About The Area
Ardennes
Your choice of base
Pont-A-Bar River Meuse
Dinant / Anseremme River Meuse
A boating holiday in Ardennes is the ideal location for seeing both beautiful countryside and a collection of traditional cities and villages. To the east lies the Argonne forest- fondly known as a lung of Europe, guaranteed to provide an inhalation of clear air with every breath. The architecture in this region provides equally vivid scenery- a stop in Sedan allows you to visit one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, whilst Reims, Metz and Nancy boast spectacular cathedrals which are always worth a visit. The region of Ardennes therefore provides a holiday with a variety of sights and experiences, all of which are accessible through an intricate network of canals and waterways.
River Meuse
Enjoy the fresh, clean air of the Ardennes, (which mean dense forest in Celtic) & understand why this part of France acts as the lung of Europe. The stunning natural beauty of the area, added to the traditional inns & villages will charm you, whilst the mountainous vista creates a dramatic back drop. The River Meuse gently winds its way into the hills of the Ardennes, home to roe-deer & some of Frances rarest birds whilst the protected wetlands nurture rare orchids & fly-catching sundew. Take the time to visit Sedan, Europes largest fortress & learn all about the marionettes during a stopover at Charleville-Mezieres, an opportunity not to be missed!
Belgium
Your choice of base
Nieuwpoort River Ijzer
River Ijzer
The Ijzer takes you to the picturesque town of Diksmuide with its delightful town square surrounded by shops and restaurants. Onwards you can cruise to Ypres, with numerous sites of special historic significance. In addition, there are several sites of First World War interest.Often overlooked, Belgium has a wealth of historic sites, indulgent food and drink and a good network of inter-connected waterways that all make for an ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday afloat.
Our base here, the historic coastal town of Nieuwpoort, is just an hour away from Calais, whilst Oostend and Zeebrugge are right on the doorstep; making waterways of Belgium easily accessible from the UK.
Once onboard your cruiser, head west to follow the poppies along the dykes and polders of this coastal stretch, through the now-serene countryside, and pay silent homage to the fallen at Dunkerque and, further inland, at Ypres. Cruise east, and you'll be able to visit the mediaeval splendour of Brugge and Gent; where cobbled streets lined with quaint shops and spectacular architecture await you around every corner.
If you visit Gent in July, you're likely to find the annual festival in full swing, with many of the city's 18 museums, opera house, 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings turned into venues for plays and concerts, and with plenty of hedonistic eating and drinking to be had too.
Regional food and drink
Gourmands will find plenty to tempt them in Belgium - the beer, the chocolate and the waffles are all well known, but why not try some of the other regional specialities; equally delicious, but perhaps more typically Belgian? Two local favourites are Carbonnades, a delicious beef stew cooked with beer, and Smoutebollen, delicious fried pastries served hot by street vendors.
There is endless choice for the beer connoisseur, with over 450 different varieties, most very well priced often exotically fruit-flavoured - and many brewed by monks! You'll enjoy working out your own particular favourites!
Alsace Lorraine
Your choice of bases
Boofzheim Canal de la Marne au Rhin (one-way base only)
Hesse Canal de la Marne au Rhin
Saarbrucken Canal des Houilleres de la Sarre
Discover the well-kept secrets of this pretty border region of France, with its quaint pastel-painted villages and quiet vineyards.
Throughout recent history this region has been repeatedly fought over by France and Germany, changing nationality four times between 1871 and 1945. The landscape shows plenty of evidence of its beleaguered past with many fortified towns and cities such as Toul and Grand, as well as the regional capitals of Strasbourg and Nancy. Historical influences have also shaped the region culturally so that the architecture, dialect and cuisine, whilst all proudly French, show strong evidence of the Germanic influences of the past.
