Narrowboating UK - Best Route for our Criteria

[familyfive]

What about the western end of the Kennet & Avon?

Stunning scenery with chance to visit Bath. Nice pubs, aqueducts, not too may locks and south enough for those that believe the weather might be better??!!

[markgregoryuk2000]

The Monmouth & Brecon Canal is worth concidering. Lots of opertunities to walk up onto the Brecon Beacons or down around the river Usk, only ~36 miles in length and 6 locks all towards the Brecon end. Lots of pubs.

[Philip]

Another route worth trying is down the Middlewich Branch of the Shroppie and then up the northern Trent and Mersey to Preston Brook; in itself this route has 9 locks each way (1 being a stop lock at Dutton) then however many depending on where you hire from. The countryside and scenery on T&M north of Middlewich (Dane Valley) and north of Northwich (Weaver Valley) is as good as any in that region (except perhaps the top end of the Llangollen!), but it's interspersed with salt industry around Northwich which gives an interesting variety. Also the Middlewich Branch is set in quiet and peaceful country with some good views across the Weaver Valley and Winsford top flash. There are 3 tunnels on the route which add to the fun and the locks are easy enough to work. There's also the Anderton Lift and thus a potential trip on the River Weaver.

 

Time wise from the start of the Middlewich Branch at Barbridge to Preston Brook is 11-12 hours each way so easily doable in a week with much time to spare. Useful places to hire from to do this trip include Chas Hardern at Beeston, Anglo Welsh at Bunbury, Alvechurch Boats at Anderton or Wrenbury, Middlewich Narrowboats and Andersen Boats (both in Middlewich), Black Prince at Acton Bridge and Claymoore Navigation at Preston Brook.

Edited October 14, 2013 by Philip

[pelicanafloat]

Hi Carol,

 

It rather depends where you are starting your UK holiday. Loads of places to visit, as can be seen. ou might like to consider ...

 

As already mentioned: River Thames is nice with some great pubs and walks.

 

How about 'The Wey Navigation

 

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/river-wey-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf/

 

Tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey

The Wey was one of the first British rivers to be made navigable, and opened to barge traffic in 1653.

This 15-mile waterway linked Guildford to Weybridge on the Thames, and then to London.

The Godalming Navigation, opened in 1764, enabled barges to work a further four miles upriver.

The award-winning visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford tells the story of the navigations and the people who lived and worked on them.

Visitors can see where the huge Wey barges were built and climb aboard 'Reliance', one of three surviving barges.

 

These people, who I don't know, have this nice suggestion for a week .... though it might be too much for your leisurely pace

 

http://www.farncombeboats.co.uk/

 

One Week - (extra licence required for River Thames)
River Wey and River Thames to Windsor or Hampton Court and return.
Hampton Court Palace - promises a magical journey back through 500 years of history. Family trails and the famous 'Maze'. Open all year round except Christmas & Boxing Day.
Thorpe Park - great rides for all the family as well as lake and farm area. Open Easter to beginning November.
Runnymede Park - A relaxing riverside park giving access to local countryside walks. The Park is opposite Runnymede Meadow and the memorials commemorating the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, John K Kennedy and the Commonwealth Air Forces.
Windsor - Shops, restaurants and riverside gardens with a good play area for small children. Eton High Street and College.
Windsor Castle - Probably the best known symbol of the British Monarchy. The only Royal residence which has been in continuous use since William the Conqueror.
Legoland - A great day out for families with younger children. Over 50 fantastic rides and attractions. 2 miles from Windsor Town Centre. Bus Services to the Park from stops close to Windsor and Eton Riverside railway stations. Open from Easter to beginning of November

 

If you wish, further North ... Stoke on Trent.

 

Lovely Macclesfield Canal .. stunning and at the same time plenty of pubs and walks

 

Calden Canal .... ditto

 

Peak Forest Canal ....

 

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/peak/

 

(By Eck! .... nearly forgot the Rochdale .... the summit is stunning ... the walks brilliant .... )

The Weaver ....

 

http://www.discovercheshire.co.uk/Route.aspx?refnum=DC067&region=1

 

http://weaver.britainswaterways.co.uk/

 

 

All equally as nice as other places suggested ( you are spoilt for choices )

 

 

 

 

 

[luggsy]

just had a week cruising the caldon canal started at etruria festival park marina stock on Trent ( the Trent & Mersey ) 17 miles lovely scenery , not to many locks, you even get to go on the river churnet a hidden gem well recommended

[arbutus]

No one except the OP has mentioned the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal.

You could hire a boat from either Napton Narrowboats at Autherly Junction (they also hire on the South Oxford) or Countrywise cruisers at Brewood on the Shropshire Union canal. The best bit of the Staffs and Worcs is considered to be from just south of Autherly Junction through to just before Kidderminster. This would take you more than 4 hours a day and there are more than 30 locks in total but it is a pretty canal with narrow locks at regular intervals, so plenty of activity for you and you could walk between locks. Obviously, as an out and back cruise you don’t have to do the whole length. If you tire of locks, then head back early and go up the Shropshire union which has only one lock in eight hours cruising.

Wightwick Manor is close to the canal in Wolverhampton http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wightwick-manor/

 

Otherwise, as there are only two of you, I’d stick with one of the other three narrow canals in your original post.

 

Don’t forget, you will probably have to fill up with water at a water point at least every two days especially if you like hot showers. So you need to take this into your calculations if you intend not to move for a couple of days.