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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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). 

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?

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.

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