Classic canal trip ideal for first-timers

A September cruise through middle England is the ideal trip for first-timers, according to specialist boating holiday agency, Waterways Holidays, which has savings of up to £649 on the hire of selected narrowboats.

From Hillmorton in Warwickshire to Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire is just over an hour there and back by road, but it’s a relaxing – and much prettier – week’s cruise along the North Oxford and Grand Union Canals, travelling at no more than four miles an hour.

With only 30 locks to operate - it’s easy when you know how – plus the feat of engineering that is the Blisworth Tunnel to discover, this classic route is easily accomplished during a seven-night holiday and is a wonderful introduction to narrowboating for first-timers.

Travelling for four to five hours a day leaves plenty of time to admire the rural surroundings, eat in a canal-side pub (like the re-opened New Inn at Norton Junction), or visit the excellent Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, the half-way point of the holiday.

Save up to £649 on a week’s hire of Rowdyke, a 67-foot narrowboat with ‘all mod cons’ including a large day cabin, big galley, two shower-rooms and flexible accommodation for between six and 10 people (and a dog) plus TV, DVD and CD player.  Remaining September dates (start 9, 13, 23, 27 or 30) are now reduced to £800 for a week, which includes diesel, gas for cooking, damage waiver, linen and parking (for two vehicles) at the base during the holiday.

From the same Hillmorton base, and well suited for two couples, or up to six people holidaying together is 55-foot long Albion, which can offer two double-bedded cabins and now costs £700 for a week in September (start 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 or 30), saving up to £394.

For more information, visit waterwaysholidays.com.