ALVECHURCH WATERWAY HOLIDAYS HOLIDAY GUIDE boat facilities what to wear pets arrival where to go eating out what to do marina locations shopping directions to bases
CONTENTS Page Introduction 3 Arrival and Departure 3 Return 3 Cleaning 4 Cruising Licences 4 Mooring Charges 4 Fishing Licences 4 General 4 Pets 5 Rubbish Disposal 5 What to Bring 5 What to Wear 5 Shopping and Food 5 Eating Out 6 Where to Go and What to Do 6 Route Availability 6 Boat Services and Supplies 6-7 Electricity 6-7 Fuel 6-7 Protecting the Environment 7 Gas Supply 7 Toilets 7 Water 8 Television 8 Alvechurch Marina Information 9-11 Anderton Marina Information 12-14 Falkirk Base Information 15-18 Gayton Marina Information 19-21 Hilperton Marina Information 22-24 Wrenbury Mill Information 25-27 Payment of Holiday Hire Charges 28 Groceries / Payment Form 28-29 Notes 30-31 2
INTRODUCTION This cruising guide is intended to help you enjoy your narrowboat holiday by ensuring that you are able to prepare yourself fully before you arrive at the marina. Each of our boats is also equipped with a comprehensive manual containing further local information and instructions specific to your particular boat. Any boat-handling and navigation instructions given are intended to complement 'The Boater's Handbook' published by British Waterways. Please can you ensure that you and all of your crew carefully read 'The Boater's Handbook' before you start your holiday. It would also be useful if you bring it along with you for reference throughout your trip. Please note that you will be asked to sign and confirm that you have read this for health and safety purposes. If it is your first canal holiday, please DON'T WORRY. Our experienced staff will ensure that everything is explained and demonstrated and you will be given practical instruction in boat handling at the start of your cruise. The Boater s Handbook can also be downloaded from www.alvechurch.com ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE We will endeavour to have your boat ready for you to take over between 2.30pm and 4pm. A later takeover may be possible by prior arrangement for which an additional charge will be made. Please report to reception upon arrival. Here you will be able to stock up with maps, guides, postcards etc. Please do not go directly to your boat as doing so may disrupt the handover routine and cause delay. When your boat is ready, our staff will be pleased to show you on board and leave you to stow everything away. Let us know when you are unpacked and ready, then one of our staff will come aboard to show you through the boat and explain how everything works (a copy of these instructions will be in the boat manual in case you forget anything). Also included in the manual is a copy of the boat's inventory which we ask you to check to satisfy yourself that everything is present and in good order. When you are ready to set off our staff will see you safely on your way giving you any necessary demonstration and information on correct boat navigation based on your previous experience. There is ample parking at each of our bases but all parking arrangements are at your own risk. RETURN Your boat should be returned to the marina by no later than 9.30am on the final day and completely vacated by 10.00am. It is very important that boats are not handed back late as the whole turnround routine depends on boats being available at the correct time. Late returns will be charged for and can mean that there is insufficient time to properly prepare the boat before the next guests arrive. When you have removed all your belongings please call at reception. We would very much like to hear about your holiday experience before you depart. 3
CLEANING A most important factor in getting the boat ready on time is the state in which it is returned. We do ask that the boat is left in a clean and tidy condition with all items back in their original place. Please dispose of all your rubbish in our on-site refuse containers. CRUISING LICENCES As stated in the Booking Conditions, our boats are licenced for all the canals and rivers governed by British Waterways, but not for a few other waterways. In practice, this means that if you plan to cruise the Rivers Avon, Thames or Nene, you will need to pay for a short term visitor s licence. We will be pleased to advise you, when you collect your boat, on current procedures and costs. Our boats will not be allowed to navigate tidal waterways except the River Thames between Brentford and Teddington in favourable conditions. MOORING CHARGES Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers governed by British Waterways are free of charge. In fact, you are permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal free of charge so long as you are not causing an obstruction. However, at certain privately owned sites there may be a fee (usually between 3 and 8) for overnight mooring. The River Thames is a typical example as well as parts of the Kennet and Avon canal. FISHING LICENCES Most of the waterways you can reach can be fished, providing you hold a national licence available from UK Post Offices. You must also purchase a day ticket from the owners of the fishing rights either in advance or from the bailiff for the water in question. For reasons of hygiene, we cannot allow you to keep live bait on the boat. CLOSE SEASON: Fishing is not allowed on rivers from 15th March to 15th June inclusive. GENERAL 1. No person under the age of 18 years should operate the boat unless an adult is at the young persons side. 2. You are not permitted to cruise after dark. The boat is not fitted with navigation lights and the insurance becomes invalid. 3. The maximum speed allowed on the canals is 4mph. If the wash from the boat creates a wave along the bank your speed is too high. 4
PETS Your pets are welcome on board (maximum two per boat and there may be a charge) but we do ask that you keep them off the beds, seats and soft furnishings. An extra charge may be made if additional cleaning is required or if they cause any damage, or for more than two pets please refer to the booking office for further information. RUBBISH DISPOSAL There are plenty of disposal points along the waterways so please use them. Most boatyards will provide facilities if you cannot locate a British Waterways disposal point. Do not spoil the enjoyment of others by throwing your litter in the canal or leaving it on the canal bank. WHAT TO BRING Your boat will be fully equipped with all the necessary crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and bedding. We provide one medium sized towel for each guest and a hand towel per bathroom on every boat. We recommend that your luggage is of the soft bag type as large suitcases are difficult to store on the boat. Where this is not possible we suggest that you leave suitcases in your car