Ahh, there’s no better way to discover the British countryside than hopping on a canal boat and letting the world go by around you.

Watching kingfishers nosedive for their dinner, ducklings frantically paddling along trying to keep up with their mum. And folks just out for afternoon strolls. 

It doesn’t get more relaxing.

Oh yes, then there’s the alluring call of the waterside country pub, offering local ales to wash down their hearty homemade meals.

I’m not saying that we’re experts on canal boating, although we have enjoyed a few boat trips with the family. We’ve journeyed around the Cheshire Ring and taken a few voyages along the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The family on Moonbeam, from Moonraker Canalboats

Our last trip with my family was to celebrate my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary, and we took to the water on a luxury narrowboat. You’d be amazed at what you’ll find on some of these beautiful boats.

We hired our wide beam narrowboat from the family-run business Moonraker Canalboats, located along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Their boats are amazing, you can even choose one with a jacuzzi.

A peaceful pace of life

Winding our way through the southern counties of England, mastering the locks and then mooring up in the heart of the city of Bath was a wonderful experience. 

I’ll stop waffling on about how much I love canal boating and get to the point of why I lured you here in the first place.

Life Jackets for safety.

So, if this is your first time on a canal boat or even if it’s just been a while since you’ve taken to the water, I’ve compiled some useful tips for you. 

These handy hints will make the joy of canal boating even more relaxing. 

Safety is paramount, particularly with children; it is so easy to become complacent. As your confidence builds, you take these heavyweight goliaths for granted. I don’t want to sound negative; however, it is essential.

The lifebuoy on the roof of Moonbeam - one of the many safety features

Carry out some research prior to your trip to find out where stores, pubs & restaurants are along the way. You may need more provisions or just fancy a leisurely cream tea. Often you are unable to see these amenities from the canal side, and you will need to go exploring.

A canalside rest stop

If you are not completing a circular route on your canal trip, then you will need to turn your boat around. Be aware of the turning points along the way and make sure you are aware of the length of your boat. The turning point may not be wide enough if you have an extra-long boat.

Approaching the Pulteney Weir at Bath

The Canal River Trust website is particularly useful for planning your trip and gives detailed information on the canals and the surrounding facilities.

You’ll be amazed how quickly time passes even at 4mph. Allow plenty of time to get to your daily end destination. It may take longer than expected to navigate through the locks, mainly if the canals are full of activity.

Managing a lock

Again Time: Don’t leave mooring up until too late into the evening as you may be disappointed if you are unable to moor near where you had planned. Be flexible, you may have to walk a little further to the country pub, but it’ll be worth it.

Our Moonraker Canalboat moored up

It is crucial that you slow your barge down to tick over when passing other boats, a slight swell of water may dislodge their mooring pegs from the banks of the canal, especially if the ground is wet.

Slow speed ahead

Ensure you read the signs on each of the lock gates you pass through, as often locks differ from each other. Some are required to be left open, others to be closed.

A swing bridge with its operating instructions attached

Be considerate to other boaters these canals are a permanent residence for some folks and are to be shared by everyone. It’s the simple things, but if you follow 6 & 7, you will be fine.

Consideration for those who call the Kennet & Avon canal their home

Keep an eye on your water levels. You may need to top up en route particularly if you are away for more than a few nights.

The view of the bow end mooring rope

Once again plan ahead and understand where your watering stations are. Filling a Canal boat with a hose can take a very long time (30 minutes-1hr), and you may need to wait for another barge to fill-up in front of you.

This may sound obvious, but you won’t get too far without it (you will generally be supplied with at least two; however, if you lose one it makes operating the locks much more difficult). 

Taking care at the locks & your lock keys

We had lost our key overboard before and had to purchase another. Remember they are slippery when wet!

Don’t forget your mozzie spray those pesky little mites are everywhere. Ahh, also take a torch with you, as the canal paths are not usually lit & maybe crunchy underfoot. I know your phone may have a torch function, but would you want to rely on that?

Canalside flora

We’d love to explore more of the British countryside by canal boat, drop us a comment below with your lovely narrowboat experiences and the routes you took?

If you are planning to eat out on a Sunday evening ensure that the Pub/Restaurant you choose is serving food, it may be Sunday lunch only. You could be left with limited options in remote areas.

The rain sets on on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Most important of all, enjoy yourself, take your time, you are on holiday after all.

It’s a really great way to unwind, relax and slow life down a little.

The great thing is you do it at your own pace. If you’re interested in reading our adventures from our Kennet and Avon Canal trip, then why not check out our post ‘I would do it all again.’

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