Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Narrow Boating

When I was 24 (in the last century) some friends and I hired a 55' long narrow boat for a fortnight.

Starting at Rugby we headed south down the Oxford Canal to Oxford. There we joined Isis(!), or the Thames and travelled down to Brentford, West London to join the Grand Union Canal, back to Rugby.

It was quite a demanding schedule and we set off early each day so we could max the time to absorb the culture at the excellent public houses along the way. I have memories of us working through locks with some crew members still in pyjamas!

The Oxford Canal was far and away the prettiest with very narrow locks, fractionally wider than the boat. These proved a challenge for the first day but the steel boat absorbed a lot of punishment.

The Thames was pretty and interesting, but not something you couldn't do over a series of weekends on a tour boat. The locks are massive and all electric and it was only when we manually worked through one lock early one morning that we appreciated that power.

The Grand Union was more industrial and interesting from an industrial archeological perspective and pretty in some places. The locks take boats two abreast and are much bigger than those on the Oxford Canal. A highlight was a magnificent flight of locks, from memory somewhere in N. Northamptonshire, where we spent much of one afternoon working up and and over a hill. And of course Blisworth Tunnel which, from memory is a couple of miles long - and we didn't try legging through it, but it was a good experience.

I have no idea how congested the canals are now but I would be happy to have another canal holiday if the opportunity arose.

Foxton Locks?

I owned one for about 10 years. Sold it and bought Mog, I know this sounds like heresy but enjoyed both equally. One big difference is that the narrowboat travels at 4 mph it does not matter how fast you try to go you will only manage about 4 mph because of the Locks.

As for where to go for a week I suggest picking an area of the country that interests you for whatever reason, there is amazing scenery to be had and equally amazing engineering, Anderton Lift, Crofton Pumping station and Falkirk Wheel to mention just 3.

Do leave time to leave the boat and explore for a few hours. You will have fun.

Interesting canals around the Leicesterhire area including one that has 4 consecutive locks

I love canals and narrow boats!

The only issue is Mrs RB does not - and refuses to even discuss a weekend on one.

Never mind - she loves the Mog!

Foxton Locks and Hatton Flight on the Grand Union are just amazing too!

"One big difference is that the narrowboat travels at 4 mph it does not matter how fast you try to go you will only manage about 4 mph because of the Locks. "

Quicker than the Dartford Tunnel at least.

As with all things, research is the clue to enjoyment.
I suggest you get a brochure from one of the big players in boat hire, Hoseasons are probably a good start (no connection). Look for an area of the country that interests you, see previous posts above. I would always try and get a location where you can do a circular route with a good number of locks. You can estimate the journey times in "lock miles". 1 lock equals 1 mile of canal cruising at 4mph.
Pick you boat carefully, as a rule, I avoid the need to "make up" beds I.e. Select a boat with the required number of permanent beds. If taking children, make sure they can sleep away from the "living" area as the big kids will want to sit up late(and usually make some noise!
Find a lock somewhere near home and go people watching for an hour or so, this will be entertaining as well as giving you the confidence to DIY.
If you are making up a small group (many hands make light work) be sure you are people of very like mind as the close proximity can raise issues.
Most of all when you get on your boat, chill out and relax, it's not a place to rush around..........enjoy the change, or is that challenge?
More to follow as I collect my thoughts.

That's it! thanks Richard.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=foxton+locks&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiU4tPHjuPMAhWJmpQKHRtrC8AQ_AUICCgC&biw=1280&bih=558#tbm=isch&tbs=rimg%3ACeH5URcbNw0uIjhuVUrmkNivp5JgWUcLVPF1GzTkzz9S27YPi4jN4S_1iPDK7OBOKjxSj9IDC3nZt1F8UutyxWYAtNyoSCW5VSuaQ2K-nEdUk5uah1qKuKhIJkmBZRwtU8XUR7FwUGW0bLowqEgkbNOTPP1LbthEgRxWDLAQHqSoSCQ-LiM3hL-I8ETfNo_1X8IGmYKhIJMrs4E4qPFKMRGoDezoxW4cYqEgn0gMLedm3UXxHikiVGBmbd9SoSCRS63LFZgC03EcT-iITt9pxI&q=foxton%20locks&imgrc=kmBZRwtU8XUwBM%3A

Full reply when back from hols in Ireland (where I'm trying to teach them to adopt 2G in the southwest).

Love my narrowboat and won't give it up whilst I can afford it!

Cheers