or we will store them for you at the marina on request. WHAT TO WEAR For your own safety each member of the party should have a pair of flat, rubber soled shoes. Plimsolls, trainers etc. are suitable, leather and hard soled shoes are not and must never be worn about the boat or locks. Even in the hottest, driest weather there is always water close by and the wearing of unsuitable shoes is the surest way to slip. Taking your time and a firm grip with hand and foot are the best ways to avoid accidents when handling boats. We recommend some waterproof clothing and a pair of waterproof boots or shoes in case of wet weather. As to clothing, the important thing is to have casual, comfortable clothes suitable for operating the boat and locks. A good sweater or anorak of some kind may be useful for cold mornings or evenings. Gloves are useful too when operating locks. They can give you extra grip when you are using your windlass (lock key) and protect soft skin. Gardening type gloves are ideal or you can obtain similar gloves at each of our marina shops. SHOPPING AND FOOD Your boat is fully equipped with all the utensils, cooker, oven, fridge etc. to enable you to cook, if you wish, to the same standards that you would at home. There is hot and cold running water in the galley and adequate room. You will be able to replenish the larder at some canalside towns and villages which you will pass and many boatyards operate a small grocery shop. It is becoming more common for supermarkets to be built near to the canals which often have cashpoints so you can stock up your wallet as well as your larder! 5
EATING OUT Many of the delightful canalside pubs provide meals, but you would be well advised to telephone in advance to book a table as they are very popular with motorists as well as boaters. Please remember that not every pub serves food on a Sunday evening and some do not take credit cards. WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO There is a great temptation to undertake long circular cruises or rings only to discover that it is all proving to be much harder work than you first thought. We always recommend an out and return route for beginners - many experienced boaters prefer this also. Working through the locks does take some effort and whilst this activity is part of the enjoyment of a canal cruise, you do not want to make it a chore. A cruising day of about 8 hours is the most that you should plan for, and remember that you might want some time to do other things as well. Guide books for all the canals and navigable rivers are available in our marina shops and via mail order if you want to study the route in advance. Places of interest and the facilities you may need are listed and described alongside the maps, so you will always know in advance what is to be found around the next bend. ROUTE AVAILABILITY For up-to-date information on route availability for British Waterways navigations please telephone Canalphone North & Midlands on 01923 201401 and/or Canalphone South & Midlands on 01923 201402 or WAP mobile www.britishwaterways. co.uk/mobile. Alternatively the British Waterways' website www.waterscape.com contains a lot of useful information or you can ring their customer services on 01923 201120. The marina will also provide you with any route information when you collect the boat. Routes and timings are approximate and will be affected by available cruising hours, weather conditions and amount of traffic on the waterway. When planning any river cruising within your route, do bear in mind that in some weather conditions river navigation may be restricted, so it is worth having an alternative plan. 6 BOAT SERVICES AND SUPPLIES ELECTRICITY - The boat electrical systems are supplied by heavy duty batteries which are recharged by the propulsion engine. All the essential boat equipment including the TV operates on a 12 volt DC supply. There is, however, a 240 volt supply point for electric shavers ONLY and a 12 volt car cigar lighter socket suitable for charging mobile phones and camcorder batteries, for which you will need to bring a suitable 12 volt lead with you. Some boats (marked in the brochure) provide a 240 volt power supply for the appliances provided. We advise against bringing your own appliances to run off the boats 240 volt system, however, if you do so it is at your own risk. You must remember that being battery supplied, the total electrical capacity is not unlimited. You must run the engine for at least 5 hours each day to recharge the batteries.
FUEL - Your fuel tank will be full with about 50 gallons or 225 litres of diesel fuel when you start and this will normally last more than 2 weeks. The average fuel consumption is between 10 and 20 gallons per week. If you plan to cruise for over 100 hours, ask about refuelling procedures at the start of your holiday. PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT We must ask you to do all you can to protect the environment by reducing exhaust emissions and obeying the 4mph speed limit. Excessive throttle use equals noise, bank erosion and pollution. It is very easy to double the amount of throttle use yet go no further nor faster than someone handling the boat with care and thought. GAS SUPPLY Two or more gas cylinders are carried on board the boat. Providing it is used wisely, you have a sufficient supply for at least one week in the coldest part of the season and plenty for two weeks in the spring and summer. Of course, if you leave the heating full on with the doors wide open you will use up your supply much sooner and possibly run out at a time and place when you cannot easily obtain replacement cylinders. Gas is used for cooking and on some boats for heating and hot water. For safety and legislation reasons no other portable gas appliances such as barbeques may be carried or stored on the boat. TOILETS All of our boats are equipped with fresh water flushing toilets designed to need emptying only once a week with average use. Should the toilet tank need emptying during the holiday it is a chargeable service that is provided by most boatyards. Having been emptied during the turnaround, the toilet should be entirely trouble free providing it is used correctly. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet. Any other items (including sanitary articles, nappies, wet wipes, kitchen towels and quilted toilet paper) should not go down the toilet and bags are provided to hygienically transfer bulkier items to a suitable bin. Any of the above items are likely to cause a blockage which may in turn delay your progress if an engineer has to be called. If a blockage is found to have been caused due to ignoring these instructions a charge may be made for the engineer's time. If you do need a pump-out it is advisable to avoid weekends if at all possible because many marinas which operate a hire fleet will be busy servicing their own boats at this time. 7
