by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:16th March 2017

A family adventure to remember

If you have never experienced a trip on a canal boat, I urge you to give it a go. A little unsure that a week might be too much? then just go for a weekend, I really don’t think you will be disappointed.

It’s the fact that it makes you slow down, unwind and relax and if you are on holiday surely that’s the idea.

We chose the Kennet & Avon Canal, as my family were coming from South Wales and South East England, so it was a bit like meeting in the middle.

Also, we had previously used Moonraker Luxury Canal Boats and were looking forward to using their boats again.

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The total route, including the unplanned orange detour to turn the boat around - a total of 42.7miles/69km covered in just over two days
My nephew, Will, at the age of 12, standing next to the bow of Moonbeam, our canal boat from Moonraker.
Will, my nephew and youngest member of 'The Crew'
There are so many reasons why we all loved it. So to try and encourage you to give it a go, I have put together our highlights.

Our Memories

These consist of Our Highlights, Our Pleasures, Our Treasures, Things we would do differently, A funny moment, Our Disappointments & and other Points of Note. You can click on a title to jump to that section and then click on that headline to return here

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Our Highlights

Atmosphere

I think one of the main enjoyments for us was that we all went with the same attitude.
A crew selfie of all seven of us taken at the bow of Moonbeam, our canal boat from Moonraker, on a wet day on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Team 'Wet but Happy' on-board Moonbeam
Whatever the weather we were going to be all hands-on deck, no one shirked their responsibilities.

A special occasion

My parents 50th Wedding Anniversary was the reason we embarked on this adventure.

There were 3 generations aboard so with the easy pace of life it meant we could all enjoy it.

The Anniversary cake on Moonbeam, England, United Kingdom
The anniversary cake on Moonbeam
Needless to say 12 year old William, was the most enthusiastic when it came to the locks.

Being together

Between us we navigated our way through 48 locks, 4 swing bridges and 2 tunnels in 2.5 days - medals all around for us.
Three generations of the Tubbs family preparing a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Wiltshire
Preparing a lock

Our Pleasures

Enjoying nature

Boating certainly makes you appreciate the wonderful British countryside.
A lone Kingfisher on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal
Kingfisher on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal
There is so much wildlife for you to admire, we even managed to see a kingfisher along the way.

Slowing down

Waking up to the fresh morning air, birds chirping around you and the slow canal waters flowing by.
Several boats moored up on the banks of the Kennet & Avon canal, each with there own space.
Moored at Hungerford on the Kennet & Avon Canal
It certainly is a different way of life.

Friendly folks

We found that the other people on the canals are extremely friendly, usually willing to give a smile or a wave.
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A blue boat on Kennet & Avon Canal
If you respect them, then they will respect you, some of these barges are permanent homes for some folk.

Relaxing time

Sipping your favourite tipple, be it a G&T, Prosecco or an ale (or a good old cup of tea), whilst moored up in the sunlight does take some beating.
My parents are posing for their anniversary with a magnum of prosecco on our boat on the Kennet and Avon canal.
Celebrating the 50th Wedding Anniversary on-board Moonbeam

Our Treasures

Fond memories

As it was my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, we decorated the barge with balloons and banners.
The Party Boat, Moonbeam decorated for the Wedding Anniversary.
The Party Boat - Moonbeam
They absolutely loved it, and it certainly sparked up conversations with fellow boaters along the way.

Family time

One of the greatest treasures to take away is family memories. We had such a laugh and constantly reminisce about our adventures.
The family at the aft end of the boat enjoying the trip basked in the summer sunlight.
The family on Moonbeam, from Moonraker Canalboats

An English Country Pub

The Golden couple chose the John O’Gaunt Brewpub in Hungerford, to celebrate their 50 years together. It was a great choice with tasty food and a lively atmosphere.

Map, guides and more

Whether you’re planning a road trip, plotting a hiking route or cycling one of UK’s scenic trails, there’s nothing quite like using a tactile paper map.

The Ordnance Survey folk are here to help, with maps, guides, gadgets and more. Take a browse through their vast array of maps and grab your ideal companion for your adventure.

Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.

Things to do differently

Explore the UK waterways

We have used the same canal boat company a couple of times, the first time we headed to Bath and on this occasion to Hungerford. I think next time we would venture onto a different canal network.
A canal boat passing in front of the different rowing clubs on the banks of the River Thames at Oxford
A canal boat on the river Thames at Oxford

Slow it down

Try and moor up of an evening slightly earlier, but as we were eating out each evening we had to ensure we were near pubs and restaurants.

These can be few and far between on some routes.

The old Lock Keepers house with a rainbow over it. In the distance is our wide beam canal boat just past the locks in the foreground.
The Lock Keepers house at Wootton Rivers
 Also, we wanted to see as much as we could within our few days away.

Our funny moments

Make plans, but don't over do it.

The itinerary from hell that my brother put together, became a standing joke.

The optimistic plans were soon scuppered after we found that the barge was facing towards Bath instead of Newbury. Therefore, we had to chug along to the nearest turning point, which by the time we cruised past Moonrakers moorings again, we had already missed deadlines.

Andrew at the tiller of the Moonbeam canal boat with me along side of him on a boating holiday in the UK
My brother and I

All sorts of obstacles

You’d be amazed how a herd of cows heading towards you, makes you up your game when closing a swing bridge.
A part opened, pedestrian, swing bridge on the Kennet and Avon canal with a board detailing it's operating instructions for the safety of all waterway users.
A swing bridge with its operating instructions attached

More tales and experiences from the waterways

Who doesn't love life at a slower pace on the waterways? Whether it is experiencing the countryside, socialising by the waterside or feeling at one-to-one with nature?

We have a series of posts that may inspire you on your next adventure.

Featured image for “Canal Boating, the perfect relaxing UK holiday”
Jun. 16, 2020

Canal Boating, the perfect relaxing UK holiday

Featured image for “I would do it all again – barging on the Kennet & Avon Canal, England”
Mar. 16, 2017

I would do it all again – barging on the Kennet & Avon Canal, England

Featured image for “The Kennet & Avon Canal trip”
Aug. 01, 2016

The Kennet & Avon Canal trip

Our Disappointments

Some things you can't control

The only thing that could have been better, was the Great British Weather. But us Brits always like to go on about the weather.
Narrowboats moored up alongside a towpath as the rain sets in. One of the perils of barging in the UK, even in summer.
The rain sets in on the Kennet and Avon Canal

The best-laid plans

Although thorough analysis had taken place regarding eateries enroute, what we didn’t take into consideration was that often pubs and restaurants only open at Sunday lunch times. Therefore, our only option was an Indian restaurant, it wasn’t bad, but not our first choice.

Points of Note

Our final thoughts

  • Don't forget mozzie spray & torch.
  • Do some research to find out stores and pubs/restaurants along the way, they are not always obvious from the canal.
  • Always remember that safety is paramount, and don’t get too complacent.
  • The Canal River Trust website is a really useful to help you plan your route and stops along the way.
This is an absolutely fantastic way to spend time with your family and friends. If you can, try and make it a week long adventure it will be even more relaxing.

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