Boating along the Grand Western Canal
The Grand Western Canal is lock-free but has an innovative lift bridge near Halberton. The canal passes through a mixture of urban and countryside scenery and many quaint villages, each with pubs serving food. The village of Halberton also has a Post Office store.
Rowing boats and canoes use the canal, and motorised craft have only been using it since 1996. Boating is recognised as an important leisure activity in the Country Park, and since early 2003, has been positively promoted as an attraction. The Canal Ranger Service maintains the canal and is the boaters' point of contact for information about facilities and cruising permits (tel. 01884 254072 or email gwcanal@devon.gov.uk).
Narrowboats are welcome to use the canal, although residential use is not permitted. Boat moorings are provided by Mid Devon Hire Boats and Moorings. Access to this attractive canal is from the new Boehill Slipway, close to M5 Junction 27, and based on the Inland Waterways Association and British Waterways guidelines for trail-boats. The slipway can accommodate boats no larger than 7.5 metres in overall length and 2.2 metres in width. Car and trailer storage is available at Minnows Touring Park adjacent to the slipway. Minnows charges for this service and also offer water supply and loo disposal facilities.
The Tiverton Canal Company operates from the basin and has drinking water and chemical toilet emptying facilities available for boaters. A small charge is made for these facilities. They also operate a horsedrawn passenger barge from the basin in Tiverton, as well as a floating bar and café, a small shop and have rowing boats available for hire.
The canal is open to boat users all year round. Boat users must obtain a permit before launching their crafts. These are available from the Ranger Service on 01884 254072, Minnows Touring Park on 01884 821770 and the Tiverton Canal Company on 01884 253345.
Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.