WATER All our boats carry around 100 gallons or 450 litres of water which is delivered to the taps by an automatic electric pump. You are advised to refill your water tank every day. This reduces the filling time, which can be lengthy at some taps and avoids the risk of running out at an inconvenient place or time. There are many water points along your route and all will be shown in the various canal cruising guides. Nearly all boatyards have water points, but do remember to ask first as there are no special rights or agreements for hire boats. TELEVISION All of our boats are fitted with colour televisions as a permanent feature. Reception quality is not always good on the canals because the aerial is generally not high enough. Your ability to get a good picture is also dependent on aligning the aerial in the right direction and in selecting the correct channel. Only trial and error will get it right and the results obtained can often be disappointing. Some boats (marked in our brochure) also have DVD players on board for watching your own DVDs. 8
ALVECHURCH MARINA ADDRESS: SCARFIELD WHARF TEL: 0121 445 1133 ALVECHURCH FAX: 0121 447 7120 WORCESTERSHIRE B48 7SQ DIRECTIONS BY ROAD: The marina is on the western edge of the village of Alvechurch, close to the railway station. Exit the M42 at Junction 2 (to Birmingham South, Redditch) Take the A441 towards Birmingham for ½ mile. At roundabout take 1st exit (to Alvechurch) for 1 mile. At roundabout go straight on (slightly to left), 2nd exit (to Alvechurch). Pass under the motorway and continue into the village for ½ mile, straight across the mini-roundabout. Immediately after the pedestrian traffic lights follow the brown marina sign on the left pointing to the marina. Pass over a double hump-backed bridge (the railway, then the canal) and the marina entrance is 100m on the left. 9
BY RAIL: From London: Go to London (Euston) station and take the train to Birmingham (New Street) station. On weekdays and Saturdays trains depart every 30 minutes and the journey time is about 90 minutes. At Birmingham (New Street) change trains to the local service to Redditch. This service operates every 30 minutes and journey time is about 40 minutes. Alvechurch is an unmanned station which is the last stop before Redditch. The marina is only about 300 metres from the station. On the road outside the station turn left and go over the railway and canal bridges and we are 100 metres on the left. If you need assistance with luggage when you arrive at Alvechurch station please send one of your party ahead to the marina to request assistance. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com. FROM AIRPORTS: From Birmingham International Airport: Take a taxi to the marina (about 30 minutes). From Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted: Take the inter-airport coach service to Birmingham International Airport then take a taxi as above. Alternatively, make your way to London (Euston) and take a train as above. LOCAL ACCOMMODATION: Amberley Guest House Aqueduct Lane Alvechurch Tel: 0121 445 6526 Mob: 07854 496006 Email: a.patterson@ftel.co.uk Web: www.alvechurchguesthouse.co.uk Ladybird Lodge 2 Finstall Road Aston Fields Bromsgrove B60 2DZ Tel: 01527 889900 Fax: 01527 889949 Email: info@ladybirdlodge.co.uk Web: www.ladybirdlodge.co.uk LOCAL TAXI: Hyde Cars Gold and Black Cars Tel: 01527 65319 or 07774 857574 Tel: 01527 570707 or 01527 570527 Fax: 01527 65319 Fax: 01527 578450 Email: Peterhydecars@hotmail.com 10
NEAREST GROCERIES: A selection of essential provisions is stocked at the marina shop and there is a small convenience store in Alvechurch village (a short walk from the marina). The nearest supermarket is Sainsburys on the A441 at the north edge of Redditch (10 minutes by car). Tescos will deliver (visit www.tesco. com, 0845 6779119). THE WEIGHBRIDGE PUB - LICENCED BAR & BAR FOOD The Weighbridge is a Free House situated at Alvechurch Marina that serves home cooked bar meals and breakfast by arrangement. To book a meal or for further information telephone 0121 445 5111 or simply call in when you arrive at the marina. www.the-weighbridge.co.uk BAR OPENING HOURS Monday 12-3pm 7-11pm Tuesday 12-3pm 7-11pm Wednesday 12-3pm 7-11pm Thursday 12-3pm 7-11pm Friday 12-3pm 7-11pm Saturday 12-3pm 7-11pm Sunday 12-3pm 7-11pm FOOD OPENING HOURS Monday 12-2pm 7-9pm Tuesday Sandwiches Only Wednesday Sandwiches Only Thursday 12-2pm 7-9pm Friday 12-2pm 7-9pm Saturday 12-2pm 7-9pm Sunday 12-2pm 7-9pm Opening times subject to change CRUISING ROUTES FROM ALVECHURCH 3 night short break to Lapworth Flight & return Head north briefly past Hopwood and then through the Wast Hills Tunnel until you reach Kings Norton Junction. Then turn down on the Stratford Canal towards Stratford. This relaxing route involves no locks at all up to the top of the Lapworth Flight and takes 8 hours in total. A midweek 4 night break to Hatton & return Follow the route above, but continue down the Lapworth locks to Kingswood Junction. This will take approximately 19 hours in total and you can go further for a couple of hours towards either Knowle, the top of Hatton Flight or Wootten Wawen. This part of your journey has 36 locks, and you will retrace your steps on both journeys to get back to Alvechurch One week trip to Stratford-upon-Avon & return This route follows the above trips, but you will continue past Wootten Wawen and onto Stratford. The trip including the return takes 42 hours and has 110 locks, but Stratford provides an ideal place to moor near to the shops and town centre. THE AVON RING In order to cruise on the River Avon a licence is required from the Upper & Lower Avon Navigation Trust. The licence is obtained as you join the Avon at either Tewkesbury or Stratford-upon-Avon. The cost is approximately 44. 11
ANDERTON MARINA ADDRESS: UPLANDS ROAD TEL: 01606 79642 ANDERTON FAX: 01606 784540 NORTHWICH CHESHIRE CW9 6AJ DIRECTIONS BY RAIL: From Manchester: Take the train to Northwich station. From London and the south: Take the train to Crewe and then change for the service to Hartford station. From Northwich or Hartford stations: Take a taxi to the marina (the fare should be about 5-10). If there are no taxis waiting, information on taxi firms can be found at the payphone at the station. Taxi information is detailed later in the guide. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com 12
