Life in the slow lane on the Warwickshire Ring

Anyone who has ever been stuck in traffic on the M6 will question Kate Boats’ recommendation for a relaxing holiday: circling the Midlands…But chugging at four miles an hour around the Warwickshire Ring means this narrowboat holiday is a million miles away – in concept if not geography – from Spaghetti Junction.

Guaranteed to de-stress you, the Warwickshire Ring combines the Grand Union, Coventry and Oxford Canals to create a circular route of 104 miles which takes a week to complete.

It’s easy to unwind as leafy countryside and historic towns, including Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa, slide slowly past. Kingfishers, herons, ducks and even otters may be seen along the way. There are plenty of canal-side pubs to visit and friendly fellow travellers to lend a hand at the locks, which are easier to operate than they look – even the world-famous Hatton Flight, with its 21 locks in a row!

Family-run Kate Boats operates a fleet of 20 narrowboats on the Warwickshire Ring, with a week’s hire this August starting from £940 for the two-star Thomas David (sleeping up to four). For a touch of luxury, the five-star Jemima – brand new for 2009 season – costs up to £1669 for a week and sleeps up to six.

Prices include free parking at Kate Boats’ base, instruction, canal licence, diesel, energy for heating, light and cooking and bedding as well as buoyancy aids.

For more information, visit katecanalboats.co.uk.