We are just back from a long weekend break on the Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. We ? My four - + partners and 2 grandchildren - 10 of us in all. We hired two narrowboats from ABC Boat Hire based at Wrenbury and made our way as a flottila of 2 !
This the 3rd time the fam have had a narrowboat holiday - the first time on the Llangollen. The two other times we were on the Wey Arun Canal from Farncombe which was quite a bit different in characteristics (see below). We are back on a narrowboat by popular demand - especially from my 2 grandaughters who really love it. Annabelle described it as a bit like camping in a moving tent ! There are a few more home comforts - such as a shower !
I am not qualified to write about the history of the canal other to say from what I have read the major construction was speculative and funded by merchants to transport iron and coal around 1780 and finished in 1801. As with most canals their commercial success was relatively shortlived and surpassed by the railways. There then followed a long period of decline with rescue of the network for recreational purposes in the last 50 years.
When we were looking for another canal to try that was not the Wey Arun a key criteria was there must be locks for us to operate. The stretch we chose had 10 locks up and therefore 10 locks back. What we didn't understand was the locks were single boat locks so each time we had to double up. This was great fun. The team was ace - my granddaughters were especially in to it. There is skill and it takes some physicality to operate them safely and efficiently. Good team work required. Good lessons in life. I am proud of them all. The particular challenge on our stretch is what as known as The Grindley Brook Staircase. This is three locks in a row where the bottom lock gate is the top lock gate for the lock below. This takes careful managing and takes a bit of time to get through to rise 38 feet (or fall 38 feet !) It meant quite a lot of exercise to get two boats through.
Steering is another fun/challenging feature of narrowboating. Each of our boats were nearly 70 feet long and a massive weight - with no brakes other than engine in reverse ! The canal was narrow especially when passing moored boats or dealing with a boat coming in the opposite direction. Rules of the road on a canal is you keep right. You will inevitably have knocks and bangs and scrapes ha! to some extent it is all part of the learning process but the key is whatever you might hit - hit it as slowly as possible - ie engine in heavy reverse ! Basic guidelines - anticipate ie plan ahead the required position and speed and don't over steer ie centre the tiller once the bow is moving around - if you leave it too long you will be making a zig zag course ! I spent a lovely time with my daughter Victoria on the helm. She has cracked it now and hopefully will bring her many hours of joy on family narrow boat holidays in the future.
My son George said just about everyone he has ever mentioned narrow boating to they have said they would like to do that. However for many it is a too daunting prospect. Here are a few of my thoughts :
- In many ways narrow boating is the simplest form of boating - ie no wind or tide to consider. No waves. No rocks. If you are on a canal no water flow unless you are around a lock. There are no navigation issues. The water is almost always shallow (relatively). Everything is done at low speed (or should be). It is a gentle pursuit.
- Choose your canal carefully because they each have their own characteristics. Some are busier than others. Some stretches have no locks.
- Narrow boat hire is not a giveaway but divided between the crew it comes down. Personally I would not want to be narrow boating in the high season (summer).
- Go for a slightly bigger boat than you need. A six berth is best for 4. An eight berth best for 6.
- 2 people can manage a narrow boat and many do but 4 would be best because there are a number of jobs to do in and around the locks.
- Choose who you go with carefully. Avoid egotists or control freaks. There is always more than one way to skin a cat and to some extent we need to learn my our mistakes. Having said that it is best to have someone in charge although that role can change. The main thing is clear communication and teamwork. One of the lovely thing about narrow boating is you can rotate roles and stop at any time.
- Narrow boating is not for parties. Canals are quiet and slow. They do not lend themselves to booze and music - it is not the right environment.
- If you can drive a car or even ride a bike you can handle a narrow boat with a bit of tuition. All firms give you a lesson before you go out.
- Give it a go you will not regret it !
Finally a bit about the contrast between the Llangollen and the Wey Arun. The Llangollen is almost entirely in a rural setting. It is very quiet, natural and lovely. The Wey Arun while nowhere near urban does run through Guildford for instance - there are many more houses with gardens backing onto the canal - other boat users - canoeist and rowers etc - the towpaths are busier - more pubs. Depending on what you like this is significant because you might feel there is more interest watching people. Personally I really enjoyed both and is what my family felt but with a touch preference for the Wey Arun I think.
Here are a lot of mob photos in no particular order - but they give a good insight into a family holiday on a narrow boat Shoulder family style where food features prominently! Brilliant ! xxxx
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