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Boating is one of those pastimes that has many variations. Sailing, dinghy racing, canoeing and motor cruising all fall under the title of boating, but are all very different. All too often boaters stick to their own area without ever experiencing what else is available to them, but they could well be missing out on a whole new pursuit if they never try anything new.
It's with this in mind that I approached my first break on the canals. As someone born and brought up in the Midlands it's quite an admission to have never spent time on 'the cut', but it's true. Although there have been a few excursions on the canals, and there have been more than a few trips to look at new boats being built for canal and river use, that's about the limit of my experience to date.
Be Prepared
So, a whole family of inexperienced canal boat users arrived at the Anderton base of Alvechurch boats late one Friday afternoon to take charge of a 58ft boat for a few days experiencing the delights of the Trent and Mersey canal in Cheshire. The staff at the marina were full of advice and assistance and, knowing the most daunting thing for any novice would be the thought of using a lock, spent time showing us the ropes on a model as well as providing written instructions
Plan your time
The following days saw us cruise up to Middlewich and enjoying some wonderful countryside and views. The journey took in a small aqueduct and both large and small locks, all of which proved entertaining and educational to all concerned. Being so close to the Anderton boat lift it would have been foolish to have not visited one of the most impressive constructions of the Victorian age.
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And, having looked at m any of the routes suggested by the majority of the hire firms, it's worth planning to take in these icons of the industrial revolution. The wildlife and surroundings as you pass through can make a trip worthwhile in themselves.
Practice makes Perfect
It's true that boaters, by and large, are a friendly bunch and there's a high degree of cameraderie between those afloat. Wherever the canal meanders it seems to attract interest, and the public and boat hirers seem to be of particular interest to canal boat owners. Be warned, speed at your own peril!
As for using a hire boat, the boat we used couldn't be faulted for its cleanliness nor for its inventory of equipment and supplies. Looking at some of the other hire firms on the canals we saw during our trip you wouldn't be stuck for choice, both in the levels of accommodation or overall size of boat.
Having been lucky enough to have been able to try out a wide range of boats over the years (all in the line of duty you understand) it's true that any novice will find even the most modest canal boat quite different to their usual craft. But, like everything, the more you do it the easier it becomes. Even the locks, which can put a lot of people off, are nothing to be frightened by.
As for advice buy a book Not a how to do it' book, but try to find a decent route planner for the area you're looking to cruise. We used one of the Pearson's Canal Companion books for our area and it proved invaluable as it not only tells you where you are, but also where the nearest water points can be found etc...
Most of these guides will also point you in the right direction of nearest places of
interest, ensuring you won't miss anything along the way. It may sound basic stuff, but it's easy to miss things when out, especially on your first trip.
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Also, ask questions of the staff at the hire firm. Don't be put off about sounding stupid despite being a seasoned boater in other areas. It's better to ask the basics than to save face and end up having problems down ithe canal.
A unique holiday
Canal life is at a different pace to anything else you may well have experienced. You
have to move slower. There are a fair number of characters on the cut who live and work
in this unique environment. You do see, and experience, more of the environment from
the canal than you do whizzing through it in your car.
Unique is a good all-encompassing phrase to cover the inland waterways system. Where else can you enjoy the joys of the countryside in the same way as caravanners and campers and still have the feeling of a boat beneath
your feet?
The trip was entertaining and very
enjoyable, despite the moans and groans of the dear lady wife after spending a day winding the lock paddles, and I for one
would encourage any boater to have at
least one trip to say they've tried it. It may not change you from your chosen path, but
you'll have experienced a unique part of our country's heritage.
Our thanks go to Alvechurch Waterway Holidays for the use of their boat.
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