Novices on a narrowboat holiday

My son, Richard, and I decided we would like to experience travel by narrowboat on a canal. Our wives were in agreement and after a short discussion it was decided that the four of us embark on a holiday with a difference.

We turned to the internet to find information about the numerous canals in our immediate area and which one we thought would suit our needs. We eventually decided that the Shropshire Union Canal would be the most suitable.

Day 1
We arrived at Napton Narrowboats Autherley Junction around 2pm. Pete from Napton Narrowboats explained the dos and don'ts and all the checks necessary for a reliable and safe journey. Just before 2.30pm we were ready for the ‘off’ and we were now on our way to what we hoped would be a very leisurely holiday.

Before long we were passing through beautiful countryside and the absence of motor vehicles in the surrounding area was very noticeable. Within the first mile we had passed under three bridges all of which were of completely different design. After studying the map we decide to make our overnight stop at the village of Brewood a distance of five miles from our start.

Day 2
With a full English breakfast cooked on board and all the necessary checks carried out we left our mooring and continued on our way. Before long we were crossing the Stretton Aqueduct and then we arrived at our first lock, Wheaton Aston. It was now a chance to see if we had the knowledge to get us from one side of the lock to the other. Fortunately we did. We had now been travelling for about 1 hour 45 covering about three miles, and the weather was now really miserable.

We were also seeing more fellow boaters either moored alongside the towpath or travelling in the opposite direction, all giving a wave or a cheerful comment. Another five miles and we were entering Cowley Tunnel and then moored up for lunch

It was not long before we reached Norbury Junction and the now derelict Shrewsbury and Newport Canal going off to the left. It was still raining as we reached Goldstone Bridge and our mooring for the night.

Our enjoyable evening meal was spent in the lovely surroundings of The Wharf Tavern adjacent to the canal.

Day 3
We woke to glorious sunshine this morning so as soon as breakfast was over and daily checks completed we were once more on our way. Before long we entered Woodseaves Cutting which was an absolutely wonderful experience. It was so peaceful, the sun casting weird shadows on the water from the trees lining the sides of the cutting and the only sounds being the throb of the engine and all the different bird calls but with no birds in sight.

We moored up at Market Drayton for lunch, before cruising slowly through more beautiful countryside, which gave us time to relax before the next set of five locks at Adderley. Five locks and two bridges and we were cruising again but heading for a more serious flight of locks.

After around 20 minutes we reached the first of 15 Audlem Locks. We eventually reached Audlem Mill and our mooring for the night. Our evening meal was taken at the Bridge Inn (virtually on the towpath), and very enjoyable it was too.

Day 4

A dull cold morning as we left the boat but the atmosphere soon changed as we walked across the towpath and through the door of the Audlem Mill. This old corn and fodder mill is now a delightful Canalside Gift and Needlework Shop. After an interesting look around and a few purchases in the bag we made our way back to the boat.

Leaving the mooring we were straight back to lock duty to clear the final three locks that make up the flight. Soon we were cruising slowly admiring the beautiful Shropshire countryside before eventually reaching the 2 locks at Hack Green. The locks clear we continued to make our way to Nantwich. After passing over the Nantwich Aqueduct we moored up just past Nantwich Junction Bridge. This was to be our destination for today and the last port of call before retracing our route tomorrow. After lunch on board we headed off into the town on a sightseeing tour, where there are many shops and very interesting looking Tudor buildings. Back at the boat we prepared ourselves for our evening meal at The Cheshire Cat. Yet again we were not disappointed with our meal or the surroundings.

Day 5
A sunny morning but a few spots of rain to follow later in the day.
Leaving the mooring we continued west to a Winding Hole where we were able to complete a 360-degree turn to put us on our way home. At this point we had covered approximately 40 miles, through 28 locks in about 18 hours 45 minutes.

We were now retracing our journey in an easterly direction but the scenery surprisingly looks so different and we were seeing things that we missed on the outward journey.

Our stop in Audlem today was the ideal mooring for us to enjoy lunch on board and prepare us for the 12 locks we had to navigate to get us away from Audlem.

Twelve locks down and then about 30minutes cruising before we reached the five locks at Adderley. Once through the last lock it was an hour cruising. We soon arrived at Market Drayton where we moored for the night.

Day 6
We were woken with another sunny morning, but unfortunately it was not to last and the clouds began to form.

Just over 30 minutes after leaving our overnight mooring we were back on lock duty as we once more tackling the five Tyrley Locks. Clear of the locks we were cruising steadily once more into the calm and majestic Woodseaves Cutting. Once through the Cutting we continued to enjoy the tranquillity of the journey and the most interesting scenery on both sides of the canal.

After lunch we were once again passing the Former Cadbury’s Wharf. Another two hours cruising that included travelling through the picturesque Grub Street Cutting we arrived at Norbury Junction and our mooring for the night. We had a most enjoyable meal at The Junction Inn situated adjacent to the towpath.

Day 7
Today we cleared the mooring and made steady progress eventually passing Gnosall Heath before entering the Cowley Tunnel. The sun continued to shine, which made the whole experience of cruising at such a sedate speed all the more enjoyable. As lunchtime approached we moored up at a lovely spot between bridges 20 and 19 and enjoyed yet another lunch on board.

Lunch over we set off once more and almost immediately had to negotiate the last of the locks of our journey and we were now on the last leg of the journey that would take us over the Stretton Aqueduct.

Day 8
Another lovely morning as we moved the boat along the mooring to be checked over by Pete and the cruise is all over. After removing our personal belongings from the boat and packing them into the car it was time to get back on the road amongst the speeding traffic.

Conclusion
This was a wonderful holiday and enjoyed by all of us. The weather could have been better but we were in England in early May, so we were prepared for any type of weather. The service at Napton Marina was excellent and the boat was well equipped with all the necessary facilities.

The map that we used was absolutely superb and possibly the most used item on the boat. Every day as soon as we moved from the mooring someone had the map open to see what to expect during the days cruising. All the eating and drinking establishments were top quality and made everyone welcome. This being our first time on a narrowboat we found other boaters very helpful and always ready for a chat, even if it is only to pass the time of day as we made our separate ways.

Would we do it again? The answer is yes.

Last updated: 25/06/2010