FROM AIRPORTS: From Manchester Airport: Take a taxi to the boatyard. The fare for up to four people should be in the region of 25-30. BY ROAD: Anderton is situated in Cheshire, just north of Northwich and close to the famous Anderton Boat Lift. From the M6 junction with the M56, take the M56 (West). Exit the M56 at junction 10. Take the A559 (signed Northwich) for 3 miles. Turn Right (signed Comberbach and Anderton Boat Lift). Continue through Comberbach and past Marbury Country Park towards Anderton. The marina is on the left, ¼ mile after the Anderton village sign. LOCAL ACCOMMODATION: Park Villa Guest House, The Holly Bush, 9 Dyar Terrace, Little Leigh, Winnington, Northwich, Northwich, CW8 4QY Cheshire CW8 4DN Tel: 01606 853196 Tel: 01606 74533 Fax: 01606 853374 Email paul_walters@btconnect.com LOCAL TAXIS: Anderton Travel, Barnton Travel Tel: 01606 77701 or 07769674058 Tel: 01606 872000 Fax: 01606 8885 NEAREST GROCERIES: A selection of essential provisions is stocked at the marina shop. There is a small convenience shop in Anderton village, with the nearest supermarket a couple of miles away in the town of Northwich. A selection of essential provisions is stocked at the marina shop. THE MOORINGS - LICENCED RESTAURANT. The Moorings Restaurant is situated in the reception building, over-looking the marina. Delicious lunches include freshly cut sandwiches with tea or coffee and a range of home-cooked food. To reserve a table for lunch or your evening meal, please telephone 01606 79789 or fax 01606 784540. You can also arrange for a meal to Monday 11-4.00pm Closed be prepared and put on board your Tuesday Closed Closed boat for your first evening afloat. Wednesday 11-9.00pm www.mooringsrestaurant.co.uk Thursday 11-9.00pm Friday 11-9.00pm Saturday 11-9.00pm Sunday 11-5.30pm 7-9.00pm Opening times subject to change 13
CRUISING ROUTES FROM ANDERTON 3 night short break to Nantwich and return: From Anderton you will cruise 3 hours through some beautiful countryside and reach Middlewich and your first locks. There is 1 double lock (Big Lock), the only double lock on your trip, and then 3 narrow locks in a row. After turning right on the Middlewich branch the next 4 locks are spaced out with lovely scenery between them. Next go left at Barbridge and this takes you past the bottom of the Llangollen Canal and onto the historic town of Nantwich, also famous for it s cheese. From Nantwich retrace your journey back to Anderton. The total cruising time for this route is 18 hours and you will have gone through 16 locks. A midweek 4 night break to Worsley and return: After passing the entrance to the famous Anderton Boat Lift the canal carries you on the side of a hill and then through Barnton and Saltersford tunnels. The canal then follows the line of the River Weaver, looking down onto the picturesque Weaver Valley. You then come to a lock with just a 6 inch drop before the Preston Brook tunnel. Continue along the Bridgewater Canal that takes you to the village of Lymm. From Lymm turn left at Waters Meeting which takes you over the Barton Swing Aqueduct and onto historic Worsley. This boasts the birth of the canal system in the North West. From Worsley retrace your journey back to Anderton. The total cruising time for this route is 20 hours and you will have gone through 2 locks. One week trip to Chester and return: From Anderton the first 3 hours on this route are lock free through countryside that brings you to the small canal town of Middlewich with various amenities. Here you will encounter your first locks. The rest of the trip is all rural and very scenic with the locks well spaced out. You can then moor at the Cheshire Cat Inn at Christleton where there is a convenient turning point. From here you can catch a bus into the City of Chester, which takes 7 minutes, saving 6 hours of cruising time and 10 locks down into the City and back. Up to the turning point at Christleton you will have cruised for 26 hours and navigated 34 locks. If you continue to Chester and then return you will have completed 44 locks and cruised for about 32 hours. 14 ANDERTON BOAT LIFT - www.andertonboatlift.co.uk The recently restored Boat Lift, with its excellent visitor centre, is just a few minutes walk from the marina. If you would like to travel down on the lift to cruise on the River Weaver you will need to book your trip in advance by phoning 01606 786777. You will need to quote the licence number of your boat, available from the booking office on request.
FALKIRK MARINA ADDRESS: ALVECHURCH HIRE BASE TEL: 07973 503916 FALKIRK WHEEL LIME ROAD TAMFOURHILL FALKIRK FK1 4RS DIRECTIONS BY RAIL: From Glasgow Queen Street or Edinburgh station take a train to either Falkirk High or Falkirk Grahamston station (about 30 minutes). The most frequent service is to Falkirk High Station. Either station in Falkirk is a short taxi journey to the Falkirk Wheel. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com. BY AIR: Landing at either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport you can take a bus to the city centre and then a train as above. From Edinbugh airport a taxi directly to Falkirk takes about 30 minutes. 15
BY ROAD: The base is adjacent to the magnificent Falkirk Wheel visitor centre. Following the instructions below will avoid you ending up in the wrong car park on the north side of the canal. Between Falkirk and Camelon (to the West) there is a large roundabout at the ROSEBANK BEEFEATER RESTAURANT. From here follow the signs for FALKIRK WHEEL DISABLED AND SERVICE ACCESS. You will be taking a road that runs parallel the canal on the opposite side to the restaurant. Once you are running alongside the canal carry straight on through two mini-roundabouts and then first right into TAMFOURHILL ROAD. Turn right at the mini roundabout and along the road that sweeps left to the entrance to the Falkirk Wheel site. Just inside the entrance is a sign on the right saying THE FALKIRK WHEEL. IF YOU ARRIVE BEFORE 2:30 pm go down the hill and park in one of the car parks on the right. (There is no need to pay). Walk down the hill and go through the Visitor Centre reception building which has a sign RECEPTION on the front of it. Then turn right and our Base office is at the right hand end of the building facing you. Here you will be provided with more information. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 2:30 pm, drive down the hill and park in one of the disabled parking spaces and come into our Base office. PLEASE DO NOT LOAD ANY LUGGAGE INTO THE TROLLEYS PROVIDED UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN INFORMED YOUR BOAT IS READY AS IT MIGHT DEPRIVE SOMEONE ELSE FROM USING THEM. NEAREST GROCERIES: There is a large convenience store in Camelon (3 minutes by car), two Tesco stores (telephone 0845 6779282, www.tesco.com) and one Asda store (01324 636191) in Falkirk (7 minutes by car). LOCAL ACCOMMODATION: Best Western Park Hotel, Cameron Road, Falkirk, Scotland, FK1 5RY, Tel: 01324 628331 Fax: 01324 611593, Email: reservations@parkhotelfalkirk.co.uk, Web: www.parkhotelfalkirk.co.uk 16 Arbuthnot House (Anna Burnside), Dorrator Road, Camelon, Falkirk, FK1 4BN Tel: 01324 634785 Email: annaburnsi@yahoo.com Web: www.milford.co.uk.