Canal de la Marne au Rhin
Our bases at Boozheim and Hesse sit beside the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin. This mountainous wooded region has some breathtaking scenery, and traversing it means experiencing some major canal engineering in the form of several tunnels, and an amazing inclined section at St Louis d'Arzviller. Cruise towards Strasbourg and gaze in wonder as you pass the beautiful waterside Renaissance palace at Saverne. Setting out from Toul, you can cruise up the Moselle along the foothills of the Voseges, justly famous for their stunning woodland vistas.
Wherever you are on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, you are right in the heart of fantastic wine country. Somehow your wine will taste so much better savoured from the banks as you watch the sun sink low over the mountains.
Canal des Houilleres de la Saar
This canal links France and Germany and gives you the opportunity to travel through lakes and forest and to get close to nature at Gondrexange. A visit to the town of Sarreguemines famous for its earthenware pottery. Enjoy the numerous watersports and other activities available on the Mittersheim Lake.
Regional food and drink
Much of the attraction of this region lies in its food and drink - Lorraine offers namesake quiches, whilst in Alsace you'll enjoy sauerkraut dishes served with speciality flowery white wines, such as Riesling or Gewrztraminer.
Anjou
Your choice of base
Chenille River Mayenne
Chateauneuf River Sarthe
La Suze River Sarthe
Set in picturesque western France and split over two sides of the River Loire, Anjou is a region embedded in history, whilst being renowned for its warm, friendly locals. As one of the original UNESCO world heritage sites, you can be sure to find your fair share of vintage churches and chateaux, which promises to make Anjou a visit filled with historical interest. But its not just the historicity which makes this a popular boating destination; the climate offers ideal conditions for the growth and nurture of many colourful varieties of flowers and plants- such views will be hard to miss. It is an experience that will provide you with many fond memories to take home from your visit.
River Mayenne
Take the time to travel along the meandering River Mayenne, enjoying the spectacular scenery as you go. Call in at one of the charming inns en route, maybe try the local cheeses or take pleasure in sampling the delicious local wine from this region of France. On the banks of the Mayenne is the award winning village of Chenill-Chang, renowned for its heritage & floral displays, this village is a must see along the way. The 85km towpath is perfect for a daytime walk or an evening stroll or, for the more energetic, stop at one of the riding stables on route, saddle up & enjoy the scenery on horseback.
River Sarthe
The peaceful region of Anjou, just a few hours from Paris, benefits from a wonderful network of rivers, one of which is the Sarthe. Boasting castles & abbeys, flower adorned locks & chteauxs, this broad & restful river gently flows under stunning stone bridges, travelling southerly towards Le Mans where it widens before joining the Mayenne River. Enjoy the peacefulness of the area whilst cruising along the river. There are endless opportunities for bird watching, walking or just enjoying the spectacular scenery. This region of France is an ideal location for a holiday afloat!
South of France
Your choice of bases
Beaucaire The Camargue & Canal du Rhne Ste
Capestang Canal du mid
Castelnaudary Canal du midi
Homps Canal du midi
Capestang Canal du mid
Castelnaudary Canal du midi
The wonderfully evocative South of France is justifiably famous for its climate, and for offering great food, fine wines and a wonderfully relaxing lifestyle.
The Camargue & Canal du Rhne Ste
Pick up your cruiser in Beaucaire or St Gilles, and take a leisurely trip along the coastline, past beaches and fishing villages and surrounded by the diverse wildlife of Camargue, whose brush and marshlands are home to wild bulls, white horses and the iconic flamingo. This fascinating region is steeped in history, take a visit to the walled town of Aigues Mortes on the route of the ancient Crusades (where you can also take a horseback trek into the countryside), and be sure to explore the important trading town of Beaucaire with its rich legacies of art and architecture.
Canal du Midi
The spectacular Canal du Midi was created by Pierre Paul Riquet and his 12,000-strong workforce between 1667 and 1681. It stretches along 240 tree-lined kilometres to connect Toulouse and Ste, on the Etang de Thau, a large salt-water lake famous for its mouth-watering oysters. The Canal du Midi was recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1996, and justifies all the superlatives used to describe it. From any of our bases you are perfectly-placed to explore and enjoy the spectacular route of the canal, where it passes under rustic stone bridges, through staircase locks and across stunning aqueducts, as you cruise serenely past vineyards and charming villages.
