loumush

Just because we use a hire boat seems to give anyone who has their own boat the right to assume that we can't steer, go too fast, don't slow down past boats, not know how to deal with locks etc etc etc. Sorry this is a bit of a rant but often in general conversation if we mention that we are on a hire boat there generally follows something relating to one of the topics mentioned. I just feel like people who hire should be treated with a little more respect than is often the case. Just yesterday I followed a private boat past moored boats and he was getting away from me. Certainly faster that tick over.

Well, just back last night from our great trip on the Kennet and Avon. We finally left last Friday late afternoon from Aldermaston but were held up as we did not get through the road bridge before 4.30. At 5.30 we just had enough light to get through the lock and moor up. Saturday got us to Knintbury where we went off to find the Blue Ball pub but didn't fancy it when we got there so ended up in the Dundas Arms. A warning, 3 of us had a few drinks and the bill came to over £50! After a second very long day we got to Wootton Rivers. The intention was to go to the lovely Royal Oak pub but unfortunately we were all only good for an early night. Then on was a slow enjoyable cruise back to Aldermaston. We stopped for the next night at Great Bedwyn and had enough time to get the bus to Marlborough and have afternoon tea in the old fashioned Polly tea rooms, highly recommended. The next day we stopped for a couple of hours at Hungerford before spending the night at Kintbury again. Our last night was at Newbury where we treated ourselves to lunch at Costa and dinner at ASK. The final day took us 5 hours from Newbury to Aldermaston. A great trip. The lock at Woolhampton was fun with the river flowing in and not only can we now boast that we have "done it in October" but also that we have "done it in November" too. Met some great people along the way although I can only remember a few of their boat names. Notably "Old Guys Rule" and "Estia" who we shared locks with. Our boat this time was the Alvechurch boat "Village Weaver", it felt a bit of an awkward layout but maybe it was just a bit small and the fact that we had to convert the living space to a bed a night was new to us. I think ABC could certainly improve their so called 5* boats starting with giving them a comfortable mattress. Moans aside, we're still going back with them next time so will start planning our March trip on the Four Counties ring soon. Thanks again for all the good advice.

Thanks for all your advise. Now I have my guidebook and looked up the route, we are definitely going west and are aiming to get to Wooton Rivers. We may not make it as we only have 2 and a bit days to get there then will have 3 and a bit days back but we will see. Will let you know how we did on our return. Already booked next trip now to do the Four Counties Ring and Caldon Canal next March. We like winter!

What does it mean when you talk about Woolhampton in October? What do we need to know?

Well thanks everyone. Looks like I'll take your advice and go west then. There allways so many good options it's a matter of picking the bets of the best sometimes. Can't wait now.

I had thought that we would go towards Windsor or Oxford and not really considered going west. Why would west be a better option? Just had a look at a map and think we would probably get to Pewsey and back.

Thanks for that. I'll just add that I'm not going until 26th October.

Every time we take a canal boat holiday I ask for your advise and it's always been great. This time we are picking up our boat from Aldermaston and wondering whether to go towards the Thames or towards Bristol. We have 6 days and like to fit in as much boating as the daylight will allow. I'd be greatful of any thoughts about this please.

Thanks everyone, We think we will head for Stoke Bruerne then back via Braunston if we have time. Stangely I've just descovered that my cousin's pub is at Stoke Bruerne, The Navigation, and I had no idea. I hope I make it now.

Thanks for all your advice so far although I may have not explained my question very well. What I mean is when I get out of the Market Harborough arm should I go south to the Foxton Locks or north towards Leicester? I just wanted some views on which might be more interesting. We like all sorts but particulaly going past villages and towns as well as a good amount of countryside. Most important is good real ale pubs along the way to stop at in the evening. We have been on 3 previous boating holidays and usually start out saying we'll take it easy but end up doing an epic. We have 6 days so any thoughts on where we could consider getting to would also be great. Hope i'm not asking too much but people have always been very helpful when planning past trips. Thanks

We've going to be having a 6 day trip from Market Harborough in a couple of weeks time. When we reach the Grand Union, which is the best direction to head? Just wanted some advise on this please, if anyone has any thoughts. I'd appreciate your suggestions. Thank you.

Thanks for your advise, especially around Ashton. One question though, we were thinking of going anti clockwise round starting at Anderton but people seem to be describing it the other way. What is best?

Will be off for our 2nd ever canal boat holiday in 2 weeks. It's actually our honeymoon! This time last year we went from Alvechurch to Stratford and back in 5 days. This year we are going to do the Cheshire Ring in a week. I'm starting to think about the plan and wanted to know your suggestions for what would be a good distance each day whcih gives us a good stop each night. We would probably like to have a pub to stop at most nights so that we can eat out a few nights and cook the others. Any suggestions on good and bad ones to avoid are most welcome. Also if any of the pubs are good real ale pubs then so m,uch the better.

Just wanted to report back to say that following all the good advice, when we arrived at our boat, due to the late time of departure, 3.30pm, we decided to go to Stratford instead. We had a great time, definitely adicted now and we all had a great time. we wil have to return to do the Stourport ring next time i think.

Not here to talk football really, but if I were you I wouldn't read the statement on that link in isolation. Virgin downland it 'aint! Anyway, back to boating, please.