Canal and River Holiday Blog
The Ashby CanalThe Ashby Canal , beautiful, rural canal, winding its way, lock free, through beautifull countryside. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Ashby Canal" Four Counties Ring, beautifull, ever changing canal cruisingThinking of Cruising the Four Counties Ring?Find all you need to know here. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Four Counties Ring, beautifull, ever changing canal cruising" brochuregreat holiday ideas from these brochures Permalink -- click for full blog post "brochure" Canal MapsCanal maps of U.K. and Europe Permalink -- click for full blog post "Canal Maps" Canal Boat Holidays, top mooring spots, top villages, top pubsIf youn want the best from your canal boat holidays, here are the some of the best mooring spots, best villages, and best pubs to visit. Thinking of cruising the peak Forest Canal? Check here first!All you need to know about the lovely Upper peak Forest Canal Canal Holiday on the Macclesfield, a delight in every wayThe Macclesfield Canal Narrowboat holiday, a delight with rural views, aquaducts, lovely villages, bustling towns, and cosy pubs. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Canal Holiday on the Macclesfield, a delight in every way" The Caldon CanalThe much underrated Caldon has some surprises for the canal traveller! Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Caldon Canal" Have You Seen the "On Britain's Canals" DVD's?I had the fortune recently to be sent a series of DVD’s on canal life, called “On Britain’s Canals”,Now had never heard of this set of DVD’s. so was interested to see what they were all about.They turned out to be a pretty enjoyable and very in formidable.There are 6 DVD’s in all, and each one covers a different aspect of life on the waterways.There are interviews with folk who have taken to living full time on the canals, a very good history of the working boats, tips on what to look for if you are intending to live on a boat and tips on boat handling.They would be very useful to anyone thinking of cruising for the first time, as it discusses the day to day routine on a hire boat, mooring tips, and advice on steering.All up I found the DVD’s very enjoyable and well put together.If you want more on the Canals of the U.K., visit: www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Permalink -- click for full blog post "Have You Seen the "On Britain's Canals" DVD's?" gallery of narrowboat picturesA gallery of narrowboat pictures, places and people on the canals. Permalink -- click for full blog post "gallery of narrowboat pictures" Have You Seen The Waterway Routes DVD's?I’ve just found the Warterway Routes DVD’s!I can’t remember how I found out about these new series of DVD, but I’m glad I came across them.As I am a real sucker for canal DVD’s, I immediately ordered the Cheshire Ring and Caldon Canal from their impressive website.I was not disappointed; the DVD’s arrived quickly, with a nice letter thanking me for my order.These DVD’s are up to date, and very informative. They have good narrative, and lovely scenes of the canals. The footage is taken from their narrow boat “Waterways Routes” and there are lots of other beautiful narrow boats gliding past the cameras.An added bonus is what comes with the DVD. They include an information booklet, and map, most helpful.My only criticism is they do not often venture in to the towns and villages, as the Video Active crew does.Apart from that, I was very happy with the product.Have you seen a Waterways Routes DVD? Let me know by visiting:www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Permalink -- click for full blog post "Have You Seen The Waterway Routes DVD's?" Narrowboating on the Macclesfield Canal..At Last we Got ThereIt was in 2004 as we were negotiating the rather heavy lock out the front of the Shroppie Fly. A very helpful fellow canal traveler helped us with the lock, and mentioned he had just come from the Macclesfield, and how enjoyable it was. It took us from then, till last May to get there but it was certainly worth it.The Macclesfield has a lot going for it, lovely villages, high embankments, and plenty of rural scenery. And it is handy to the Caldon, meaning we could do them both, and a fair bit of the Trent and Mersey, all in the one trip! Three canals for the price of one! Congleton, the first town along the cut, has good moorings opposite Congleton Wharf. A good variety of pubs, and plenty of shops here, although we couldn’t spend as much time here as we would have liked. Try the Railway Hotel for fab scampi! Also, try mooring just after the swing bridge at Oakgrove. Nice spot and the Fools Nook is as good a canal pub as you will find on the cut. The Bosley Flight locks were pretty tough, but what great scenery. The Macclesfield has some great little villages and towns. Macclesfield itself with its inside market, Heritage Centre and traffic free mall is a great place to explore. And the cozy Dolphin pub is welcoming and open when most others were closed.
