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Canal boat renting holidays provide you with the chance to get out
and see the great outdoors! For those looking for an active holiday,
bring your bike aboard and take advantage of the many cycle routes
that you'll encounter on the way.
Where can you cycle on a narrowboat holiday?
Not all trails are legal for bicycles so here's
a quick guide to the signs.
Yellow Arrows
These indicate a 'footpath'- as it says on the tin, suitable for walkers
only.
Blue Arrows
These show a 'bridleway'. Bridleways are fine for cyclists and horse
riders as well as walkers. These are some of the best places to get
out on your bike and see some great countryside. Watch out for horses
though - be sure to slow down if you overtake them.
Red Arrows
This is a 'byway'- legal for cyclists, walkers, horse riders and motorists.
You'll find that there are many trails perfect for rambling or riding,
and the appeal of canal boat renting is that you can moor up your
boat as and when you find them.
Some of Britain's 'National Trails' cross the canals
and make perfect points to explore the local areas of outstanding
natural beauty.
Offa's Dyke Path
This Welsh national trail crosses the beautiful Llangollen Canal at
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. At 177 miles long, you won't see the whole
trail on your canal boat renting holiday, but you could make the trip
to the stunning Eglwyseg Crags or Llandegla Forest. For more information
on a trip down the Llangollen Canal, check out our Blackwater Meadow
Marina.
The Ridgeway
The Grand Union Canal meets 'The Ridgeway' close to Tring. Located
in the striking landscape of the Chilterns, The Ridgeway takes you
to secluded valleys and enchanting woodlands. Dozens of cycle paths
exist in this area- the Grand Union Canal's towpath itself is a popular
cycle route.
Our Union Wharf Marina provides the starting place
for a canal boat renting holiday in this area. You shouldn't need
to plan too much- the staff at your marina will strap your bikes onto
the roof of your boat and leave the rest to you. Simply decide how
active you want your canal boat renting holiday to be as you cruise
down the canal.
One of the key advantages of a canal boat holiday
is getting away from it all, heading off to rural locations, sometimes
far from the nearest shops. This could be a problem if you have any
sort of misadventure while on a bike, so a little preplanning is required.
Take a puncture repair kit with you as a bare minimum. Most people
find a bike spanner is another useful tool, for tightening loose bolts
after a long ride on bumpy paths.
Please be very careful when cycling on the canal
bank. Walkers and dogs, swans and fishermen all use the canal towpath
too, so avoid danger by keeping a good look out for other canal users. |
