Going on your first canal boat holiday can be very exciting, but as with anything new, it can also feel quite daunting as well – especially when you are not on land!
There is so much fun to be had on a boat trip, and you get to experience a holiday through a new lens – but it is always worth learning from other people’s mistakes, tips, and tricks to make sure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
This piece is going to serve as a beginner’s guide to a canal boat holiday, so you can be as prepared as possible for a great time!
Plan Your Routes and Then Check Them Again
Your routes will be the most important part of your journey. If you do not know where you plan to go and how you plan to get there, it can make for an extremely stressful experience. Canal boats are not exactly known for being the most steerable vehicle, and you do not want to get caught in a tight spot – literally.
You will also need to make sure you know how many locks, docks, and tunnels you will be passing, and if there is any additional information you need to know on your route. Interactive maps can be a great way to find out everything about your chosen path, but printing out a map will always be a good idea in case of a lost signal!
Choose The Perfect Marinas to Moor
While your boat journey on water is half of the fun when it comes to a canal boat holiday, choosing safe places to moor can make your holiday much more enjoyable. Not only are there dedicated mooring spaces for boat enthusiasts, but they are also there to enhance your holiday experience. For example, Marina Rugby offers an exceptional base for those who want to explore the Warwickshire Ring. It has been created to make boaters feel like they are far away from the hustle and bustle of the town and is set up with some beautiful cruise routes to take you to and from the area.
Take Your Time
The beauty of a canal boat holiday is that there should be no rush! There is no need to speed along a river (especially if you are cruising past other boats that are moored) as this is just part of the experience. Take your time and enjoy soaking up the atmosphere, the wildlife, and simply being on the water. Your destination will be there in the end, though canal boat holidays are seldom about the destination and are often about the journey! Aside from that, going any faster than the 4mph speed limit on the canals can disturb wildlife, other moored boats, and also those who are fishing. It will also erode the riverbanks over time. Make sure to keep all this in mind, along with keeping to the right at all times!
In a nutshell, canal boat holidays can be great fun for those who want to slow down and enjoy their time away.
