Drifting through Britain's rural countryside, it's hard to imagine that this network of waterways was once a hive of activity and right at the heart of Britain's Industrial Revolution. Business was booming in the 18th century and raw materials needed to be transported to factories as cheaply as possible. So, in 1759, the Duke of Bridgewater petitioned Parliament and won the right to build canal tunnels directly into his mines, so that coal could easily be transported to Manchester.This was a huge success and more canals followed. This form of transporting goods was also perfect for potteries based around Staffordshire so that products arrived in one piece. After all, a smooth canal boat journey was much more Wedgwood-friendly than a horse and cart on the poor roads. However, the railways spelled the end for industrial canals and, today you're more likely to see holiday boats cruising the waterways. There are canal boat operators all around the country that offer short breaks, 'self-drive' holidays and 'let someone else do the work' hotel boats. Have a go — I did and found it's a great way to explore hidden Britain and sample life in the slow lane. VIKING AFLOAT I must admit, as a first-time boater, the prospect of steering a 48ft canal boat was slightly daunting. Surely a hotel boat, with the services of an experienced crew, would have been a better initiation to the waterways? I shouldn't have worried. From the moment we arrived at Lowesmoor Basin in Worcester, home of Viking Afloat, to the moment we set off on 'Valkyrie', we were made to feel completely at ease. As we made our way out of the basin to join the Worcester and Birmingham canal, I was glad Malcolm from Viking Afloat had joined us for the first part of the journey Especially when, ten minutes later, we caught a glimpse of our first lock looming ahead. Under Malcolm's supervision we moored and then headed to the gates armed with our windlasses, ready to perform the ritual of raising paddles and opening and closing gates. "There's definitely a knack to it" Malcolm called over as I struggled slightly — no kidding — but we did it and the sense of satisfaction as we emerged from the first lock was immense. It was at this point that Malcolm stepped off the boat and, with a cheery wave and a "good luck", he was off. The initial panic of being left on our own soon gave way to relaxation as we drifted along the canal, taking in our surroundings and the abundance of birdlife. It wasn't long before we were out in the perfect Worcestershire countryside, with rolling green fields occupied by skittish lambs and no one around for miles. What's really great about canal boating, apart from the sense of splendid isolation and excellent vantage point, is the congeniality of the people you meet. Walkers and cyclists waved to us from the towpath and the other boaters were equally as friendly, often providing an extra pair of hands to help with the locks — "just buy us a drink in the pub later" — one couple called out as they held the gates open for us. Even when we did manage to ground the boat, or steer too near to the weeping willows, it was easily overcome and just added to the adventure. We spent four idyllic days and three cosy nights cruising toTibberton, on to Dunhampstead, through the Dunhampstead tunnel — 210 metres of atmospheric, dripping darkness - before turning at Droitwich Canal Junction and retracing our journey. By the time we arrived back in Worcester, mooring and manoeuvring had become second nature and we had the locks down to a fine art. So it was with some sadness that we bid farewell to 'Valkyrie' and prepared ourselves for life back on land. Would we do it again? It's already booked… |
MEMBERS OF DRIFTERS CONSORTIUM
Black Prince Narrowboat Holidays, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B604LA; tel: (01527) 575115: www.black-prince.com. Award-winning canal boat company operating from six UK bases, including Napton, in Oxfordshire, which is ideally situated forthe Warwickshire Ring and East Midlands canals.
Cambrian Cruisers, Ty Newydd, Pencelli, Brecon LD3 7U; tel: (01874) 665315; www.cambriancruisers.co.uk. Cambrian Cruisers is a small family run business operating luxury narrowboats on the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Claymoore Navigation, The Wharf, Preston Brook, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4BA; tel: (01928) 717273; www.claymoore.co.uk. Quality canal boat company offering short breaks from Preston Brook to Cheshire, and longer routes such as The Four Counties Ring.
Drifters, PO Box 232, Worcester WR1 2SD; tel: 08457 626252; www.drifters.co.uk. Operators of hire and hotel boats with more than 300 boats from 20 bases nationwide, ail of which are tourist board approved.
Middlewich Narrowboats, Canal Terrace, Middlewich, Cheshire CW109BD; tel: (01606) 832460; www.middlewichboats.co.uk. Small canal boat with routes taking in the famous Barton Swing Aqueduct, Anderton Boat lift, Pontysyllte Aqueduct and Harecastle Tunnel.
Rose Narrowboats, Fosse Way, Stretton-under-Fosse, Nr Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 OPU; tel: (01788) 832449; www.rose-narrowboats.co.uk. Long established company owned by the Steward and Ambrose families. With 22 self-drive tourist- board approved boats available for weekly or short break narrowboat holidays as well as a day boat.
Viking Afloat, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester WR1 2RS, TEL: (01905) 610660, www.viking-afloat.com.
Drifters
PO Box 232, Worcester WR1 2SD
Tel: 08457 626252
www.drifters.co.uk.
Operators of hire and hotel boats with more than
300 boats from 20 bases nationwide,
all of which are tourist board approved. For further ideas on how to enjoy Britain's inland waterways visit the official tourism website of British Waterways
www.waterscape.com
This provides you with all the information you'll need to plan a holiday on the water. It also has information on things to do and places to visit on and around rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs.
Promoting the widest possible public awareness and enjoyment of the UK's waterways
The Waterways Trust
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