From rural retreats to vibrant city centres, narrowboat holiday-makers can explore Britain’s peaceful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways, with the choice of hundreds of waterside destinations and historic canalside pubs to visit along the way.
1. Cruise to Castlefield Basin in Manchester and visit the Hard Rock Cafe
On a week’s break from Drifters’ narrowboat boat hire base at Acton Bridge near Northwich in Cheshire, boaters can cruise to Manchester and back, enjoying time in the countryside as well as the city. The return route travels 54 miles, two locks (one each way) and takes around 18 hours. The route travels along a section of the Trent & Mersey Canal and through the Preston Brook Tunnel. Boaters then join the lock-free Bridgewater Canal, cruising through the Cheshire countryside and the historic village of Lymm. Then it’s on through Stockton Heath and Sale, past the Manchester United football ground, Salford Quays and the Old Trafford Cricket Ground. In Manchester, boaters can moor up at Castlefield Basin, within easy reach of city centre attractions, including the Hard Rock Cafe.
2. Navigate to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath
On a weekend break from Drifters’ base at Hilperton near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, boaters can travel along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Sydney Wharf, on the edge of Bath City Centre. On the way, the route passes through the medieval town of Bradford on Avon, with a choice of independent shops and restaurants. The canal crosses the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas with spectacular views of the Bath Valley. Once at Sydney Wharf, boaters can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath City Centre. The journey to Sydney Wharf and back travels 24 miles, passes through two locks (one each way) and takes around eight hours.
3. Travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh
On a four-night break from Drifters’ canal boat hire base at Falkirk, canal boat holiday-makers can cruise along the Union Canal to Edinburgh and back. The trip starts with a passage through the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. Pubs to visit along the way include The Bridge Inn at Linlithgow and The Bridge Inn at Ratho. Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street. The journey to Edinburgh Quay and back travels 64 miles, passes through six locks (three each way) and takes around 22 hours.
4. Cruise through the Aire Valley and up onto the Pennines
On a week’s holiday from Drifters base at Silsden in West Yorkshire, boaters can cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Barnoldswick and back. The route takes boaters along the valley of the River Aire and through the villages of Kildwick, Bradley and Snaygill. At Skipton, boaters can moor up to explore the town’s medieval castle and great choice of places to eat. Three miles on through the hills, the route reaches Gargrave on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Further along at Bank Newton there seven locks that take boaters up on to the Pennines, then on through East Marton and Greenberfield. At Barnoldswick there’s a choice of places to eat and the Pendle Way to explore. The journey there and back travels 38 miles, passes through 30 locks (15 each way) and takes around 22 hours.
5. Travel round the Droitwich Ring
Starting from the Drifters’ base at Worcester, this circuit can be completed on a four night mid-week break. The route cruises the Droitwich canals through Droitwich Spa and sections of the River Severn and Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Route highlights include: Vines Park in Droitwich; the ancient village of Salwarpe; Diglis Junction; and views of Worcester Cathedral. The journey travels 21 miles, passes through 33 locks and takes around 16 hours.
6. Glide across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
On a week’s break from Drifters narrowboat hire base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, boaters can cruise to the historic town of Whitchurch and back. The journey includes crossing the 38 metres high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to enjoy incredible views of the Rive Dee Valley. Places to eat along the way include: the Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Room at Trevor; the Bridge Inn at Chirk; the Boathouse at Ellesmere; and the Black Bear at Whitchurch. The journey to Whitchurch and back travels 52 miles, passes through four locks (two each way) and takes around 25 hours.
7. Boat through the Staffordshire and Shropshire countryside to Market Drayton
On a week’s break from Drifters’ narrowboat hire base at Autherley, canal boat holiday-makers can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to the historic town of Market Drayton, home of the gingerbread man. The route takes boaters through the countryside and a series of deep cuttings where time seems to stands still. Pubs to visit along the way include: the Bridge Inn at Brewood; the Hartley Arms at Wheaton Ashton; and the Junction Inn at Norbury. The journey to Market Drayton and back travels 53 miles, passes through 14 locks (seven each way) and takes around 24 hours.
8. Float through the Brecon Beacons to Llangynidr
On a weekend break from Drifters’ base at Goytre near Abergavenny, boaters can cruise along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to Llangynidr, enjoying spectacular views of the River Usk Valley and Brecon Beacons National Park. Pubs to visit along the way include: the Bridgend Inn at Govilon; the Bluebell Country Inn at Crickhowell; and the Horseshoe Inn at Llangattock. The journey to Llangynidr and back travels 32 miles and takes around 13 hours. There are no locks along this route.
For more information about Drifters boating holidays visit www.drifters.co.uk.
For information about visiting the canal network go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