Bollington is now one of our favorites. There are top moorings on the aqueduct and easy access to the village through the “Hole in the Wall”. Pop in and see Irish Mike at the Holly Bush, in Palmerston Street, then take a stroll down to the Vale, hidden away in Adlington Road, then if you can hop across to the Royal Oak, in Princess Street for a very personal welcome. Also here are a good variety of shops, including convenience store, two butchers, chemist and good newsagent. At the end of the Macci you have the choice of turning left to continue on to the Cheshire Ring, or right on to the Upper Peake Forest Canal, (that’s FOUR canals for the price of one!) We chose to head up to Whaley Bridge, on the Peake Forest, and we will tell you about that in another posting. Until then, Happy Cruising! Read more on the Macclesfield and other great canals at www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Using Canal Holiday Guides to Make Your Narrowboat Holiday Run Smoothlylaying with Canal Guides is as much fun as the actual holiday. (well, almost!)It is very important to have a good, informative Canal Guide to help your cruise go smoothly. Which one do you buy?There are three main Cruising guides, Nicholson, Pearson, and Waterways World.So let’s look at them all.Nicholson probably have the largest range of Canal Guides to the British canals available, and have a good reputation. They are bound in a solid cover, (all are red) and some have a spiral spine.We have not used them a lot, but many fellow boaters do. Our share owned "Stella" had a full set on board and we found them easy to use and robust.Some years back they were the ‘Boat Owners Guide”, with the other guides being relegated for Hire Boaters useThis is not quite the case now.Nicolsons Guides cover all the Canals and rivers of the U.K with good descriptions, lots of photos.The maps run from the top of the page, to the bottom Waterways World has had a checkered career in the canal guide market.We used them exclusively for our first ever trip in '85, and still have three of their original guides.For years waterways World have been the leading Waterways magazine, but for some reason they disappeared from the guide scene.There Canal Guides are back now, featuring the Llangollen, Grand Union (South), Shropshire Union, and OxfordHowever, they are bound in a sturdy wire bound cover, to lay nicely on the boats roof for easy reference.They also run from top of the page to bottom, with the colour map on the right hand page.Lovely colour photos, (typical of Waterways World) there are more canal guides planned from them.Pearsons is our canal guide choice. We have been using Pearsons since our ’85 trip, and have continued to do so.Their very detailed maps run from left to right, with the corresponding text underneath, the only guides to be in landscape format. It is clear informative and accurate. At the top of each page, is the number of miles travelled, the number of locks, and the time taken to travel that particular length of canal.We find this particularly useful when planning our trip.Pearson writes in a unique, entertaining style, (e.g. " Foxton Village basks in the sun like a sleek cat that has just had two helping of cream"), with handy notes on each village and the facilities in the town.Their guides cover the majority of canals in the U.K., including Llangollen, Shroppie, Oxford, Grand Union and Trent and Mersey. Which one is best? It is entirely personal. Have a look at each one, talk to other boaters, and make a decision. We have a selection of all of them. Have fun choosing and....Happy Cruising! www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com 3D artwork makes a splash at village!Here is an article by Nicola Irwin, about a wall painting in Stoke, Staffordshire, U.K. A painting creating an optical illusion of a narrowboat being steered along a canal has been painted by Staffordshire artist Rob Pointon.Viewed from certain angles the boat looks as thought it is bobbing along the canal under the guidance of the helmsman while two swans paddle past.But if the viewer takes a closer look, the picture is skewed out of recognition.The permanent pavement art has been installed in the grounds of the £18 million West End Village, sandwiched between London Road and Foden Street in Stoke, and built by Staffordshire Housing Association (SHA). The best vantage point to see the narrowboat in 3D is from the bridge in Corporation Street, standing at the bridge's central decorative strut. A second 3D picture has been added to a wall, to show a canal bridge and water.In the background is the lower parts of a building, of which the top half is genuinely visible above the real bridge in Corporation Street where the Newcastle Branch Canal used to flow.The canal theme is a nod to the site's previous use as part of the canal. Inside the West End Village building grey tiles also map the route where the canal flowed.Rob, put finishing touches to the work on Easter Monday. Now all that's left to do is varnish it. People can walk over the 'water' of the canal and the narrowboat.Diane Lea, chief executive of Staffordshire Housing Association, said: "Rob has created a fascinating work, which has proved to be a major talking point for residents and visitors to West End Village."It gives residents an insight to the history of the site and town of Stoke."Rob, who based the boat on a historical narrowboat called Keppel, moored near Etruria Industrial Museum, met up with residents yesterday.He acted as model for the helmsman himself, posing for a picture on the Keppel.He said: "There's a bit of trial and error with this style of painting, you do a few strokes and then you're checking it along the line of sight."At the front, a couple of paving flags is a big bit of the picture, but towards the back, it's a small part."I started work in November when it was still a building site, but because of that, there was a limited number of people around. I worked from a photograph of myself, but added the traditional boatman clothing and gave myself longer sideburns to make it a Victorian version of me.""The picture does look real and 3D. We saw it when it was being sketched out, before it was coloured in, and it looked amazing even then." There is lots to enjoy on the canals....find out more at: www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Happy Birthday to Charity NarrowboatA charitable narrowboat that provides day canal trips for disabled clients and their friends has celebrated 30 years of service. The charitable trust that operates the narrowboat New Horizons was established in 1981 by Gordon Bayley, the then Mayor of Stockport, who made it his Mayoral funding project during his year of office. Sadly, he died just 18 months after the Trust was set up. To celebrate New Horizons' milestone birthday, the Mayor of Stockport was joined by Gordon Bayley's widow to unveil a commemorative brass plaque on the boat. There was a performance by the Marple Brass band.Narrowboat's good work continues Gillian Postill from New Horizons said: “Funding the boat, and setting up the Trust in this way was an extraordinary achievement and Gordon would be delighted to know that the boat is still as busy 30 years on.” British Waterways provides a mooring in Marple, on the Peak Forest Canal, from which the boat has operated for the past 30 years. James Dunlop, the chair of the Trust, estimates that in that time, New Horizons has carried between 50,000 and 55,000 passengers. David Baldacchino, waterway manager for Manchester & Pennine Waterways said: “British Waterways are proud to be supporting such a great Trust. The New Horizons narrowboat provides a great outlet for disabled clients to experience the waterways, and we will continue to provide our mooring services to help this great charity continue its good work in the local community.” For more Canal and Narrowboat info, see www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Canal Web CamsLive Web Cams of Canal and Narrowboats Permalink -- click for full blog post "Canal Web Cams" Why not pause at Weedon Bec on Your Narrowboat Holiday?Not many people have thought of mooring at Weedon Bec on the Grand Union Canal. It’s the kind of town that you pass through to quickly get to somewhere else.However, on closer inspection, Weedon Bec has a lot to offer the Narrowboat traveler. As with a lot of canal towns, one just has to look closely.Weedon lies on the Grand Union Canal, tucked neatly between Nether Heyford, and Norton Junction.It’s a town we certainly didn’t have on our “Must visit” list, but when our boat Stella was based at Blisworth, we moored there quite a few times.Moorings are best around the viaduct, with the tower of the lovely church of St. Peters and St. Paul as a backdrop. There is quite a bit of private moorings on one side of the canal, but still plenty of room for the rest of us.A quick walk west of the canal brings one to Weedons most famous establishment….the Royal Ordnance Works. Here, good King George 111 was to be sent if Napoleon was ever to set foot in England during the wars of the early 19th century. Ordnance was also stored here, as it was considered no longer a good idea to store it near sea ports.Weedon was chosen because it was as far away from a seaport as one could get, and also William Jessop had just completed his Grand Union Canal.This part of Weedon is a busy little area, with a Chemist in Bridge Street, (closed on Saturday though!), a dentist in Church Street.Also in Church Street is a Greengrocer, and a handy little One Stop, handy for newspapers, general provisions and off-lisence.There are also a good range of pubs here.We felt very welcome at the Plume of Feathers, (Pedigree in fine form) with its moody interior, and the very local Malsters Arms in West Street one of our favorite canal pubs.Down from Bridge 24 is the “other” Weedon.Here is a gathering of antique shops, plus the Heart of England pub with its appealing outside gardens.Further around is a garage with an auto teller for when reserves are runninig low.We thoroughly enjoyed our several stays at Weedon Bec, perched high on the embankment.And it is a brisk walk to Stowe Hill, and the wonderful Narrow boat Inn as well.Pause at Weedon Bec soon, and enjoy it. There is lots to enjoy on the canals....find