CANAL HOLIDAY BOOKING INFORMATION and canal guides

To book your canal holiday with us:

Choose your boat from our Boats page Check the Price email or ring us to check that the boat is available Print out our booking form or use our Fully Secure Online Booking Form Make sure you have read our booking conditions Fill in the booking form and send it, with your deposit, to us. We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I recharge my mobile phone/camera/laptop, etc? May I bring any other 240volts ac. appliances?
All our boats have 12vDC - 240vAC invertors.
'Thorin', 'Shadowfax' and 'Snowmane' have 2,500watts (2.5KW) available which will power most household appliances singly (may require the engine running).
All other boats have a maximum of 300watts available which is suitable for charging mobile phones, laptops, cameras, games consoles, etc. (This will not power mains hairdryers or hair curlers/straighteners).
All boats have hairdryers supplied suitable for the power supply available.
All boats have Radio/CD/DVD players. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to hirers equipment or media used on our power supplies.

What bedding is provided?
All boats are supplied with one pillow/case per person. There are double and single blankets on each boat.Extra pillows/blankets are available on request.
Sheets/duvets and sleeping bags are not provided. You are welcome to bring your own or you can hire sheets/ sleeping bags and towels from us. We do not have duvets for hire. Details are on the booking form.
All bedding is included for non UK bookings but requirements need to be entered on the booking form.

What cleaning materials are provided?
We provide 2 large bin bags and 2 toilet rolls. There is a pack containing an oven glove, duster, 2 tea towels, floor cloth and sponge dish washer. There are air fresheners and toilet cleaners but we do not provide washing up liquid or kitchen cleaners.

May we bring bicycles?
Bicycles are welcome, but please bring a piece of tarpaulin or old carpet to protect the boat’s paintwork, and either bungee cords or rope to tie them down. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for damage caused by low bridges, trees, etc. Please also note that cycling isn’t, officially, allowed on towpaths except on designated cycleways.

Can we bring our pets?
Any usual household pets are welcome without charge. However please bring your own pet bedding and feed bowls and do not allow dogs on the soft furnishings or blankets. Remember that you will be liable for any damage done by pets (see conditions of hire).

Do you operate a shopping service?
We are happy to order your food requirements. We need to have your order at least 10 days in advance of your holiday. If you are coming by car, there are also village shops 2 miles distant from our boatyard.

Is there any overnight accommodation locally?
We are happy to arrange accommodation at local Bed and Breakfast for you.

How do we get to you by public transport?
Nearest mainline railway station is Crewe. We recommend a taxi to our boatyard (approx. 13 miles). Visitors from Ireland, Liverpool and Wirral may come via Chester on railway or bus. Buses run hourly between Chester and Crewe (no. C84). Nearest bus stop is 3/4 mile from our yard (Beeston crossroads - Red Fox public house).

Can we pick up our boat before the usual starting time?
Boats that start in the afternoon are often ready for occupation by lunchtime - subject to prompt vacation by previous occupants, and no major maintenance requirements. Please call us if you intend to arrive early.

What boat handling instruction do we get?
With our Receipt of Payment of Balance of Hire Charge, (4 weeks before your holiday) you will receive a booklet covering operation and handling of your boat through locks and along the canal. When you start your holiday we show you how all the boat systems and safety equipment operate. We then accompany you along the canal for 1/2 mile where we turn (wind ) the boat and accompany you through the first 1 or 2 locks, which are adjacent to our boatyard. Everything is fully explained until you are quite happy to go solo. There is also a comprehensive manual supplied on the boat.

Do you supply waterproofs for the helmsman?
As boat steerers come in many shapes and sizes we suggest that you bring your own wet weather gear. We also suggest that you bring suitable footwear for possibly muddy towpaths.

GUIDE BOOKS
A range of books are available - those listed below being for the areas most requested by hirers. The prices include postage and packing within the UK, overseas postage at cost price. These guides can be ordered with your booking form or purchased at our shop on arrival.

Waterways World Cruising Guides
These guides are made as stay-flat spiral bound booklets, show the canal and all of the features you need to identify your location and provide information about local shops, pubs, boatyards and the canal in general.

Shropshire Union Canal - £9.00
Llangollen 7 Montgomery Canals - £9.00

Pearsons Canal Companions
Pearsons guides are much more detailed than other volumes. They are arranged to cover the most popular routes and rings - obviating the need to buy several other guide books to cover a voyage. The guides give every interesting canal feature and historical reference, together with information about nearby features, pubs, towns, shops, etc.

Four Counties ring - £9.95
Cheshire ring - £9.95

Nicholson OS Guides
Nicholson map books cover all the canals in an area at 2" to the mile. Some canals they show are not covered by other guides. They show navigational and physical features, services and amenities. Alongside the maps is information on towns and villages, major attractions en route, pubs, boatyards and moorings. These books are spiral bound to lay flat when open.