Boating and biking on the Grand Union Canal

Combine boating and biking on a holiday or short break on board ‘Activity’, a luxurious, modern narrowboat which has an extended foredeck with secure locker space for six full-size cycles.

This new-concept, five-star craft is 69 feet long and has 6 ft 8 inches headroom – considerably higher than many traditional craft – and operates on the Grand Union canal from Linslade boatyard near Leighton Buzzard.

Options for short breaks include the northern route through Milton Keynes (with its 500 miles of cycle tracks) to the picturesque canal-side village of Stoke Bruerne, home to the Waterways Museum as well as shops, pubs and restaurants.

This is an ideal option for a weekend break with plenty of entertainment for children, some locks, two aqueducts and many opportunities for mooring up, unloading the bikes and exploring along the way.

However, those with energy can continue further north through the flight of seven locks and the two-mile Blisworth Tunnel en route to Gayton Junction where the boat can be turned.

Waterways Holidays is highlighting special deals on two weekend breaks on ‘Activity’ starting 14 or 21 August. The new price is £705 (saving £125) for up to seven passengers inclusive of fuel and damage waiver, tuition cruise including a lock, buoyancy aids, car parking etc.

For those can’t bring their own cycles, hire is available from the boatyard on arrival at £10 each.

For more information and reservations, visit waterwaysholidays.com.