LOCAL TAXIS: Express Taxis Bruce s Taxis Tel: 01324 622100 Tel: 01324 636000 Fax 01324 633033 CRUISING ROUTES FROM FALKIRK The Forth & Clyde is much wider than the average English canal. The Union Canal is a contour canal and has no locks at all nor bridges that have to be opened. British Waterways staff currently operate all of the locks and bridges and boaters are not allowed to operate the locks themselves (though help is happily accepted). The hours for locks are 8.00am 6.00pm and the Falkirk Wheel 9.00am 6.00pm (7.00pm Saturdays). Between Falkirk and Glasgow there are 4 locks and 3 road bridges, with a further 18 locks and a number of pedestrian bridges between Glasgow and the Clyde at Bowling. It is important to bring a mobile phone with you to cruise on the Scottish Lowland Canals, as British Waterways staff operate all of the locks and bridges and need to be aware of the traffic using the canals. Each of our boats has a 12-volt cigar-lighter style socket compatible with a standard in-car mobile phone charger. Once you are ready to set off it will take you 20 minutes to get up into the wheel basin, or 35 minutes to travel west along the Forth & Clyde Canal to Bonnybridge road lift bridge Cruising West: If you are going west on the Forth and Clyde Canal, British Waterways staff will see you through Bonnybridge road lift bridge and locks 17 to 20. You therefore need to contact British Waterways (0845 676 6000) about a week before leaving home to let them know your plans. You are then on the summit reach with no more locks between here and Glasgow, but there are two more bridges. At lock 20 let the British Waterways staff know where you intend to stop for the night, what time you plan to leave the following morning and how far you intend to go that day. If you plan to go into Glasgow (which is the place to stop for the night, even if you are going down to Bowling the following day), you need to take the left fork when the canal splits at Stockingfield Junction. Down the Glasgow branch you can either moor at British Waterways headquarters at Applecross Street or if you are going to arrive before 5.00pm you can go down to Spiers Wharf. However, you need to have phoned 0845 676 6000 at least an hour in advance to get the Bascule Bridge opened for you at Applecross Street. 17
If you are going beyond Glasgow to Bowling you need to contact British Waterways (0845 676 6000) the day before you plan to make this passage. Cruising East: As before, you should book the Falkirk Wheel about a week before you leave home by calling British Waterways (01324 676912). Set off from our base 20 minutes before the time you have booked. We will open the pedestrian bridge for you. Once you have passed through this bridge, turn immediately into the lower lock, which should be set for you. The British Waterways staff will tell you when to proceed across and into the gondola of The Wheel. Enter the gondola and someone at both the bow and stern should go onto the walkway and tie off the boat. Everyone should get back onto the boat whilst The Wheel turns, with your engine switched off. British Waterways staff will tell you when to start your engine and leave the gondola. Pass through the tunnel under the Antonine Wall. Once you leave the tunnel, turn to the left and into the first of two locks in series. The procedure is the same as for the lower lock. Once you have cleared these locks you have no more obstacles between you and Edinburgh, which is 10 hours cruising away. Next you pass through the Falkirk Tunnel, after which the best place to stop for your first night is Linlithgow, three hours from the top locks. We recommend mooring at the pontoons just beyond the bridge at Manse Road basin, where the Linlithgow Union Canal Society have their boats. Subsequent movements through the Falkirk Wheel: If you are coming from the west along the Forth & Clyde Canal, it is best to contact British Waterways (01324 676912) to book your passage through the Wheel. The latest point to do this is when you pass under Bonnybridge Road Bridge. Similarly, if you are coming from the east along the Union Canal, the latest you should phone is when you have cleared the Falkirk Tunnel and before the Seagull Trust boathouse. Movement on the Forth & Clyde coming through The Wheel from the Union: Advise British Waterways (0845 676 6000) the day before you want to start moving west on the Forth & Clyde Canal. Tell them the name of the boat, what time you will be at Bonnybridge road bridge (or where you will be setting off from the following morning and at what time) and how far you wish to go that day. 18
GAYTON MARINA ADDRESS: BLISWORTH ARM TEL: 01604 858685 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FAX: 01604 859644 NN7 3ER. DIRECTIONS: BY RAIL: Take the train to Northampton station and then a taxi to the marina (about 5 miles). The cost for a taxi for up to four people should be approximately 15. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com. FROM AIRPORTS: From Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead or Birmingham: There are a number of options including rail or coach to Northampton. For information on taxi companies see further in guide. Approximate taxi prices: 4 people from Heathrow 70, Birmingham 50, East Midlands 55, Luton 45, Gatwick 95, Stanstead 75 and Manchester 110. BY ROAD: The marina is situated off the Gayton to Milton Malsor road, adjacent to the A43 - however, there is no direct access from the A43. Unless noted below, ignore signs to Gayton village. From Towcester (junction of A5 & A43) take the A43 towards Northampton. After 2½ miles turn right towards Blisworth for 1mile. In the centre of Blisworth turn left 200m beyond the Royal Oak pub (signposted to Northampton). 19
