Ayrshire

Hi folks, Sorry it's been so long since I posted and thank you for the replies and suggestions so far. We didn't fancy the 9hrs days so have decided against the rush round the four counties ring. We really enjoyed the trip last time and enjoy the relaxed pace of life so rushing to make it round the ring would go against this. We want to find a good mix weighted towards the barging & spending time on the canals but with the added bonus of seeing a few new places on route and enjoying nice meals in the evening. The latest plan we have is to pick up the boat and head up towards the Trent & Mersey. We don't plan to go to far on the saturday just in case there is a delay picking up the boat. We'll then head up and stop at the marina half way to Penkridge. Sunday we'll make our way up to Great Haywood junction area then Monday we plan to link into the Trent & Mersey then stop off and see Shugborough Hall. After that we plan to take things as we find them (heading south), judge the time so we can head back without having to rush too much. If you have any favourite watering holes/eating places on the route we're planning then please let us know. any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your help and if you're heading out on the canals soon I hope you have a great time. Kind regards, Craig.

Hi folks, Looking to get some advice. This is our (4 adults - my wife, mother in law, MIL's partner and myself) 2nd barging holiday. Couple of years ago we did the run up to Llangollen etc. This time we've booked a boat out of the Napton Narrowboat yard at Autherley Juncton and just looking for some advice on which way to head to make the most of your week (first week in April). The brief notes we've read so far suggests we could make Chester and back in the week .... 100 odd miles? .... going the other way we'd only make around half of that (assuming it's busier - more boats moored so slower pace?). A bit like one of the other posts on this junction we like to get back close to the yard on the last night to make it an easier last day for handover. Other than that we're open to ideas but to give a few pointers :- - some places of interest on route would be good - esp national trust sites etc - reasonable overnight locations where we can sample some local pubs/restaurants etc (we prefer to eat out every night but have breakfast/lunch on the boat or canal). - we don't mind doing a good days cruising although we do like to enjoy the trip without feeling like we've got to rush to make somewhere. If you can i'd be really grateful for any suggestions on which direction to head, stops etc to plan so that we can tick as many of the boxes as possible. Maybe there is somewhere on route you can suggest for dinner or a must see country house or place of interest etc. All hints and tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Kind regards, Craig.