There is endless history in this Languedoc-Roussillon region; Roman monuments, Greek ruins, medieval castles and ancient villages are set amidst a patchwork of vineyards, farmlands, mountains and plateaux. Carcassonne is the largest and most impressive medieval walled town in Europe, with many well preserved towers and dungeons to explore.
Canal de la Robine
The canal follows an abandoned course of Aude river meadering past wild lagoons to reach the Mediterranean coast. Travelling in the other direction it passes through nine locks to reach the Canal du Midi.
Canal Lateral a la Garonne
This is an area rich in history with ever changing scenery. As you relax and cruise the canal take time to marvel at the medieval villages along the route. Magnificant scenery dotted with abbeys and cathedrals. Visit one of the lively farmers' markets or enjoy a glass of wine from a local vineyard.
Regional food and drink
The cuisine of the region is pure Provenal, with its garlic and olive oil influences, smoked sausages and hams. The regional oysters are superb, and the 'bourride' fish soup is also well worth a try. There is no shortage of great wine to accompany your meal, from the complex Minervois, Fitou and Corbires reds to the sweet Muscats.
Aquitaine
Your choice of bases
Condom River Baise (one-way base only)
Le Mas d'AgenaisCanal Latral la Garonne
Meilhan Canal Latral la Garonne
Montauban Canal Latral la Garonne (one-way base only)
The unspoilt Aquitaine region is famed equally for its wealth of prehistoric and mediaeval sites, and its cuisine - so make yourself plenty of time to enjoy both.
River Base
The river here is narrow by French standards, and is tree-lined for much of the route. Cruising slowly downstream, you pass by several pretty fortified Bastide towns, such as Vianne, Nrac and Valence-sur-Baise where you can moor up and soak up the atmosphere in the local markets. The river runs south into Gascony, home of the most fabulous Armagnac, there is even a museum here dedicated to this liquid treasure and no shortage of opportunities to taste, and to buy.
Canal Latral la Garonne
This is an area rich in history with ever changing scenery. As you relax and cruise the canal take time to marvel at the medieval villages along the route. Magnificant scenery dotted with abbeys and cathedrals. Visit one of the lively farmers' markets or enjoy a glass of wine from a local vineyard.
Regional food and drink
The regional gastronomic speciality is foie gras, whilst confits (preserved duck and goose) are also a feature of many dishes. Choose one of the many fine wines of the region such as Mdoc reds, Graves dry whites or Sauterne sweet white wines, and finish your meal with a glass of fine armagnac.
Brittany
Your choice of bases
Nort-sur-Edre River Erdre
Dinan Canal d'ille-et-rance
Messac River Vilaine
The British have long loved this beautiful part of France, and once you cruise its picturesque waterways, you too will fall under its spell. Brittany has almost 750 kilometres of rivers and canals to cruise, and our two bases at Nort-sur-Erdre and Messac give you easy access to this unspoilt region.
River Vilaine
Travelling north from Messac, the river brings you to the regional capital, Rennes where modern architecture, a bustling cultural scene and medieval buildings nestle side by side. The southerly river port of Redon has lots of character and must to distract you from your cruise, as does La Roche Bernard, a small but thriving town where many of the houses are cut into the surrounding rock.
Canal d'ille-et-Rance
This waterway stretches along 84 kilometers and crosses a region rich in castles and picturesque towns. One of the features of this waterway is at Hede where boats have to cross a ladder of 11 locks in the space of just 2 kilometers! Make sure you find time to stop over and stroll through Rennes the capital of Brittany, you won't be disappointed.
River Erdre
From your base at Nort sur-Erdre the river Erdre meanders through delightful countryside. Cruising towards Nante you will pass some spectacular chateaus. Nante has good moorings and the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne is a must to visit.
