Saddleworth Canal Cruises

Welcome to Saddleworth Canal Cruises, the home of the Pennine Moonraker, the only narrowboat operating on the Uppermill section of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. We have been operating on the canal for over 20 years and have built up a reputation for providing an excellent, entertaining and unique experience in a wonderful environment. We now have a fantastic new self-drive hire Boat, Dizzy, and can offer holidays and short breaks for all occasions.

Boat Trips aboard The Pennine Moonraker

The Pennine Moonraker is a well-equipped 70' narrowboat, purpose built as a trip boat by Hancock and Lane Ltd of Daventry, England in 1984. The boat was extensively refurbished in 1996 and now boasts a well stocked bar, comprehensive galley and new toilet. The boat has a capacity of 50 passengers, a crew of 3 and can cruise at a maximum speed of 4 m.p.h.

The boat is skippered by John Lund, who has had a lifelong interest in canals. He holds a Boatmasters licence issued by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen in Cardiff (part of the Department of Transport). John has taken an active interest in the restoration of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the boat has been in his family's ownership since 1991.

{tcm:4-75366 Saddleworth Canal Cruises_2}

The well stocked bar includes Tetley's Smoothflow bitter and Carlsberg Export lager, both on draught. There is also a good selection of spirits and wines, as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee. Fifty passengers can be comfortably seated in the bright interior. The large number of windows give everyone onboard excellent views during cruises and the onboard facilities also include central heating, toilet and sound system. The recently refurbished galley is where all snacks and meals are prepared. It is well equipped and allows a large variety of foods to be made available. Wherever you are seated on the Pennine Moonraker you have easy access to all the facilities.

We have a wide range of trips available, including School Trips, Public and Private Cruises tailor made to meet all your requirements.

Day Trips aboard Dizzy

{tcm:4-75360 Saddleworth Canal Cruises}

We are now able to offer our newly refitted 55', six berth, steel narrowboat 'DIZZY' for self-drive hire.

DIZZY is based at Guide Bridge in Ashton which gives access to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, The Ashton and Rochdale Canals and The Peak Forest (Cheshire Ring). DIZZY complies with Safety Regulations, holds a Landlords Gas Certificate and carries all required fire fighting equipment and life buoys. Life jackets are available for children, although these must be booked in advance.

DIZZY offers:

• Foredeck with seating area.
• Comfortable, carpeted lounge with double bed-settee.
• Light beech panelled walls and ceiling, spotlights, TV, dining table with seating converting to double bed plus 2 permanent single bunks.
• DIZZY is tastefully decorated throughout and has gas fired central heating.
• Fitted kitchen, full-size gas cooker with four-ring hob, refrigerator and double sink.
• Luxury shower/small bath and pump-out toilet.
• On-board inverter providing 230 volt supply.
• Bed linen and towels supplied.

Whether you are an experienced boater or new to narrowboats, step aboard DIZZY and relax. Enjoy a slower and more pleasurable way of life.

A narrowboat holiday provides many different aspects to enjoy. Sample the food and liquid refreshment available in the canalside hostelries. Enjoy the wildlife living along the canalside and experience the calm and tranquillity of the inland waterways.

{tcm:4-75367 Saddleworth Canal Cruises_3}

Training

For those who would like to gain experience in boating, we offer weekend courses during October, November, February and March. The weekend involves two days sailing accompanied by a Registered Boatmaster who will teach and assist you in all aspects of boathandling during the day.

During the evening you may wish to eat in a nearside pub or restaurant or cook on-board. The Boatmaster rejoins the crew the following morning and is available to advise and support you on your return journey.

Taking part in a Familiarisation Weekend entitles your party to a reduction of £100 on a weeks hire during the following summer season.

We offer:

• Canal boat holidays