Shire Cruisers Boating Holiday FAQs

We have not been on a canal boating 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 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 hire training and 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. 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.

Is it easy to turn round?
There are winding holes (turning points) at frequent intervals, marked in the guides on your boat.

Can we bring our pets?
Yes - see our pet-friendly boating holidays page for hints and tips. 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.

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 charge up our phone, or bring hair straighteners?
You have a full 230v system, for loads up to 1kw. A microwave and mains hairdryer are provided. There is also a cigar-lighter socket, as in a car, for 12v chargers.

What if we cancel?
You may receive a partial or full refund, depending on how much notice you give, and whether we are able to re-let the boat.

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 non-returnable waiver of that liability for £50. Our insurance does not cover you for personal accidents and personal possessions, or for cancellation not refundable as above. Unless you already have it, we strongly recommend that you obtain suitable cover (see Booking page).

Which route should we choose?
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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 Accessibility 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 boating 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.

What do your other customers think?
Check out their useful Reviews.

Do we have to pay for locks or moorings?
No. We have paid the boat licence fees and towpath mooring is free.

Will we have enough fuel and gas?
You will have enough free fuel for about 2 weeks’ normal cruising. If you need a toilet pumpout or additional gas we will repay you. On adventurous fortnights or longer trips, you may need to pay for additional diesel.

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. Parking is available at Foulridge for Warwick and Dorset only. We have no parking in Ashton. Vehicles are left at owners' risk.

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 Canal & River Trust .

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. Canal & River Trust 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.

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 3 Mb PDF file or give us your address and we'll post one out. But it isn't as comprehensive as this online version!

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.

How do we find you?
What are the best trains from London?
How do we reach you from the airport?
Can you recommend somewhere to stay the night before?
Please see our Find Us and Where to Stay pages for these answers!

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.

Any more questions?
Please ask and we'll be happy to tell you anything we can. Call 01422 832712 or use our enquiry form. 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.