Birmingham, for example, has more miles of canal than the whole of Venice and it is quite easy to travel from Nottingham in the East to Liverpool on the West coast and then down to London.
Originally built to facilitate trade between towns, the business side of the canals has tailed off considerably as it is slow going, although there are a large number of traders still moving goods around the country – and even more people living aboard in preference to a house or flat.
Interestingly, these boats appreciate in value in the same way as property and a basic canal boat will set you back at least R650 000.
English Canal Boating Holidays
Scattered throughout England are companies specialising in holidays afloat and all offer variations on the same theme – well appointed boats providing between four and six berths (that’s nautical for beds), on-board shower, toilet and full kitchen.
Some, such as Canaltime – based at Sawley Marina, Long Eaton near Nottingham – are timeshare linked a RCI international swap is quite simple.
Even if you have no knowledge of nautical terms, a canal boat holiday is nothing to be scared about – despite the fact you are in charge of a beast that is 55 foot long and about five foot wide.
Maximum allowable speed at any time is 4 mph, so an entire week of boating generally involves less than 50 miles unless you are a teetotaller determined not to stop at any of the dozens of canal side inns.
On-board creature comforts include central heating, television, radio, microwave, gas oven and hob and piping hot water for the shower – provided the diesel engine that drives the boat has been running all day (and this is true even if you do not move the boat physically).
The engine charges the batteries for lighting and heats the water for both bathing and the central heating.
Overnight mooring is generally free – simply find an available slot and tie up. For longer stays there may be a charge, but it minimal.
Full Canal Boat Training Provided
Bigger towns and marinas offer electrical hookup for the evening which both charges the batteries and preserves the silence as the engine no longer needs to run.
There are also well-marked points on each canal route where the toilets can be pumped out – although unlikely for trips of a week or less.
Each company renting out boats provides the training necessary before sending you out onto the waterways and the canal regulars are generally extremely friendly and more than willing to offer advice or a helping hand where necessary.
For the rest it is the genuine slow boat to nowhere . . . and it’s wonderful!
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