WE'RE going to crash ... watch out! A warning from my son alerted me to the possibility that our brand spanking new 67-foot narrowboat could not win a looming confrontation with a concrete bridge pier!
Trying to negotiate a near right-angled bend in the canal under probably the smallest canal bridge in the world is no easy task when you. are steering such a monster. Thankfully I had approached the bridge very slowly and, following a bit of manoeuvring, a deft push with a barge pole sent us or our way.
Other obstacles sent to test me included two 500-yard-long tunnels and the lock-gates system.
It is all part of the way of life on Britain's canals - a network which is attracting more and more people on 'get-away-from-it-all' trips in the heart of the countryside.
A spot of fishing, pub lunches and strolls around country towns is the basic fare on offer and we found it a totally relaxing experience.
Our party assembled at the Acton Bridge base of Black Prince Holidays, to be met by the site proprietors Margaret and Ron. After being shown the ropes on our narrowboat we were shown a useful video about the canals, narrowboats and how to work the lock system.
Finally, luggage loaded aboard, we took off. After discussion with Margaret and Ron we decided to sail south to Middiewich - plenty of pubs and lovely countryside, we were told.
The beauty of a canal holiday is - unlike, say, the Norfolk Broads in summer, or any other river holiday - is that you can tie up your narrowboat at virtually any point on the towpathside.
Waterside pubs are obviously a big draw for holidaymakers and a friendly greeting and reasonably-priced pub grub is always on offer.
Our route to Middlewich took us past the recently refurbished Anderton-boat lift which transports boats to the River Weaver below. It is a really impressive piece of engineering and a newly-opened exhibition centre looks likely to be a big tourist attraction in the summer.
A couple of hours break for a spot of fishing and we were on our way again, mooring for thenight at Broken Cross in mid Cheshire.
The following morning we set off at a leisurely pace toward Middlewich, stoppping en route at a marina to fill the tank upwith fresh water.
The first locks on this stretch are at Middlewich and it was here we had our first experience of operating one. It all went without a hitch and we moored up virtually in the centre of the town.
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On a three-day trip you are limited on how far you can travel. Of course turning a 67-foot narrowboat to retrace your steps is only possible at certain points. One of these 'winding holes' is located at Middlewich and with a bit of deft manoeuvring we found ourselves heading back.
• WE booked our break through Black Prince
Holidays which offers a wide variety of
canal holidays throughout the British Isles. • This year thejcompany has increased its fleel with more than 30 new craft being commissioned. • Black Prince has bases throughout the country -a new base has just opened in • A short break with Black Prince holidays costs from £59 per person for a full three-
day break (Saturday afternoon - Tuesday
afternoon or Wednesday morning to
Saturday morning) • Full details of these and longer breaks can be obtained from Black Prince Holidays Ltd, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
B60 4LA. Tel: 01527 575115 Web:
www.black-prince.corn
The return journey is a totally different experience because you see the countryside from another perspective than the outward journey.
The inside of the narrowboat was furnished to a very high standard: Two wcs, shower, galley with fridge and cooker, dining area, TV and radio are standard in the six-berth 'Duchess class' boats. Comfortable beds and lots of storage space complete the package. Duvets and bedlinen, towels and tea towels are all provided.
Back at Acton Bridge we moored up for the final time, wishing that we could just have chugged on past and seen what other delights were waiting for us further up the canal. |