Turn left in front of a row of thatched cottages into Northampton Road (to Milton Malsor) for 1½ miles. Turn left at the staggered crossroad (to Rothersthorpe & Gayton). Immediately after the bridge over the A43, turn left at the T-junction. Go over the canal bridge and the marina is 300m on the left. From the M1, exit at junction 15A and take the A43 towards Northampton for ¼ mile. At roundabout turn left (to Rothersthorpe & Pattishall) for 2 miles to Rothersthorpe. At the crossroads turn left (to Milton Malsor & Blisworth) After going over the second canal bridge, the marina is 300m on the left. LOCAL ACCOMMODATION: The Elms (Mrs Sanders) Kislingbury NN7 4AH Tel: 01604 830326 Email: theelms.farm@amserve.com Pets Allowed The Queen Victoria 10 High Street Gayton NN7 3HD Tel/Fax: 01604 858878 Email: Queenvictoriainngayton@btopenworld.com www.queenvictoriainn.co.uk No Pets LOCAL TAXIS: Bounds Taxis Amber Taxis Tel: 01604 626262 Tel: 01604 708999 Fax: 01604 626080 Fax: 01604 233866 NEAREST GROCERIES: A selection of essential provisions is stocked at the marina shop and the nearest convenience store is about a mile away in the village of Blisworth. The nearest supermarket is a Tesco store on the outskirts of Northampton, just 5 minutes by car. (0845 6779119 - www.tesco.com) CRUISING ROUTES FROM GAYTON 20 THAMES CRUISING: We are happy to allow our hire craft to cruise on the river Thames, but a separate licence is required above Teddington and there is important information which you must be aware of. The Thames between Brentford and Teddington is tidal. You are permitted to make a single passage between these two points provided that it is done as promptly as possible. This stretch of water comes under the jurisdiction of the Port of London Authority and no additional licence
is required. You must ask and accept the advice of the Lock Keepers at either Brentford or Teddington regarding the timing of your passage. They will ensure that you get the maximum benefit of the tides. You must not attempt the passage before sunrise and you must satisfy yourself that the passage can be completed and the boat is once again on non-tidal waters well before sunset. You may not under any circumstances cruise on the Thames downstream of Brentford. Passage on the Thames between Brentford and Limehouse is not permitted. A Thames information sheet can be downloaded from www.alvechurch.com or collected from the marina on arrival. 3 night short break on the Grand Union Canal heading South: On day one you will start out from Gayton and head south onto the Grand Union Canal towards Blisworth. Go through the Blisworth Tunnel and you will emerge just outside the village of Stoke Bruerne. This is 4 miles and doesn t have any locks, which gives you a relaxing first day. Day two will take you towards Great Linford, but before setting off you may want to visit the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. When you begin your journey you will go through 7 locks and then go round to Cosgrove where an aqueduct crosses the River Ouse. Then you will go onto Wolverton and finish your day at Great Linford. The whole journey is 11 miles and has 8 locks. The final day will be travelling back to Gayton A midweek 4 night break: You will head northwards on the Grand Union Canal towards Weedon. After one hour you may like to stop at Bugbrooke or continue towards Weedon to spend the night. This is 9.5 miles and has no locks. On day two continue towards Whilton and the Buckby Flight of 7 locks to Norton Junction. You will then be bearing left towards Braunston and travel through the 2042 yard Braunston Tunnel. Now descend the 6 locks and you will reach the Braunston Junction. Today you will have travelled 8 miles and gone through 13 locks. The next day you will travel onto Napton and turn before the locks, to continue back to Gayton. This is 8 miles and has no locks. Your final day will be returning to Gayton. One week trip from Gayton to Warwick and return: Day one and two will be the same as the midweek break above. On day three at Napton Junction you will head towards Warwick, first through the Calcutt Locks, then onto the more strenuous 10 locks of Stockton. A further 10 locks takes you to Radford Semele where you can moor up for the night and take a well earned break. Today you will have travelled 12 miles and gone through 23 locks. The next day will take you from Radford Semele to Warwick. As the canal runs close to the centre of Leamington Spa it is possible to make a visit to the parks and the Royal Pump Rooms. The suburbs of Warwick and Leamington merge into one, and so you will soon reach Cape Locks and then onto the Saltisford Arm. This is a good place to moor and it is a short stroll into Warwick to visit the Castle and all the other attractions. On days five, six and seven you will be returning to Gayton and retracing your outward journey. 21
HILPERTON MARINA ADDRESS: HAMMOND WAY TEL: 01225 765243 TROWBRIDGE FAX: 01225 768295 WILTSHIRE BA14 8RS. DIRECTIONS: BY RAIL: The nearest rail station is Trowbridge where we are just a short taxi ride away. Trowbridge rail station can be reached from London Waterloo or Bath. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com. FROM AIRPORTS: From the London airports: Make your way via the London Underground, bus or taxi to London Waterloo station. From there take a train to Trowbridge as above. From Bristol: Take a taxi to the marina (about 45 minutes). 22
