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CONSIDERING a boat holiday or short break? This guide is aimed at those who are considering a waterway holiday.
Particularly the first time hirer, who is perhaps not too sure what it is all about or which waterway to cruise. We are not suggesting any particular boat hire company, which must ultimately rest with the desires of the hirer and the cost.
True description
This essential guide gives a true description of the various waterways, without the normal hyperbole associated with the glossy holiday brochures often created by a publicity company, but is the narrowboatworld way—telling it like it is!
For the very first time hirer, this guide should perhaps by used in conjunction with 'Basics' contained on this site, that gives the fundamentals of boating, and which could have a bearing on the choice of waterway.
For those who have hired before or are regular boaters, what is considered difficult in this guide would not perhaps apply.
No pubs are listed, as these can change hands frequently, so one serving food and particular drinks one week could be completely changed the next, or even be no longer open.
From actual experience
All the information contained in these reports is from actual experiences of the waterways listed, over a period of many years, most on numerous occasions, with current knowledge incorporated. But more than this, it is from information gathered from the countless hirers we have interviewed over the years whilst cruising the actual waterways.
The cost of hiring a 54/58ft narrowboat that would be suitable for up to four people for 2011, ranges from £565 to £1,045 for a week off-season during March. The cost increases to between £1,260 and £1,815 for a week during August. The price is similar immaterial of the occupancy, with the differing costs reflecting the quality and contents of the boats.
For those wondering about saving cost by hiring from a private owner, this is illegal.
Completely equipped
Hire boats are completely equipped with all that is necessary for the holiday including fuel and gas. The boat will include a cooker, sink and basin, with hot and cold water plus a shower. It will have a refrigerator and heating, and ample storage space. Complete of course with all crockery etc. and bedding. The more expensive boats will have various luxuries.
Tuition is normally given plus the actual working of a lock. Our experience over many years of previously hiring, with association with hirers and with our own boats has found that lock working gives the most problems for beginners, and we cannot stress too much the importance of being shown how to operate an actual lock, and fully understand its workings, to ensure at least a less stressful holiday.
More stressful
It must be stated that over the past few years the maintenance of the waterways has fallen dramatically, caused by the lack of investment, which is now standing at many millions of pounds in arrears, so those who have previously hired could find their holiday somewhat more stressful, especially if of a less energetic disposition.
Hirers do not need a licence to steer a narrowboat. Maps of the waterway(s) are provided by the hire company as are the 'rules of the road'. The equipment needed to operate locks, obtain water and moor is also provided.
No calculations
There is purposely no calculations of the time needed to cruise the waterways, as an anywhere near calculation is impossible, depending on so many circumstances. Those given in guides should be ignored as they are far too misleading and optimistic, often resulting in holiday makers having a most stressful time attempting what is virtually impossible.
The majority of the photographs contained in the guides were actually taken by the author on the actual waterway depicted.
The stars:
Ease of operation applies to the operation of locks, swing and lift bridges.
Ease of passage refers to the ease of passage along the waterway, its popularity, the number of marinas and hire bases. The less stars mean more boats and more hold-ups that can be expected, particularly in high season and week-ends.
Features means actual features of the waterway.
Boat facilities applies to provision of water taps, boatyards supplying fuel and pump-outs, chandlers.
Shopping applies to known supermarkets available by the waterway or at a very short walking distance.
Moorings applies to the provision of such as Armco piling with depth for mooring, rings, etc. including and away from built-up areas.
The more stars the better.
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