We have not been on a canal boat holiday before. Do we need experience
or a driving licence?
No. The boats are easy to handle. If you've never been on
a narrow boat before, then we'll make sure you know what
you need to. Before your holiday we'll send you our
Information Pack which includes a video or DVD
showing the right way to handle the boat and work locks,
as well as detailed route information.
There is more information in the manual and cruising
guides on your boat.
When you arrive to start your
canal boat holiday we will give you a thorough briefing on the
waterway and your boat. One of our experienced staff
will show you how to handle the boat and work the first
three locks on your journey. Check out our
Boat
Handover
Procedure
- it's Quality Assured by the British Marine Federation. |
Which route should we choose?
If you want a leisurely trip, or this is your first
canal boat holiday, choose an ‘out & back’ holiday so that
you are not committed to any particular schedule and can
do just the distance and number of locks that suit you.
If you have canal boat holiday experience, enjoy locks and
want an active holiday with about 8 hours boating a day
– a one way trip might suit you. Ensure that your whole
crew is keen to do this. Each route description has more
information. |
Are there lots of locks on all routes?
To get across the Pennines, the engineers
built many locks. Experienced boaters often see the
activity and skill of doing locks as one of the main
attractions, and so prefer our more hilly routes. But
some of our routes are less heavily locked, so there
should be something to suit everybody. |
Are the canals easy to use?
It's fascinating to travel on waterways which
are over 200 years old, but their age means that few
structures are of modern design. this is essential to
their charm and you must make allowances if sometimes
things are harder to use than you'd like. This may
particularly be true of the Rochdale and Huddersfield Narrow
which have been reopened only recently and are
undergoing further work to bring them to the standard of
the rest of the network. |
Can we bring our pets?
Yes. We make no charge for up to two dogs (or cats,
hamsters, goldfish …) Please keep them off the
upholstery. Extra dogs will be charged at £30 per week
or part week. See our pet page. |
Can we get provisions and water as we go?
Yes - there are plenty of shops and free water points en
route. |
What linen will be provided?
Double or single duvet set or single sleeping bag and
liner with pillows, pillowcases and blankets as
required. We will send you a bedding order form. Tea
towels are provided. Towels are not, except for those
who book from overseas. |
Can we bring any mains equipment?
There is a normal 3-pin socket for chargers and shavers,
up to 150w. There is also a cigar-lighter socket, as in
a car, for 12v chargers. Non-rechargeable shavers can also be used from a
special point. Cornwall, Hereford, Norfolk, Oxford, Stafford and Sussex have 230v systems, for loads up to 1kw. |
What about insurance?
You are covered for damage to the boat and third party
claims for accidents involving the boat up to £3m. You
are responsible for the first £500 of any claim,
repairs, or loss of equipment. You will buy a waiver of
that liability for £45, which must be added to the hire
fee and is non-returnable. We recommend that you obtain
cover for cancellation, and offer our own scheme at
extra cost (see
Booking page).
Our insurance does not cover you for
personal accidents and personal possessions. We strongly
recommend that you obtain suitable cover. |
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Do we need a minimum crew?
In order to control the boat through locks and swing
bridges you need a minimum of two participating adults:
one to handle the boat, and one to work the lock or
bridge (this is the physically more demanding of the two
jobs). Neither can be primarily looking after other
people or dogs. Older teenagers can be very helpful, but
remember that the hirer is responsible for their
supervision. If you have two adults plus small children,
don’t plan too ambitious a route, and be open to
child-centred distractions such as ducks or swings. If
you have adults with restricted mobility, or who need care, you may need extra crew.
Please see our
Access page.
We regret we cannot hire to single-handed boaters,
however experienced. |
Will the children be bored?
Not for a moment. Children love the excitement of canal
boat holidays, especially when they can help at locks. There
are also lots of
things to do along the way - for
example, Eureka!, the famous museum for children. As
long as children are sensible there is no danger, but we
do recommend that they (and any adult non-swimmers) wear
life jackets, which we provide free. |
Do we have to pay for locks or moorings?
No. We have paid the boat licence fees and towpath
mooring is free. Passage through Standedge is free
for the boat and up to 4 passengers; extra passengers
£6. |
Will we have enough fuel and gas?
Yes, and it's included in the price. If you need a
toilet pumpout we will repay you. |
Will our car be OK?
You will park free of charge behind gates locked at
night (you will have a key) in our yard at Sowerby
Bridge. We have no parking in Burnley or Ashton. |
Can we bring our own phone or video?
Yes. There is a 230v supply suitable for mains chargers,
and also a cigar lighter socket, as in a car, into
which you can plug your charger. |
Can we bring bikes or canoes?
Yes - but they have to live on the roof, so please bring
something to protect our paintwork. For licences, see
Waterscape. |
Can we fish?
The fishing is let to many different clubs, only some of
which issue day tickets. You must have a National Rod
Licence. |
Are all routes always available?
On any waterway holiday, traffic may occasionally have
to stop because, for instance, of emergency repairs to
structures, flood on rivers, or water shortage on
canals. British Waterways work very hard to prevent
delays, but be prepared to change your route at short
notice if
something goes wrong. We would do everything we could to
help, but you would not be entitled to compensation and
must make every effort to get the boat back on time.
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Why are none of your boats longer than 56'?
To fit the short locks on the Calder & Hebble
Navigation, between Sowerby Bridge and Dewsbury. |
What if we break down or have an accident?
You will have our helpline number. We will give you
advice, or come quickly to sort out your problem. |
Can
we get a copy of your Brochure?
You can either
see it onscreen now,
download
it as a 3Mb PDF file or
give us your
address and we'll post one out. But it isn't as
comprehensive as this online version! |
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Can you
recommend fleets in other parts of the country?
We are members of
Drifters -
between us we have nationwide availability of quality-assessed
boats. We also recommend some
family firms. |
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When will our boat be ready?
Our takeover time is 2pm. You will appreciate that we're
very busy until then making sure everything is right for
you, so please don't be early! There are good lunch
places in Sowerby Bridge, so you can meet up with the
rest of your party.
...and when do we give it back?
Please be back by 9am and let us have the boat by
9.30am. |
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Any more questions?
Please ask and we'll be happy to tell you anything we
can. It sometimes helps to discuss the features of
different boats before you choose. If you can visit to
look at them, so much the better - but, before you set
out, check which boats will be in the yard on the day.
In winter time, be prepared to see boats stripped out
for maintenance. |
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