BY ROAD: Located between Staverton & Hilperton Marsh, the marina is indicated by a narrowboat symbol on local brown tourist road signs. Exit the M4 at junction 17 and take the A350 (Chippenham) to Melksham. At roundabout take the 3rd exit (Holt B3107). Turn left immediately after the Toll Gate pub (Staverton / Hilperton / Trowbridge). From Staverton follow the brown local road signs. Hilperton Marina, Hammond Way is at the junction of the B3105 and B3106. Check in at the glass walled building on stilts at the side of the canal. LOCAL ACCOMMODATION: Paxcroft Cottages 626 Paxcroft Hilperton, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 63B Tel: 01225 765838 Email: Paxcroftcottages@hotmail.com www.paxcroftcottages.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk No pets. Lion and Fiddle (Pub) Devizes Road Hilperton, Trowbridge BA14 7QS Tel: 01225 776392 Fax: 01225 774501 No Pets LOCAL TAXIS: Alpha Taxis 1st County Cars Tel: 01225 753218 / 0800 371297 Tel: 01225 352173 / 0800 2980630 Fax: 01225 774005 Fax: 01225 345463 NEAREST GROCERIES: There are a number of supermarkets within 3 miles of the marina including Tesco www.tesco.com, telephone 0845 6779119 and Asda, telephone 01225 751318 and a small convenience store within half a mile. Some essential supplies are avaialble at the marina which has a chandlery and shop. MOORING FEES: A few stretches of river bank on the Kennet & Avon are privately owned and small charge is made for overnight mooring. In Bristol Harbour moorings are generally about 6 per night, though some free moorings are available. To moor near Pulteney Weir in Bath a fee of 4.50 is payable to the nearby sports centre. In Reading the overnight moorings are 5 per night. 23
CRUISING ROUTES FROM HILPERTON 3 night short break from our base at Hilperton near Trowbridge on the Kennet and Avon Canal: This is our most popular cruising route as it takes in the historic town of Bradford on Avon and the city of Bath. Leaving late afternoon Bradford on Avon is just forty five minutes cruising away with just one lock to pass through on the edge of town. There are no further locks until you get to the top of the Bath flight (six locks) which is another four hours cruising and about ten miles passing over the Avoncliffe and Dundas viaducts. For the short break we don t advise guests to go down the flight as it then leads on to the River Avon and requires an experienced boater. Guests can moor at Bathwick or Bathampton and the centre of Bath is a short walk away. A midweek 4 night break from Hilperton: Again our most popular cruising route is to head towards Bath which is five hours cruising away. If guests are confident then they can proceed down the Bath flight, including the Bath Deep Lock, and proceed on to the River Avon which runs through the centre of Bath. The river runs on to Bristol but it is advisable for the short break to turn at either Keynsham or Saltford and proceed back to Hilperton, stopping for breakfast in Bradford on Avon. One week trip out and back going East toward Hungerford or West to Bristol: From Hilperton going East this time through Semington and Seend Cleeve to Foxhangers is seven locks, eight miles and about five hours cruising. Day two brings you to the bottom of the Devizes flight, a mighty twenty nine locks to overcome the 1 in 30 gradient, which can take as little as three hours to negotiate, but allow for half a day each way. After leaving Devizes pass on to Horton and Allington, four miles, Honeystreet, four miles and on to Pewsey which again is four miles with two locks. Day three will take you through to Savenake and Crofton, four miles and nine locks before passing through the Bedwyns and on to Hungerford which is about eight miles and fifteen locks before turning round to return to Hilperton. Going West is as the two short breaks above, but continuing on the River Avon on day two through Swineford and an Saltford, four locks and five miles and on to Keynsham which is two locks and five miles. Day three will take you into Bristol Harbour before returning to Hilperton (mooring charges will apply as stated earlier in guide). 24
WRENBURY MILL ADDRESS: WRENBURY TEL: 01270 780544 Nr. NANTWICH FAX: 01270 780146 CHESHIRE CW5 8HG DIRECTIONS: BY AIRPORT OR RAIL: From the London Airports: Make your way either by the London Underground, airport shuttle bus or taxi to Euston Main Line rail terminal in central London. Board the Inter-City Express to Crewe (trains depart frequently for the North West, journey time is approximately 2 hours), then travel by taxi to Wrenbury. From Manchester International Airport: Take the airport bus to Manchester Piccadilly station which leaves every half an hour. At the station board a train for Crewe. At Crewe go to the taxi rank outside the station and ask for Alvechurch Boat Centres, Wrenbury marina. The cost should be approximately 10-15. For information on taxi companies see further in guide. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com NB: There is a station in Wrenbury Village, but it is over 1 mile from Wrenbury Mill. There are no waiting taxis and no telephone box from which to order one. BY ROAD: Wrenbury is situated in South Cheshire close to the Shropshire border just a five mile drive from the pleasant market town of Nantwich. Exit M6 junction 16 and join A500/A51 sign posted Crewe and Nantwich. At the first roundabout exit left, at the next 2 roundabouts go straight on sign posted Crewe and Nantwich. Fourth roundabout (approximately 7.4 miles from motorway) go straight on signed A51 Nantwich. In a further 1/4m (400m) at traffic lights go straight on. In a further 1/4m (400m) you will go over a level crossing. You are now in Nantwich. At roundabout go straight over (Whitchurch A534). At mini roundabout take the 1st exit past Safeway supermarket (on right). At roundabout go straight over (Wrexham A534 [Chester A51]) through pedestrian traffic lights. 25
At the next traffic lights turn left over the river (Wrexham A534 [Chester A51]) into 'Welsh Row'. Turn left into 'Queens Drive' (signposted Wrenbury) and continue to the T-junction and turn left. After 5 miles go through the village of Wrenbury. Wrenbury Mill is on the far side of the lift bridge on the right. LOCAL ACCOMMODATION: Oakland House, 252 Newcastle Road, Blakelow, Nantwich, CW5 7ET Tel: 01270 567134 Email: enquiries@oaklandhouseonline.co.uk. Dogs allowed by prior arrangement. LOCAL TAXI COMPANY: Anderton Travel Tel: 07769 674058 Fax: 01606 797279 Email: joeytench@supanet.com. 26 NEAREST GROCERIES: There is a local shop to Wrenbury, but the closest larger supermarkets are WM Morrison (01270 627426) and Sainsburys (01270 629664) in Nantwich.