Canal de Nantes Brest
The Canal de Nantes Brest bisects the River Vilaine at Redon and heads westwards to the coast. At Josselin you can moor up beneath the walls of the spectacular castle and visit the half-timbered shops and restaurants of this pretty town.
Cruising east, you head towards the port of Nantes, the bustling former capital of Brittany which has something to see every month of the year, with its lively calendar of cultural events.
Regional food and drink
Breton cuisine is characterised by the simplicity of its recipes, and the quality of the ingredients used - a simple crepe or galette turns into a heavenly meal in the hands of a local chef, especially when washed down with a glass of cider. As befits a region with such a rich fishing heritage, shellfish are a staple of regional cuisine and the seafood platters have to be seen to be believed. Add a bottle of Muscadet, from the Nantes area, and you can be sure of eating and drinking in style whilst in Brittany.
Burgundy
Charente
Your choice of base
Jarnac River Charente
A great region for a relaxing break with stunning green countryside, vineyards and rural villages. The area boasts many architectural and historical delights. Enjoy a country walk through woodland and sunflower fields or maybe take a bike ride or even a round of golf.This river has been described as one of the loveliest rivers and that's not surprising as it meanders through a region rich in Roman art, with historic churches, villages and towns to explore all close to the waters edge. Whether you chose to cruise towards the sea or to sail upstream the serene beauty of this region will stay with you along your journey. Make time to visit the elegant town of Cognac and join a guided tour of the famous distilleries. Spend time exploring the ramparts of Angouleme or enjoy the maritime traditions in Rochefort. The River is easy to navigate but there are no lock keepers so you will have to operate the locks yourself.
Regional food and drink
Pick up some chocolates in Troise-Palis - a chocoholics heaven. Visit the famous Cognac houses of Hennessy, Courvoisier and Remy Martin or enjoy a glass of Pineau de Charente as your aperitif.
Lot
Your choice of base
Douelle River Lot
Wide gorges and towering limestone cliffs will be part your journey as you travel through some breathtaking scenery and amazing highlights such as the medieval town of Cahors and the fascinating Pech Merle caves. The Lot valley is renowned for the wild birds that can be seen including majestic eagles, colourful kingfishers and graceful herons. A bird watcher's delight.
River Lot
The river has cut a deep path through the region, which means you benefit from some wonderful scenery. Take time to cruise to the foot of the stunning cliffs at Bouzies which offers you a very unique experience. There are many grottoes and caverns which can be explored and the water is ideal for swimming. If you head west you can visit the historical town of Luzech, the last Gallic town to hold out against Caesar. The Beautiful Valentre Bridge can be found at Cahor, a town famous for its wine.
Regional food and drink
This region offers rich food and delicacies for you to try. Why not treat yourself to some foie gras, confits or truffles to whet your appetite. Then indulge in a glass of wine from Cahors or Buzet.
Somme-Picardy
Your choice of base
Cappy Canal de la SommeBR>
A trip to the region of Somme-Picardy offers something different at various stopping points of your cruise. If its peace and quiet which youre looking for, a slow journey along the Canal de la Somme offers uninterrupted silence, save for the birds and water wildlife calls which will greet you as you go. Cappy provides the ideal starting base for such an experience, and a cruise to the coast brings you to the bustling port town of Saint-Valry, with a wide choice of market stalls to browse and sample, as well as many restaurants in which to savour fine French cuisine. A boating holiday in Somme-Picardy represents a cultural adventure with something for everyone.
Canal de la Somme
After leaving Cappy, the Canal de la Somme comes into its own. The scenery is breathtaking & the silence is only broken by the gentle noise of the engine & the birds on the banks close by. On reaching Amiens, with its spectacular cathedral, moor up & wander the warren of old streets, traditional painted houses & enjoy the individual shops & cafs. On Saturdays local smallholders sell their wares at the floating market, a colourful spectacle not to be missed! In the opposite direction from Cappy is St Quentin. Here Picardy reveals its dramatic abbeys & cathedrals whilst the marshy wetlands & overhanging trees add to the atmosphere of peace & tranquillity.
