Narrow Boats

Anyone who has spent time travelling around the UK would be able to conjure up the image of a traditional narrow boat. These vessels, with their distinctive design are quintessentially part of the English landscape and today they can be enjoyed by everyone. So if the idea of slowly gliding through beautiful countryside and stopping for lunch at a cosy pub sounds appealing, then why not hire a boat and experience a different sort of holiday. We talk to Malcolm McDonald at Sally Narrow boats Ltd, a Narrow boat rental company based in Bradford on Avon, to find out more.

By Mike Stock

First of all can you tell us a bit about the choice of boats sizes and prices?

"The boats vary in size from 11 - 22 metres in length with the smallest sleeping two people up to the largest having room for 10. Prices vary according to the size of the boat and the time of year, but they start at £411 for a short break and go up to £1486 for a weeks hire at peak time. The best thing is to look on our website to find the exact price for your requirements."

The narrow boats were originally built to ply the canals of England and Wales. The term narrow boat refers to their use as working vessels carrying goods on the narrow canal system built in the 17th and 18th, centuries. These boats were an integral part of the freight system for 300 years.

The maximum length of one of these boats is roughly 22m, which is the length of most locks on the canal system, but modern narrow boats tend to be shorter as their intention is not to carry goods but to be used for recreation.

The need for a reliable system of transporting goods around the country came about because of the Industrial Revolution. The narrow boats were drawn by a horse, hitched up to the boat, that walked along the canal towpath. Whole families lived on board, working long hours and sleeping together in one tiny cabin. Later, when steam and diesel power became available, it became possible to move more cargo by towing another unpowered boat along with the main boat. Theses extra unpowered vessels were referred to as Butty Boats.

By the early 50s, cargo carrying narrow boats had almost ceased to exist as other forms of transport such as train and road proved to be quicker and more reliable. In 19th century it became standard practice to paint roses and castles on both narrow boats and the various items found onboard. This tradition, although its origins are unknown, can still be seen in practice today.

Nowadays, narrow boats are used for holidays and sometimes as a permanent residence. They are usually powered by a diesel engine and can be very comfortable and cosy inside. A modern day narrow boat will have central heating, a kitchen and a bathroom.

Can you drive these boats yourself or do you need to hire an experienced driver?

"Instructions are given to everybody when they come to us to rent a Narrow boat and we tend to find that most Scandinavian clients are already very proficient in terms of handling a boat, the hardest thing is to keep in mind the length of the vessel. Drivers are not provided as it is self drive hire."

What facilities do the boats have on board?

"All of our boats are fully equipped with split level cookers, TV, CD/radio, cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery, showers and proper toilets. We even provide towels for overseas guests."

How do your clients manage the locks? Don't you really have to learn what to do?

"The locks are a 200 year old technology and our instruction covers their use and also swing bridge and canal etiquette towards other Narrow boats, which is of course important when you consider that only one boat can pass through a lock at a time."

What things can you expect to experience?

"The wildlife and landscape along the canals is truly stunning. Travelling at such a slow pace, you really have time to see and experience the nature surrounding you. Add to this picturesque villages, Georgian Architecture and the locks themselves, there are no end of interesting sights. You have to keep in mind that the Narrow boats really do move at a leisurely pace and 3kph is going to be your maximum speed."

Would this type of holiday work for a family with small kids?

"We have families with children of all ages; it's a fantastic opportunity for them to see another way of life, experience nature and to be involved in working the locks along the canal. In a world where everyone is racing around so much, what better way could there be to relax and unwind from the stresses of modern day life."

www.sallyboats.ltd.uk
enquiries@sallyboats.ltd.uk or call on +441225 864923

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