‘Embrace the change of pace’
Those new to the tiller have a clear say: They zig-zag down the canal. This is because they don’t give the boat time to respond to their steers – it takes a moment. Keep this in mind, be patient and avoid oversteering. Remember you moor instead to park the boat, and there is a towpath along the canal, not a “bank”. Take the time to plan your route: where to end each day (preferably by a pub), accidental construction in case of rain or other hold-ups, as well as things to do on the ground and for trips longer than the weekend , water point. Embrace the change of pace and give yourself all the way to the canals, where 4mph is the top speed! It is your priority to reach the pub on time or find a good mooring spot and try to leave everything else at home. David Lawrence, civil servant, London
‘Make sure everyone gets along well on board’
Everyone should have a role: eg, driver, locksmith, ropes, cook. Make sure everyone is well on the trip – a week in a confined space doesn’t lend itself to disagreements. Take a break, especially after a long flight to the locks and, if you are visiting the canals for the first time, learn all about boat, locks and pier management. Canal guides – available in stores or online – are invaluable for working out distances and mooring locations near amenities. Add and top up water points every day in the journey. The other sailors are always friendly and can offer advice when needed. Above all, have fun! Ginette Gower, Marketing Consultant, Maidenhead
‘Only wear clothes you won’t miss when you end up in the canal’
I run an annual canal tour for teenagers. This is a great opportunity for kids to experience the outdoors and learn about the history of the UK’s inland waterway network. With adult supervision, teens can perform many boating tasks including working locks, tying boats, opening swing bridges, and preparing meals. Travel as lightly as possible – space on the boat is limited. Wear only clothing and shoes that you will not allow to get damaged or end up in the canal. You can always have some cool things to wear if you go out during the day or at night. New-fault faults usually include moving too fast when passing other boats (you must keep the boat in “tickover”) and not communicating with other canal users. The boating community is highly helpful and most of the users will help you out if you need it. I also recommend that newcomers work RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman Certificate – Many hire companies also offer this two-day course which gives new sailors the confidence they need. Graeme, Teacher, Newcastle upon Tyne
‘Three people will be comfortable on a six-berth boat, so go ahead’
I went on countless canal holidays in southern England and Wales as a child; It’s a great alternative to a cottage in the country and a great way to see more than just one locale. My number one piece of advice is to be big. If it is a six-berth boat, three people will be comfortable, but there will be a more serious squeeze. clothing for all seasons, as well as all the food and supplies you need; Don’t count on shopping while you’re away. Most of the canals are quite rural, so unless you’re really trying to escape, bring your own WiFi. Get everyone involved as a team, including children, until they are very young. Finally, be aware that the power sources on boats are usually not as strong, which can be a problem for some. Brian Mackie, Not-For-Profit CFO, Canada
‘Check whether there is a freezer before packing frozen food’
Get your online shopping delivered straight to the boat – this brilliant discovery has revolutionized our boat trips. You don’t come laden with boxes and cold bags, and wonder if the canalside store sells anything close to food and whether it’s open on Mondays in October. If you are planning to cook then have a good knife; On the board they are usually blunt. If you’re hiring late in the season, have a cafeteria because by then someone has often already broken the boat. And, before packing frozen food, check that there is a freezer. Anonymous, Liverpool
‘Pack a flashlight and shop along the canal where possible’
To support local businesses, pop a pushbike on the roof or deck for some exploring and shopping where you can. Take a torch from the pub for a late night walk along the towpath. Do not accelerate or fall. Slow down when passing other boats. In addition, you can get stuck on silt; Use poles to push yourself back or wait for the next boat to pull you (they usually will). Whenever possible share a lock with another boat and give priority to boats coming down from a lock. Similarly, keep your boat in the middle of the lock, or risk getting stuck (as I once did). Enjoy the wildlife and scenery and have a great time. The Ring of Four Counties is a great experience for groups of four to eight people. Philip Robbins, northampton
‘Find a suitable route if you are a beginner’
Me and my partner have been on two canal boat holidays. The first was a huge success: we began our journey at Whixall Marina in Shropshire and traveled through Ellesmere to join the Llangollen Canal on the Shropshire Canal. It’s a spectacular scenic route, with its main attractions being Pontcissilte – a World Heritage Site – and the two famous aqueducts at Chirk. It is also an excellent route for beginners and couples alike as there are only two locks to navigate each way. We went in July and had a lot of other sailors to help us learn the ropes. However, our second canal boat holiday was in May: we started from Aldermaston and traveled the Kennet and Avon Canal. The weather was terrible and every 100 yards there were locks, which required a lot of hard work in the rain. Finally, we moored and retired to the pub. We used the boat as a base and it was very comfortable with central heating. Even if our most recent experience wasn’t as good as the first, we’ll probably do it again. Amanda Davis, GP, Brentwood
Jamie Davis. Photo: image-2/alami
‘Learn Horn Signals to Communicate’
In terms of distance, less is more. Do not force yourself to spend all day on the tiller; The balance of half day boating with half day exploring is much better. Despite what you may have seen on television, hitting boats with your boat or closing gates is just as unacceptable as hitting other cars and road signs with your car – and some boats are fragile (your heavy steel Not like a hire boat). Also, please learn horn signals – the boat equivalent of a car’s indicator lights – and use them (“dit” means “I’m turning right”, “dit dit” “I’m turning left”, “dit” dit dit” means “my engines are in reverse” etc.). Finally, enjoy it, and if you love what you find, consider joining the Inland Waterways Association. Jamie Davis, Scotland
‘Travel early – or late evening on hot days’
Fare companies will give you suggestions of circular routes that you can take in your week or fortnight, but an out-and-back trip is just as good as anything you can do halfway through your vacation. This means far less pressure to “complete” the route – plus it always looks different along the way! Travel early in the morning and late in the evening on hot days; Enjoy a quiet, quiet time – as dusk falls, watch for bats and owls. Simon Atkinson, Healthcare Program Manager, Leicestershire
‘Don’t be too ambitious about how far to travel’
Read the book of barging guidelines hire companies give you – it tells you the rules of the waterway. Not only is this helpful for successfully vacationing, but it will also save you from getting into fights with people who live on the water. Don’t be too ambitious about how far to travel; This may take longer than you think, especially if the locks are busy. Get dirty shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Boating can sometimes involve a little push – for example, over a turnbridge – so it’s a good idea to have someone on board who has the strength to do so, as well as pull the barge using a rope. Take a raincoat if you are likely to go through long tunnels as they can be a bit cold and drippy. Have lots of wine and books and relax. Helen, Training Consultant, Bedfordshire