Hi everyone,
Considering everything you have all said, we have decided to Moor our boat in the area we are in at the moment for the rest of the winter, and have our adventure northwsrds at Easter time. At least this way, we have friends and family to look after our boat for the next few months.
We were so excited to have an adventure, but we do have time constraints and as you have all said the winter's specific set of problems on the canals may take the joy and excitement out of it very quickly.
Thank you everyone for your points and feedback, it's helped immensely.
The Duker - thank you for your feedback and the suggestion of your friend to help us at the trent. We will think on it and look you up in April!
Jen in wellies - thank you for your points and the link. Another very good resource we didn't know about!
Thanks everyone again, have a great weekend.