Germany
Your choice of bases
Jabel Mecklenburg (one-way base only)
Potsdam Mecklenburg (one-way base only)
Marina Wolfsruch Brandenburg
Enjoy the varied and beautiful waterways of Germany as you cruise in the historic Prussian regions of Mecklenburg and Brandenburg. One of Europe's most beautiful regions, these waterways form a network of lakes and canals that provide an idyllic cruising area. Forests, moors and green pastures alternate along these varied waterways and the banks are lined with lakeside houses and baroque castles.
The lakes also offer a wide range of water sports, especially along the magnificent Muritz Lake, and the fishing is excellent for those who prefer to just relax on the banks and take in the scenery.
Mecklenburg
The Mecklenburg Lake District area is the largest of all interconnected Lake Districts in Germany and comprises of 1000 or more various size lakes. The interconnected waterways are so calm and tranquil allowing you to enjoy the majestic landscape. Take time to perhaps visit historical buildings, stately old churches, manors and castles, while, sightseeing in the small villages and towns through-out the Mecklenburg Lake District.
Bradenburg
Brandenburg is home to historical towns, dreamy castles, country mansions and the exciting city of Berlin. With its wealth of lakes, rivers, canals and marshes you can enjoy an unforgettable boating holiday. Potsdam lies just to the south-west of Berlin in an idyllic landscape of woods and lakes. This region has more water than any other German state, so the deck of a boat is an excellent place from which to explore it.
Regional food and drink
Today simple but substantial food remains a characteristic of German cuisine. Meat, game, game birds and rabbit are considered traditional foods, as is the use of juniper berries, with mustard and horseradish being common condiments. The renowned Sauerkraut is still popular as well as their vast range of sausages (wurst), speciality cured meats and dairy products, often eaten with Pumpernickel bread. Beer production is part of the German way of life, and has become an art form, served with the greatest care and in specially designed glasses, gracing the most sophisticated of dining tables. There is one for every taste so enjoy a glass on the banks of the river.
Holland
Your choice of bases
Koudum Friesland
Giethoorn Overilssel
Sneek Friesland
Strand Horst Gelderland
Famed for its canals, Holland offers endless choice for laid-back cruising through pretty villages and picturesque countryside.
The country is well known, for its flat landscape which makes for easy cycling terrain, so why not hire bicycles with your cruiser, and travel around country as the locals do.
We have four bases in the north of Holland, all well placed for easy access to the waterway network. The pretty village of Koudum is just one of many in this traditional area where many of the locals still wear national dress, and where you may feel you have stepped back in time into a Rembrandt painting.
Cruising from Sneek you may want to enjoy some of the many water sports on offer, or just admire the scenery and soak up the sun. If you are cruising to Makkum, make time to visit its pottery and maybe pick up some unique souvenirs.
Overijssel
The base at Giethoorn is central to a delightful rural region criss-crossed by canals, and aptly described as Green Venice. Chocolate-box houses line the waterways and the understated charm of this lesser-known Holland is sure to captivate you. Each village seems to get prettier and the people more friendly with each day of your cruise, and you'll feel less and less like going home.
Gelderland
By cruising west along the Vecht from our base at Strand Horst, you can moor up at Weesp and take one of the frequent trains into central Amsterdam. Holland's vibrant capital is surely one of the most colourful cities in the world, with its several world-famous museums and galleries, excellent shopping, diamond polishing factories, twenty-one markets and twenty-eight parks; there is really something for everyone!
Regional food and drink
The traditional diet of the Dutch has paid much homage in the past to the humble potato, often served with meat, vegetables and gravy. Nowadays, though, every culinary taste is catered for, and you will eat well wherever you go. Simple fare is the staple of Dutch cuisine, so why not try the famously thick Pea Soup, a meal in itself that you can usually stand your spoon upright in!
