We were soon introduced. No, not to the Swedish former England football manager, but to his namesake – a 48ft narrowboat in which we were about to set sail for a river adventure – or so we thought.

We picked up the boat from the Viking Afloat fleet of narrowboats, which operates many, many miles from the nearest Fjord from a base in Worcester. Using this centrally situated base, boaters can explore the River Severn or the Worcester/Birmingham canal.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to take the river option for our short break as severe weather and flooding had closed the river to navigation.

So, feeling – unfairly as it turned out – like we had won the second prize we set off up the canal for a mini-adventure. Sven was, as you might expect, ready and willing to advance through England and we set off ready to tackle the locks leading towards the unlikely holiday destination of the Black Country.

We meandered with swans, admired the blossoming hedgerows which have provided constant boundaries for hundreds of years and strolled along towpaths which, 200-plus years on, are still arterial routes through most of the major population centres of our country.

While never being far from civilisation, it’s incredible how far away the day-to-day life of a busy city can feel from a boater’s-eye view.

Being close to the surprisingly abundant wildlife, the water and a sense of history promoted by the bridges, the lock workings and the canalside buildings makes a boater’s visit a totally different experience from driving off for a weekend break. And those early boaters seemed to understand a thing or two about taking a break.

Although Sven was very hospitable, with adequate facilities for cooking and dining, we always seemed to find ourselves within easy walking distance of a welcoming pub serving food.

Despite some rather unseasonal weather, we were able to sample a relaxing and tranquil few days enjoying the countryside and the slow pace.

We were limited in what we could do by time, having only a few days for our break. Boaters with a bit more time could set off from the Worcester base to travel to Stratford Upon Avon and also experience the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal.

The 4mph speed restriction on the inland waterways may sound like a frustratingly slow speed at which to travel, but we found that winding down from the working week to cruise along leaves you realising everything needs to flat out experience.

Even for a viking slower, more resolute could also spell success.

Umm, I wonder if philosophy would translate football pitch?