out more at: www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Black Prince In LondonBlack Prince are now operating out of London. They recently opened threir base near Bulls Bridge. The London base is an ideal place from which to explore London and its attractions at an easy pace. It combines the best of the sights along with a more relaxed lifestyle. The Grand Union Canal Paddington Arm will take you through the heart of London, past most of the attractions of the big city and many hidden gems conveniently accessed via the waterways. Further afield, though easily reached via London transport you can see Buckingham Palace, the London museums and art galleries, Covent Garden’s famous markets or go and see a west end show. The London Underground and bus connections will take you to wherever you want to go off the water and at the end of the day you leave the city behind and return to the peace of the waterways. For more information, visit the Black prince website at: And for more on Canal and Narrowboat Holidays, visit: www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Boat talk and Demo at Stourport LibraryA BOAT talk and a demonstration of narrow boat painting will be held at Stourport Library this month. Coracles and the River Severn talk by David Struckett is on Tuesday, March 15 from 2.30pm until 3.30pm A demonstration of traditional narrow boat painting with Sam from Stourport Chandlery will be on Thursday, March 17, between 10.30am and 12pm. To book a place on either day call Maureen Hobbs on 01905 822722 or email StourportLib@worcestershire.gov.uk For more great information on Canal and Narrowboat Holidays visit: www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Great Haywood....Great Village!Located at the meeting spot of the Trent and Mersey and Staff and Worcester Canal, Great Haywood lies alongside the ramparts of the imposing Shugborough Estate.This magnificent estate is now owned by the photographer Lord Lichfield, and was once owned by the intrepid sailor, Admiral George Anson.Travelling to Great Haywood by canal has the advantage of being able to moor nearby, providing a magnificent view of the stately home right out your boats window!So it is only a brief walk to the hall. It’s worth the effort as there are lots to do for the whole family. A working farm, with a train to take the children around.But Shugborough Hall is not the only attraction here at Great Haywood. If you can drag oneself away from the enticing Clifford Arms Inn to the nearby laneway, follow it under the railway, and over the canal.This little walk will bring one to the lovely Essex Bridge, said to be the finest examples of the bridge in the U.K.Now Great Haywood became an important junction when James Brindley joined the two canals he built, the Staff and Worcester and Trent and Mersey in 1777. This was all part of his Grand Cross scheme to link the four English Estuaries: Humber, Thames, Severn and Mersey.The Junction, under a beautiful roving bridge played an important part in the Canal mania years, and today remains an important canal town, with a hire fleet and mariner operating there.The town itself remains peaceful and unspoilt.The delightful Clifford Arms Inn has a large bar area, warm feeling and friendly staff. This is an old favorite of ours, and one of the best canal pubs we have been in.Up the road a bit is the Fox and Hounds, a pub we came across quite by accident.A cute, small pub with low black beams, dark timber bar to match, and a nice pint of Old Speckled hen.There is a Spar in the village and a post office as well. And a general store with a butcher.Also down by the junction is a delightful farm shop. www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com Easter Gathering at Ellesmere Port!If you have never been to Ellesmere Port, here is a great weekend to go. Planning has already started for next Easter's boat gathering at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port. The Historic Narrow Boat Owners Club is helping organise the event, which will be held over the Easter weekend, 22 - 25 April. There’s going to be plenty to see with activities including a sea shanty festival and entertainment on the Saturday and Sunday evenings. All boats are welcome and ex-working boats and their crews will be admitted free. On the Friday, the Boat Museum Society will be hosting a talk led by Pat Crecraft about the campaigning work of George Smith of Coalville in 'A Special Kind of Traffic'. If you want to take your boat to the festivities, please contact Mike Turpin in advance, so that best use can be made of the mooring space. Mike can be contacted at:miketurpin@onetel.com Not Everyone Loves Canal boats!It’s true! Here is an article I came across. The locals are objecting to the new Mariner in Swindon. Too many people, and to many fumes! Swindon marina plan moves a step closer
