canalplan tells me it is two 8 hour days to do the trip. I am an experienced sailor (sailing yachts) but first time on a Narrowboat for 30 years. Question is: Canalplan tells me the overnight stop is nr Bridge 45 on the east side of Warwick. Watching Crusingthecut, it seems to say avoid some of the 'city' areas ie Nuneaton, so I am wondering if Warwick (never been there before) is an OK place to moor up for the night. I think the crew I have lined up (my son) would prefer to moor next to the Cape at the top of the Cape Locks. If we have a good first day, then maybe we could make it to the bottom of the Hatton Fliight. Another option then - is it possible/safe to moor for the night between locks 27 to 30? Any seasoned experts living locally keen to help two novices up the Hatton flight on the second day of the trip - or even the whole lot? I am hoping to give the boat a shakedown cruise the day before we do this 2 day trip.