Good spot for canalboat long weekend

[spitfire-ian]

C70GT said:

When we went across the aqueduct for the first time, I was a nervous wreck anticipating steering the boat in such a narrow channel and not rubbing the sides. However, I soon realised the boat self centres due to the pointed front end and narrowness of the channel - there is always an equal amount of water on both sides between boat and channel side. Wonderful experience and thoroughly reccomend to anyone contemplating doing it.

The towpath is actually cantilevered out over the water so while it may have appeared that there was an equal amount of water on both sides there actually was a few feet on the towpath side

Edited by spitfire-ian on Friday 19th April 12:43

[Samcat]

C70GT said:

spitfire-ian said:

dontlookdown said:

Daughter and I fancy a long weekend on a narrowboat somewhere. Mrs DLD not keen so will jsu tbe the two of us.

Never been on a canal before, any pointers as to good spots with plenty of interest for a 3 night mini-cruise? I guess we aren't going to get far in that time.

I'd love to go over the Pontcysyllte (sp??) aqueduct but that might be a step too far for a novice..?

Ideally within a four hour drive of London (another reason not to go to N Wales!)

Anglo Welsh have a base at Trevor which is at the end of the aqueduct

https://www.anglowelsh.co.uk/locations/departure-p...

As for it being a step too far for a novice, I think it is far from it. As it's only 7 feet wide you could, and it has happened, when crossing the aqueduct let go of the thing and walk on the towpath alongside it

Other than wanting to do the aqueduct, it might be worth giving an indication as to what part of the country you are in as you will probably get more recommendations nearer to you. Also do you want countryside, towns and cities, no locks, lots of locks? All will have a bearing on where and what route to take.

Edited by spitfire-ian on Wednesday 17th April 09:39

When we went across the aqueduct for the first time, I was a nervous wreck anticipating steering the boat in such a narrow channel and not rubbing the sides. However, I soon realised the boat self centres due to the pointed front end and narrowness of the channel - there is always an equal amount of water on both sides between boat and channel side. Wonderful experience and thoroughly reccomend to anyone contemplating doing it.

That was my experience of it too. Rented a barge for the day, a quick rundown of the controls and off you go over the aqueduct! Just hang on to the rudder because it's a long way down!
Great day out, 10 of us went, two families, the kids loved it. The tunnels at Chirk are great too.

[ATG]

Samcat said:

The tunnels at Chirk are great too.

Walked through one of those yesterday. Not sure how common it is to have a towpath in the tunnel?

[ARHarh]

Not been on a boat across the Pontcysyllte aqueduct but do walk it often. Don't do it on a windy day It can get very busy in the summer, anglo welsh boats always look well kept, and clean.

I would go from there down to chirk and across the aqueduct there as well then down to Lower Frankton locks. Not sure how long that would take but its lovely down that way.