T was with some trepidation that I took the controls of our narrow-boat and steered us off into the unknown.
     But my initial nervousness of safely piloting a 62 foot barge soon disappeared as I got to grips with the art of avoiding the riverbank.
     Canal boat holidays are growing increasingly popular as they offer a perfect way of exploring Britain without all the hassle of clogged up roads and endless traffic jams. And there really is nothing to fear in taking the plunge, so to speak, and getting in the slow lane on a canal.
     We picked up our barge at Chirk, a beautiful pic- turesque little town - with a fine curry house - just across the border in Wales. Black Prince Holidays operates narrowboats of afl sizes from the marina, with something to suit everyone.
     After a tour of the boat with lots of easy to follow instructions we were on the way to relaxation.
     We followed the Llangollen canal, a rural route that took us over a spectacularly high aqueduct providing some breathtaking views but not really one for those with no head for heights.
     The rest of the canal was a breeze compared to that experience and actually only has FOUR locks. Locks really aren't to be feared. It's all common sense and as everybody you meet on the canal is so friendly .there is nearly always someone to help you out.
     We also encountered lifting bridges, where you can hold up the occasional bit of traffic while you slowly pass through.
     The water took us through some beautiful country- side on the England-Wales border and at times you could feel adrift in your own world with little signs of civilisation around. And there was no need to be worried by this as the quite luxurious boat had everything we needed - cooker, fridge, television, shower, two toilets  and enough room to sleep six to eight people.
   You get an immense feeling of freedom as you moor up in what could be the middle of nowhere far from the nearest sound of a car.         

    
     When civilisation did appear round a bend in the canal it was in the shape of the pretty little village of Ellesmere.
     This is a busy place for canal boats but even as novices we were made welcome by everyone else on the water and managed to enlist some help in executing a three point turn to get us back underway.
     You can be as active or inactive as you want on a canal holiday and cooking needn't be a chore with countless pubs lining the water or within walking
      Locks really aren't to be feared. Its all common sense and there is nearly always  someone to help.