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ROUTE PLANNING
The Lockmaster
Holiday Planner is very useful to determine the number of locks
and distance for each route,
with Pearson's
and Nicholson's guides giving details of facilities near to the
canals such as pubs, shops and places of interest.
As a rough calculation when planning a route, add the number of locks to the distance in miles and divide the total by 3 to give the expected cruising time in hours.
SHORT BREAKS
All seven start bases can offer a selection of superb three and four night short break routes which can cater for both beginners and the more adventurous.
FREE AT LAST
There is a unique feeling of freedom when you cast off and set off up the cut. You can stop when you feel like it and above all choose from a multitude of routes. Each canal has its own distinct character ranging from the earliest contour canals which twist and turn through the countryside, to the later more direct routes with their high embankments, deep cuttings and tunnels.
There are over 1400 miles of
interconnected waterways waiting to be explored with six of our strategically
placed bases giving easy access to much of the system, and the seventh
in Scotland giving access to the Forth & Clyde and Union canals.
For more information including the number
of locks and distances for each route,
we recommend the
Lockmaster Holiday Planner. When you have chosen your route, Pearsons
Canal Companions give you invaluable detailed information about
the facilities to be found near the canal including pubs, shops etc.
THE CRUISING SEASON
With much of the canal system being over 150 years old, extensive maintenance is required to keep it open. Where this work requires the closure of a canal, this usually takes place between the beginning of November and the middle of March each year.
Our hire season therefore runs from mid March to the end of October. Early and late season breaks are priced to give exceptional value for money.
For many the appeal of an early or late season break is to see the English countryside when it's changing from day to day. Where better to experience this than from a canal boat.
Please Note:
When planning any river cruising within your route, do bear in mind
that in some weather conditions river navigation may be restricted,
so it is worth having an alternative plan.
Suggested routes and timings are approximate and will be affected by available cruising hours, weather conditions and amount of traffic on the waterway. More detailed advice will be given when the boat is collected.
