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Post by rockdodger on Jul 12, 2018 0:02:40 GMT
Looking at hiring a canal boat for 2 weeks in September, and trying to decide between Aldemaston or Alvechurch. We have previously (July 2013) hired for a week from Alvechurch and went to Stratford, returning via Knowle Locks & Birmingham. Basically we are looking at trying to cover new ground and will be grateful for any pro's & con's taking into account water depth, availability of tow path moorings (would like to avoid mile upon mile of crawling along past endless linear moored boats) etc.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 5:41:22 GMT
Drive a bit further and explore the Fens. www.bridgeboatyard.com/Cambridge is the only place moored boats can be an issue. Two weeks would get you to Bedford and back with time spare to explore the Ely Ouse as well.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 7:14:14 GMT
K&A is awkward for mooring. I went down there in 2001 (yes it was a while ago) and even then most of the towpath moorings were taken up specially around Bradford on Avon and bath. I believe it is even busier now.
On the other hand hiring from Aldermaston means you could do the Thames which is great. Its not a problem on that section unless there has been considerable rainfall.
Coming in at reading you could go up or down and either way you will see some of the most beautiful bits of waterway and availability of moorings although at Henley you will probably have to pay for overnight.
I'm biased as the Thames is my favourite waterway on the system.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 7:34:14 GMT
Of the two choices you propose (and considering your desire to explore new waters) I'd suggest the K&A.
Very different to many other canals, with grass locks and river type mooring.
Bfg is down that way and I'm sure he can give advice.
Have a great time wherever you choose.
Rog
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Post by naughtyfox on Jul 12, 2018 7:38:29 GMT
How about Shire Cruisers, Sowerby Bridge? Go to Leeds & back via Mirfield and Castleford - or as far as Goole? Easy to get to by train.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 8:14:31 GMT
I would be thinking about water levels, if this summer continues by the time we get to September it could be a real slow two weeks, dragging your bottom on the bed.
Maybe have a think about rivers?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 8:21:47 GMT
I would be thinking about water levels, if this summer continues by the time we get to September it could be a real slow two weeks, dragging your bottom on the bed. Maybe have a think about rivers? Hence my suggestion, the Old West can be a pain and some of the reaches between certain locks but fingers crossed we won't be suffering from the same lack of water and more importantly failure of infrastructure that the canals seem to br suffering.
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Post by rockdodger on Jul 12, 2018 8:28:45 GMT
Bugger! I think I might have already sold the missus on Aldemaston, especially as the hire company web site suggests Aldemaston to Limehouse & return is doable in 10 8hr days, mind you if the K&A is an option I could con a cousin to join & help with the Caen hill flight.
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Post by thebfg on Jul 12, 2018 9:05:05 GMT
we're off to newbury/reading in two weeks. I'll give youvtge latest update on the k&A then.
this end is busy but we have never struggled to moor.
you do need to beat the hirers into bath as it fills up very very quick. but they tend to come one day and go the next.
water levels would hopefully be ok then however. the last thing you need is to get caught on the wrong side of croften.
the run down to limehouse seems a lovely idea.
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Post by rockdodger on Jul 16, 2018 14:44:44 GMT
Had to cancel the Aldemaston & Limehouse plan. Booked at Alvechurch for 1st week of Sept & planning on doing the Warwickshire Ring.
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Post by thebfg on Jul 16, 2018 15:39:58 GMT
are you still doing two weeks.
that will make a great ring as you will have plenty of time for sightseeing.
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Post by rockdodger on Jul 16, 2018 15:45:50 GMT
are you still doing two weeks. that will make a great ring as you will have plenty of time for sightseeing. Yes 1st to 15th, the hire company website suggests diverting onto the Ashby, however we have been on the Ashby in 2012 & 2014 so most likely will pass it by & spend the time elsewhere theis year.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2018 15:56:10 GMT
are you going down into coventry basin, kills a couple of days.
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Post by rockdodger on Jul 16, 2018 16:34:19 GMT
Went down to Coventry in 2012, the basin was full & had to moor outside, would be more inclined to stop for the night at Sutton's /Greyhound, but would depend on schedule and time of arrival - if early enough could run down to Coventry for lunch & get back to the Greyhound for the evening session.
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Post by Telemachus on Jul 16, 2018 18:13:07 GMT
Went down to Coventry in 2012, the basin was full & had to moor outside, would be more inclined to stop for the night at Sutton's /Greyhound, but would depend on schedule and time of arrival - if early enough could run down to Coventry for lunch & get back to the Greyhound for the evening session. I would be inclined to spend any extra time on the BCN. Much more interesting than Coventry! From the centre, you could go out on the old main line, stopping to go up the Crow (Oldbury locks) up to the Titford canal, back via Black Country Living Museum / Tipton and main line (check for stoppages though). Or with more time the “round the top” loop of Perry Bar, Rushall, Curley Wurley and on to Wolverhampton (taking in Anglesey Basin if you have time) and back via the main line. Or some such variation depending on how much time you have.
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