Ireland
Your choice of bases
Belturbet Lough Erne
Portumna Lough Derg
Carrick-on-Shannon River Shannon
Your cruise in the Emerald Isle offers timeless views around every corner - countless shades of green, and ever-changing skies. With almost 540 kilometers of stunning lakes and rivers to cruise, and much to explore along the way, you'll want to take your time, and take it all in. The locations of our three bases have been carefully selected to allow for a wide variety of cruising experiences.
No other country in Europe has such an expanse of water dedicated to the pleasures of cruising, angling and holidaying on the water in total tranquility. The scenery is breathtaking, and the Irish hospitality is legendary - we guarantee you'll feel a million miles away from the real world.
Lough Erne
This magnificent 70 kilometre-long lake is studded with islands and rocky coves, and home to countless birds such as swans, grebes and herons. The fishing is superb here too, as you might imagine. A four-hour cruise from our base at Belturbet brings you to Enniskillen, the historic county town of Fermanagh, at the narrowest point of the Lough. Here you can while away an afternoon visiting the castle, the specialist craft workshops in the old butter market or Castle Coole on the outskirts of the town.
Lough Derg
The Portumna base is situated at the northerly end of Lough Derg, one of the largest lakes in Ireland, offering plentiful angling for those who want to watch the world go by, or windsurfing and canoeing for those of a more energetic disposition. You can choose to head north towards Athlone, cruising serenely right past the ancient monastery and castle at Clonmacnoise. You will undoubtedly want to stop and explore here, as this former pilgrimage site is right on the river Shannon, at the point where it crossed the main east/west roadway across Ireland in days gone by.
Heading south from Portumna, across the lake towards Killaloe, visit any one of the many well-developed and easily-accessible tourist harbours around its shores to stock up on provisions, boast about your catch or just pass the time of day with the locals.
Ireland is under an hour's ferry trip away from Britain, and yet it feels like a million miles. Take time out to experience this beautiful country, and remember what it felt like to have no cares in the world.
Shannon Erne Waterway
This course of the River Woodford, linking the Shannon and Erne river systems, was renovated and opened up in 1994, allowing boats to once again navigate this charming waterway and share its peaceful and unspoilt views. Passing under each of the 34 stone bridges that arch over you on your cruise out of Carrick-on-Shannon, and through each of the 16 restored locks, you are caught in the timeless beauty of an Ireland from long ago.
River Shannon
This beautiful river is a joy to navigate - despite its length, there are few locks, as it rises only 76m above sea level. The wetlands along its banks are internationally renowned and are home to many species of birds and wildflowers. You'll pass through quaint towns and villages all along the length of the river, where you can stop off at any of the pubs and restaurants for a glass of Guinness and some of the traditional 'good craic' and music that this region is renowned for. Cruise north from our base in Carrick-on-Shannon and visit the beautiful Lough Key, where you can moor up and walk the wooded trails of the forest park, visiting ruined churches and the 19th century island castle.
Regional food and drink
There is much to savour about Ireland's food and drink. The best place to experience its gastronomic delights is in the pub, the heart of any community. Be sure to try Irish stew or bacon and cabbage, accompanied with soda bread or champ, and washed down with a hearty glass of stout.
Italy
Your choice of bases
Casier Sile
Porto Levante PoDelta
What better way to see Venice than from the water, guiding your own craft through the Venetian lagoon? Bellissimo!
Sile
The attraction for many to northeast Italy is undoubtedly Venice with its fabulous piazzas and grand architecture. Cruising either from Porto Levante or Casier, this stunning city is within easy reach, giving you plenty of time to soak up the history and splendour around you. Cruising north out of Venice takes you to the famous Lido di Jsolo, a string of well-developed beach resorts along 15 kilometres of golden sands, where you can dip your toe in the Mediterranean in Italian style.
Po Delta
In the south of the region, the Po delta around Porto Levante is often overlooked as a holiday destination. Yet there is so much to enjoy in this beautiful area; ancient castles, monasteries and towers line the rivers, which flow sedately towards the sea. The ever-changing wetland shores are home to many indigenous and migratory species of birds and sealife (look out for basking turtles on the sandbanks), whilst the wooded coastline shares many interesting paths and cycle trails with the native red deer.
