Five other routes for a slow boat and you
Gareth Lloyd meanders through some of the watery highways of Britain and finds white horses, chocolate factories and lots of pubs
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If following in the wake of Oliver Gray does not appeal to you, we have chosen five other routes that may be more enticing. Perhaps the two most important points that anyone considering a similar holiday should bear in mind are the time it will take to complete a route and the number of locks involved. Longer or shorter breaks, including weekends, are available from all of the companies mentioned below. Prices for a family of four range from about pounds 500 per week in low season to pounds 1,000 per week during peak season.
NORTHWICH TO LLANGOLLEN
Duration : 7 days, about 56hrs
Locks : 58
Contact : Alvechurch Boat Centres (tel: 0121 445 2909)
Through the nature reserve at Whixall Moss Bog and into the Shropshire "lake district". Towards Llangollen the scenery gets better and better. The aqueduct at Froncysyllte offers spectacular views as it soars above the River Dee below. The charming town of Llangollen is home to the international music Eisteddfod which takes place every summer. If you miss the festival don't worry, the town is an attraction in its own right with lots of pubs and great walks.
READING TO DEVIZES
Duration : 14 days, about 100hrs
Locks : 55
Contact : Bridge Boats (tel: 0118 9590346)
Take a narrow boat along the Kennet and Avon canal, re-opened in 1990, and visit the bustling market towns of Newbury and Hungerford. You will pass many monuments of the Industrial Revolution and, at Alton Barnes it's possible to see its famous white horses. Travelling on you arrive in the friendly town of Devizes, which has an excellent museum. If you're tired of self-catering, try the Wiltshire Kitchen on St John's Street which serves good lunches and snacks.
ALVECHURCH TO STRATFORD
Duration : 7 days, about 42hrs
Locks : 110
Contact : Alvechurch Boat Centres (tel: 0121 445 2909)
A right turn at King's Norton leaves Birmingham behind in favour of open and picturesque countryside, interspersed by attractive villages. Further south on the Stratford-upon -Avon canal at Wilmcote is Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden's, house, as well as the longest aqueduct on the main canal system. Finally, after a short tunnel the canal emerges into the Bancroft Basin, right by the entrance to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and river Avon. The tourist information office is nearby.
SILSDEN TO BINGLEY
Duration : 7 days, about 35 hrs
Locks : 52
Contact : Black Prince Holidays (tel: 01527 575115)
Formerly the 18th-century equivalent of the M62, this now peaceful route makes its way through the Yorkshire Dales and Pennines. It's one of the finest trips in the country and spectacular wildlife can be seen along the way.
THE STOURPORT RING
Duration : 7 days, about 40 hrs
Locks : 188
Contact: Viking Afloat Narrow Boat Holidays (tel: 01905 610660)
This circular route passes through Worcester before joining the River Severn for a leisurely cruise up to Stourport to meet the Staffordshire and Worcester canal. At Stourton junction branch off to Birmingham via the impressive Netherton tunnel. A visit to the Black Country museum is well worth it before taking the Worcester-Birmingham canal which passes Bournville and its Cadbury World.The final leg back to Worcester is through idyllic, open countryside.
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