A Narrowboat Cruise in Wales and England May 2014

Before the cruise begins, we spend a few days exploring Bath and the surrounding area.

From Bath, we take the train to Chirk, in Wales, where our rented narrowboat awaits. Accompanying us are friends Rich and Alayne Goodhart, from San Juan Island.

The boat is 7 feet wide and 52 feet long. It has two staterooms (bedrooms), a head (bathroom), a galley (kitchen), and a saloon (main living area.)

Comfortable accommodations for two couples. 

After a few instructions on operating the boat, we work our way out of the marina and enter the canal.

The view from the bow at 3 mph.
Steering
There are many bridges along the way. Note how the canal narrows at the bridge. 

Along the way we cross a couple of aqueducts, which are just bridges that carry the canal across valleys.

The shadow made by the aqueduct we are crossing. 
This one is next to a railway bridge. 
Draw bridges must be opened and closed by hand cranking.

We pass through tunnels several times. Notice the width that makes them strictly one way!

There is always a footpath alongside the canal. 
Stopping for lunch or for the night is as simple as pulling over to the bank and tying up the boat. 
Passing through the countryside. 

We visit many villages along the way.

There are many homes along the canal. 
Visiting Langollen in Wales. 
We enjoy walking the country roads. 
We visit castles. 
Ruins of an ancient abbey.

There are locks along the canals which must be operated by hand.

One of our stops for the night. 
This photo sums up how we all felt about our narrowboat adventure on the canals of England and Wales.
Created By
John Caples
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