Waterway2go

Has anyone seen photographs of the hire boats that were introduced by BW (or possible BTW) on the Union Canal in Scotland? I read one reference that described them as small sailing cruisers.

Photos of the coal elevator at Croxley reminded me of the day in 1969 when a conveyor belonging to Birmingham & Midland had to be taken back north to Charity Dock. For a few days Comet might have been described as a self-discharging narrowboat.

If Nicola ran this canal you'd have to apply (in gaelic) 2 moons in advance for passage then wait for 3 men in a white van to come and press the buttons for you

This painting dates from 1888 and, I think, depicts a boat with steam or smoke emitting plus a tow-rope in use - presumably with a horse. The painting is behind a glass frame so the picture is a bit confused with reflections. I read somewhere that Henry De Salis used a boat that looked a bit like a gondola when touring the canals to write his first guide book - could this be him? Was the boat steam powered, if so why the tow-rope? Any explanations appreciated.

We eventually got our act together and have now booked a boat on the Canal Du Nivernais from Locaboat, through Blue Water Holidays - who have been most helpful as described by others. As Nicholsons don't stretch that far, does anyone have a recommendation for the best cruising guide for France ?

What they lacked was a real sea dog

Use a battery, be a BAFI

The best defence against midges is a good Malt Whisky. Scotland produces the finest spirits, and if these are too strong for your taste just dilute with a little of this

Craneage facilities also available at the River Clyde boatyard, Rothesay Dock, Clydebank, which is just 5 miles upriver from the entrance to the canal at Bowling.

Thanks for the advice. Will have a look.

Does anyone have recent experience of hire companies in France?

Probably not, but paddling pools are the transport of choice in Clydebank. News 10th June 2018 Clydebank men sail up canal in a blow up PADDLING POOL singing Oasis hit

We used to find that a bottle usually kept them quiet

Your disappointment is shared. The flotilla was originally going to finish in Glasgow, but now we hear that the Glasgow Branch will be closed for 3 months for bridge construction. A small group of boats from the Forth will be continuing through to the Clyde as part of this event, but thereafter the through route will only be open one day a week. It is really celebrating the full opening of half a canal.

I wonder if the gantry and heavy weight might have been a braking device? The account refers to the boat stopping suddenly to create the soliton wave. Thoughts anyone?