"Swindon marina plan moves a step closer Controversial plans to flood part of the South Staffordshire green belt to create a 200-boat marina have been recommended for approval by council officers, it emerged today. Plans for the complex near Swindon prompted objections from more than 200 residents, but are now just one step from full approval after winning the backing of South Staffordshire Council’s planning officers. Villagers fear the marina will hit local independent traders and leave the small settlement swamped by thousands of boaters and visitors. Gordon Fanthom, of Hinksford Gardens, Swindon, has been co-coordinating objections on behalf of various groups, including Swindon Civic Society, Marina Action Alliance and the Marina Action Group. The 50-year-old, who owns a car repair garage in Wombourne, said today: “Next week’s meeting has become judgment day for the village of Swindon. It would effectively be the end of the village. There would be 1,000 people coming and going continuously, not to mention fumes from the boats.” An Environment Agency report requested by campaigners also revealed that the proposed marina is so large it is covered by the Reservoirs Act. Original proposals for a 252-boat marina were scaled down earlier this year. Revised plans were submitted for 226 narrowboats before the latest plans for 199 boats. A visitor centre on the site has also been scaled down. South Staffordshire Council’s regulatory committee will meet on Tuesday from 6.30pm to vote on the plans. Paul Turner, planning agent for applicants Timothy and Joanna Munday, said the recommendation followed more than two years of work to address issues raised. “We feel the recommendation is justified and agree with the conclusion,” he added." Ah well, can't please them all! Love Your Boats? Love Your Beer?Then here is the perfect weekend for you! It’s the Alvechurch Boat Owners Weekend and Beer Festival, held at the Alvechurch Mariner, Worcestershire on the weekend of 13th, 14th, and 15th May.Have a delightful time looking at the range of boats, then relax in the Weighbridge and sample one of the more than 30 ales available. Maybe purchase a share in one of the boats on display.The Beer Festival runs Friday 13th May, 6.00pm to 11.00pm, and Saturday 14th May 12.00 noon to 11.00pm.Boat Owners weekend will run on Saturday and Sunday 11.00 am to 11.00 pm. I can't think of a better way to spend a weeknd! Middlewich Boat and Folk Festival 21st. AnniversaryFrom 17th – 19th June 2011, the market town of Middlewich will be celebrating the 21st Anniversary of the Folk & Boat Festival!As in previous years, Middlewich will be offering an inviting selection of Main stage and Fringe music in various venues around the town, backed up by the colourful array of Narrow Boats along the canal. They are also proud to continue their tradition of Morris Dancing displays, a Celidh night, stalls, workshops and celebration of the rich heritage of Middlewich.
Each year Middlewich looks forward to over 20,000 people visiting the Festival – and you can be sure that there is something for everyone! They offer family-friendly activities & venues during the day, plus Fringe music at pubs around the town -many of which welcome children. At night the buzz of the festival rises, with more Fringe music and Main Stage acts, filling the local venues to capacity. There will, as usual, be plenty of stalls to peruse and wide variety of food & drink available from caterers plus of course local pubs, restaurants & takeaways.If you are interested in history, Middlewich has a fascinating past, dating back to Roman times, when the town was established around the production of Salt. The church in the centre of town (St Michael & All Angels) contains pillars dating back to Norman times, and in 1643, Middlewich was the site of 2 battles between the Parliamentarians and Royalists.
There also lies a rich heritage on the canals of the town - the Shropshire Union, Trent & Mersey & the Wardle. This is brought to life over the weekend by the visiting boats with their colourful displays & wonderful characters, who are always willing to give of their time to answer your questions.Back to the music part of the Festival....... there will be great demand for tickets for the 21st Anniversary, and for that reason, would encourage you to buy your tickets as early as possible. Remember, you can save money if you go for the Early Bird offer! Just click on the link below & follow the online simple instructions.Middlewich look forward to welcoming you all to the 2011 Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival! www.midfest.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=11.com Real Boating On a Budget!Everyone knows canal and river cruising is a great, economical family holiday.But now it is even more so with Hoseasons widest ever choice of fantastic value boats! Whether you are looking for a long break on the Norfolk Broads - Britain's magical waterland - or a short break cruising Britain's canals and waterways, relax and discover the most peaceful way to holiday in the UK! They have selected for you our best value range of boats available in peak season from less than £25 per person per night on the Norfolk Broads and from less than £35 per person per night on the canals and rivers.Have a look at what’s on offer here: http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/Webpages/Promotion/BoatList.aspx?PromotionId=1309.com |