Quite simply, there is a magic about Italy. Cruising the beautiful waterways, you'll be a part of it; see, hear, taste and feel it for yourself.
Regional food and drink
You will always eat well in Italy, but the Veneto region has a few regional specialities that you can try during your time here. White asparagus and radicchio are both grown in the area, so feature heavily in many dishes. A regional variety of chicken, the Gallina Padovana, is also used in numerous tasty recipes. Prosecco, Valpolicella and Grappa are all produced here too, so you'll have no shortage of worthy drinks with which to toast the setting sun at the end of another perfect day.
Poland
Your choice of base
Mikolajki Mazurian Lakes
A region steeped in history, as well as being dominated by wild countryside, cruising in Poland offers you the chance to step back in time as well as providing a tranquil setting in which to watch the world go by.
Mazurian Lakes
Lying between two of the largest lakes in this delightful area, Mikoajki is the perfect base for exploring Polands waterways. This lively town is known as the ‘Pearl of Masuria’ with welcoming bars, hotels and restaurants and souvenir shops selling the amber jewellery for which the region is famous. Masuria is called the land of a thousand lakes, although there are as many as 4,000, many of which can be reached by boat through a network of rivers and canals. The forests around are a home to bisons, elks, boars and beavers. Swimming is a delight in the pure waters of such an unspoiled country.
Llangollen Canal
Fabulously beautiful scenery and the most spectacular waterway wonder of them all a canal boat holiday on the glorious Llangollen Canal promises unforgettable drama and adventure.
Starting your holiday on the English side, your canal boat journey carries you through lush, green pasture against a distant backdrop of purple Welsh hills, before entering the region known as the 'Shropshire Lake District', a haven for wildlife that surrounds Ellesmere.
Crossing high above the sparkling River Ceiriog, the canal passes over the splendid 70ft high Chirk Aqueduct before plunging into a long tunnel and continuing on to romantic 600 year old Chirk Castle, where you'll be able to moor your canal boat. Winding its scenic way on through hills and ancient woodland, the canal then confronts you with the most exhilarating of the seven wonders of the waterways the incredible, dizzying, majestic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a 1000ft long iron trough that carries the canal a soaring 127 feet above the River Dee valley.
Taking your canal boat beyond Pontcysyllte, you'll discover that the waterway narrows as the landscape gives way to limestone cliffs until you reach Llangollen, home to the beautiful Horseshoe Falls and the final stage of your exciting boating holiday adventure.
Forth & Clyde and Union Canals
Enjoy the perfect blend of urban pleasures and rural tranquillity as you discover the delights of a canal boat holiday in Lowland Scotland. Here you can cruise gently through peaceful countryside, marvelling at magnificent feats of engineering unfolding before your eyes as you cross spectacular aqueducts, and negotiate an exciting series of locks and the famous Falkirk Wheel, an amazing rotating boat lift and one of the wonders of the world, which now links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.
Crossing from east coast to west coast, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, the Forth & Clyde and Union canals offer a unique boating holiday experience. There's little cruising traffic to worry about just you, the water and the abundant birdlife. Stop at one of many waterside pubs and restaurants along your route, and enjoy a true Scottish welcome.
From the base at Falkirk, a canal boat cruise to Glasgow follows a route with a rich mix of industry, old and new, as well as stunning views of the Clyde, and, on reaching the city, you'll find fascinating art galleries and museums, great restaurants and lively clubs and, of course, extensive shopping opportunities.
Canal boats heading east to Edinburgh, via the Falkirk Wheel and new Rough Castle Tunnel, cruise through open countryside with views across the Firth of Forth. Beecraigs Country Park and the beautifully preserved remains of Linlithgow Palace are within easy reach of the waterway, and Edinburgh itself is a stunningly lovely, compact city packed with history and attractions.
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