CRUISING ROUTES FROM WRENBURY MILL 3 night short break to Ellesmere and return: When you leave Wrenbury Mill you will travel 45 minutes and reach the first of 10 locks at Marbury. If you want to moor here you will be able to walk to Marbury village. The next locks are at Quoisley and Willey Moor which will take you approximately just over 1 hour. There is also mooring here. Next you will continue onto Povey s lock and then Grindley Brook. This has 6 locks, 3 of which are a stair case with a lock-keeper. This will take you about 1 hour to complete. From the top of the stair case it 6 hours of lock free cruising with only a few lift bridges all the way to Ellesmere. Spend the final part of your trip returning to Wrenbury Mill and you will have completed 20 locks in total. 3-4 night short break to Wheelock and return: From Wrenbury Mill travel down to the Hurleston Junction where you will leave the Llangollen Canal and enter the Shropshire Union Canal, turn left and head towards Barbridge. The Cholmondeston Locks are after bridge 4 and shortly after that you able to replenish your water supply. At bridge 14 you will be able to moor and walk along to the Bull Ring by the church where there are frequent buses to and from Crewe and Sandbach. You will continue travelling to Middlewich where you will turn right at the junction and head towards Wheelock. Upon turning right you will go through Kings Lock and then continue to the next set of locks. From here you will re-trace your journey back to Wrenbury Mill. One week trip: For the one week trip follow the above route and continue to Wheelock. Here you are able to moor at the towpath alongside the wharf housing a water point. From Wheelock you go down the Wheelock Flight of 5 locks and then onto Hassal Green where there are 2 locks. There are then 2 locks at Pierpoint Locks and you will continue through the Chell s Aqueduct and onto Kidsgrove. From bridge 140 to Kidsgrove the climb is slow and tough, and some call this stretch 'Heartbreak Hill'. There are two minor aqueducts and most of the locks are narrow pairs. At Hardings Wood you will turn and retrace your route back to Wrenbury Mill. 27
PAYMENT OF HOLIDAY HIRE CHARGES The final balance of holiday payment is due 8 weeks prior to the start date of the holiday. Please send any payment made by post to the booking office at the address shown on the back of this holiday guide. Payment may be made, in pounds sterling only, by any of the following methods: BY CHEQUE Please write the following details on the reverse of the cheque: the booking reference number, the start date of the holiday and the class of boat. (Also include the name the booking was made in if not the same as that shown on the cheque.) BY DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD Payments may be made by Solo, Maestro or Delta debit cards, or by Visa or Mastercard (for which there will be a 1% surcharge). Fill in the payment slip opposite (including the card-holder's signature) and send it to the booking office. BY DIRECT TRANSFER FROM YOUR BANK Your bank will advise you how to do this - ensure that the bank quotes the booking number. Our bank details are as follows: The Royal Bank of Scotland, Colmore Row Branch, 79/83 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2AP. Account number: 10327313 Sort code: 16-13-18 It will help us to identify your payment if you write by post, fax or email to inform us that you have used this procedure. Note that, in some cases, charges may be applied by your bank for this method of payment, for which you will be responsible. NOTES ON PAYMENT FROM OVERSEAS All payments are required in Sterling. Payment in any other currency and/ or on a non-uk bank incurs heavy bank charges, for which you will be responsible. The best exchange rates are probably obtained by using a debit or credit card, for which you can use the form on this page. Alternatively, your bank will be able to make payment by direct transfer, as above. 28 GROCERIES You may wish to complete your holiday grocery shopping on the internet. Sainsbury: www.sainsburys.co.uk Tesco: www.tesco.com You are welcome to have your order delivered directly to your start base but we do ask that you inform us of the order and have it delivered strictly between 12 noon and 2pm on the first day of your holiday. If you are unable to purchase provisions before you arrive at the marina, you may wish to take advantage of a starter pack containing a selection of items for breakfast on your first morning (as detailed on page 29). Your request for a starter pack must reach us 14 days prior to the start of your holiday, with payment due upon arrival at the marina.
The grocery starter pack consists of: - 2-4 people 6-8 people Cereal 1 box or 1 variety pack 2 boxes or 2 variety packs Butter 250 grams 500 grams Cheese 250 grams 500 grams Eggs 6 12 Tea bags 40 80 Coffee (instant) 100 grams 100 grams Orange juice 1 litre 2 litres Sugar 1 kg 1 kg Milk (semi-skimmed) 1 litre 2 litres Jam (strawberry) 1 1 Marmalade 1 1 Bread 1 2 Bacon 250 grams 500 grams Cost* 20.00 (approx.) 35.00 (approx.) * Prices to be charged at rates relevant at the time of departure PAYMENT/GROCERY ORDER FORM Booking Number: GROCERIES - Please indicate which pack(s) you require (payment on arrival). 2-4 people 6-8 people None BALANCE OF HOLIDAY PAYMENT TO MY CARD: (Please tick type of card) DELTA SWITCH MASTERCARD VISA Card Number Expiry Date Issue No. (Switch) Security Code MY BOOKING IS ON: Boat Class Commencing Date AMOUNT TO BE CHARGED CARDHOLDERS DETAILS Name Address Signature Please detach and return to: Alvechurch Boat Centres, PO Box 232, Worcester, WR1 2SD 29
30 NOTES:
31
ALVECHURCH WATERWAY HOLIDAYS ALVECHURCH WATERWAY HOLIDAYS Booking Office address - PO Box 232, Worcester, WR1 2SD Tel: 08708 352525 (Overseas +44 1905 734168) Fax: 08708 352555 (Overseas +44 1905723676) Email: enquiries@alvechurch.com Web: www.alvechurch.com