SUMMER is here and it’s time to make the most of it. Luckily, Drifters hires canal boats for the day from 19 places across England and Wales, offering the chance to enjoy a family day out on the canals this summer. The additional good news is that full tuition is included, so it’s a great way for newcomers to canal boating to get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.
All Drifters’ day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle, and most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge. So day boaters can plan a picnic afloat or stop off for lunch at a canalside pub along the way.
Here’s a guide to Drifters’ top 10 destinations for days out boating on the canals this summer:
Peak Forest Canal
Experience stunning views of the Peak District on the Peak Forest Canal – on a day out boating from New Mills Marina on the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire, day boaters can cruise to Marple and back, enjoying fantastic views of the rolling countryside along the way. There are places to moor up at the bottom of the Marple Lock flight to see boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain and walk to the Hatters Arms in Marple. The journey to Marple and back takes five-and-a-half hours and there are no locks.
Bonehill
Navigate through the Staffordshire countryside to Bonehill – from King’s Orchard Marina, on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield, day boaters can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Bonehill Bridge and back. The route takes boaters through the villages Huddlesford, Whittington and Hopwas. At Hopwas there are two pubs to choose from – the Tame Otter and the Red Lion. The journey to Bonehill and back takes five-and-a-half hours and there are no locks.
Alvechurch Marina
Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal – on a day out from Alvechurch Marina near Bromsgrove, day boaters can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction and back. Along the way they can stop off at the canalside Hopwood House pub and take a walk around the Bittell Reservoirs. The route is lock-free but takes boaters through Wast Hill Tunnel, which is more than a mile-and-a-half long.
Brecon Beacons
Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons – on a day out boating along on the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal from Goytre Wharf, day boaters can cruise through the Usk Valley enjoying incredible mountain views. It takes around two-and-a-half hours to reach moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.
Napton-on-the-Hill
Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill from Braunston in heart of the canal network – day boaters can cruise to the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill and back. The journey takes boaters through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire. Once at Napton, boaters can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the popular Kings Head. The journey to Napton and back takes around six hours and there are no locks.
(Crosshead) Nantwich from Bunbury Wharf
Boat along the Shropshire Union Canal to Nantwich – from Bunbury Wharf on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley in Cheshire, day boaters can cruise south for six miles to Nantwich and back. The journey takes boaters across the impressive Grade II* listed Nantwich Aqueduct, with panoramic views across the town and passes the canalside the Olde Barbridge Inn along the way. The journey to Nantwich takes around two-and-a-half hours and there are no locks.
Shakespeare country
Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote – from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire, day boaters can cruise to the historic village of Wilmcote, home of the Mary Inn pub. The journey takes boaters across the Edstone Aqueduct, England’s longest cast-iron aqueduct, with breathtaking views across the Warwickshire countryside. From moorings at the top of the Wilmcote lock flight, it’s a short walk into the village. The journey to Wilmcote and back takes around five hours and there’s one lock to go through each way.
Stream in the Sky
Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ in North Wales – from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, day boaters can travel across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Standing at more than 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers stunning views of the Dee Valley below. After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross before reaching the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank. The journey to Chirk takes around two-and-a-half hours.
Avoncliff Aqueduct
Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Avoncliff Aqueduct – from Hilperton Marina, near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, day boaters can cruise west through the Bath Valley to Avoncliff Aqueduct and back, passing through the picturesque town of Bradford-on-Avon. There’s just one lock to pass through at Bradford-on-Avon and a choice of places to eat, including the canalside Barge Inn. The journey to Avoncliff and back takes around six hours.
Atherstone
Cruise through the Warwickshire countryside to Atherstone – on a day out from Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal near Nuneaton, day boaters can cruise to the historic market town of Atherstone and back. Along the way, boaters pass the canalside Anchor Inn. The journey to Atherstone and back takes around three hours.
For more information about Drifters’ day boat hire click HERE
