Canal Boat Holidays on the Four Counties Ring

By Abbie Bacchus

A circular route which is perhaps slightly more challenging in terms of it's level of difficulty, but well worth the effort!

The Four Counties Ring satisfies boating holiday goers looking for rural views, with the Cheshire plains visible from your narrowboat, and pastoral scenes amid the Cheshire locks climbing to the panoramic views at 'Heartbreak Hill'. The ring route offers a diverse mix of wildlife, countryside views, quaint villages and city life.

Which canals are part of the Four Counties Ring?

Shropshire Union Canal (1827)
Middlewich Branch (1833)
Wardle Canal (1829)
Trent & Mersey Canal (1777)
Staffs & Worcs Canal (1771)
Cruising up the Shropshire Union Canal with it's rolling countryside, the southern stretch of this navigation offers lock free cruising until Market Drayton, a traditional market town. The town is full of 17th Century architecture and has been home to gingerbread for the last 200 years. Cruising north takes you through Adderley and to Nantwich, a historic town just south of Hursleton Junction containing over a hundred listed buildings. Passing through the town by boat you cross the Nantwich aqueduct and north to the Middlewich Branch.

Middlewich is set in the middle of the Cheshire salt industry, from the canal you can see mountains of salt next to the remains of Roman salt sites. Middlewich is home to an impressive set of historic halls and gardens, such as Little Moreton Hall, one of the most famous Tudor Halls in England, Rode Hall and Dorfold Hall. Cruising from Middlewich to Stoke-On-Trent via the Trent & Mersey is the most lock heavy section of the ring. The Cheshire Locks are a flight of 26 locks dating back to the 1770's which raise the canal from the Cheshire Plain to the Summit Level at Kidsgrove.

The Trent & Mersey Canal is home to the spooky Harecastle Tunnel just north of Stoke on Trent, which spans approximately 1.75 miles. Mooring just south of Stoke-on-Trent you can explore the city on foot, spending time discovering the famous Staffordshire Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and Wedgewood Museum. Staffordshire is perfect for foodies, Stoke-On-Trent has plenty of fine food restaurants & every October the market town on Stone hosts a 3 day Food and Drink Festival to celebrate the best of Staffordshire's local food produce.

As you pass the Haywood Junction onto the Staffordshire & Worcester (Staffs & Worcs) Canal the waterways widen, rumour has it that when this section of the canal was built the landowner had insisted that the canal be widened as he thought narrow canals were unsightly! This is now referred to as Tixall Wide just southeast of Great Haywood. The Staffs & Worcs Canal stretches approximately 20.5 miles from the Haywood Junction to Autherley Junction, where to continue on the Four Counties ring, you cruise north back onto the Shropshire Union Canal. There are 12 locks on this stretch including a flight of four locks just as you cruise past Gailey.

We would recommend a 1 week holiday minimum for those wishing to complete this ring route, depending on daylight hours and level of experience. Although 10 days would be make for a more comfortable cruising schedule as to achieve this route in a week you would need to cruise approximately 9.5 hours a day. For those with no previous experience who really want to do a ring route rather than an out and back journey, there are shorter circular routes that we would recommend you try first, such as the Droitwich Ring or Birmingham Ring.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly team with regards to Canal boat holidays or any of the boating holidays we offer, such as Norfolk Broads boat hire, please do get in touch. The staff at Waterways Holidays are experienced boaters, and are more than happy to discuss boating holidays with you. Our number is 01252 796400 and we are open 7 days a week.

Wales Holiday - Visiting a Land of History

By Jim T Thomas

If you are staying in a guest house in Wales there are many attractions and historical places you should make a point of visiting. Harlech Castle is one such place. The castle sits on a hill and gazes out across land and sea to give you a stunning view. This breathtakingly classic castle will take you right back to the time of King Edward 1st and his rule in the 13th century.

Beumaris Castle is another great place to visit. This castle is an unfinished masterpiece as money and supplies ran out during construction. Regardless, it is an amazing spectacle and some consider it the best of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales. The Aberdulais Falls is a beautiful, picturesque gorge at the bottom of the Dulais River near Neath. It played an important role in the early industrialisation of the Welsh valleys and is one of the oldest industrial sites in Britain. Rug Chapel is another excellent place worth visiting if you are staying at a guest house in Wales. It is a lovely little religious site that is a rare example of a hardly altered private chapel from the 17th century. It is filled with amazing carvings and elaborate roof decorations.

Llangar Church is worth visiting as it is a perfect example of a rustic parish church, with 15th century wall paintings, 17th century figure of death, old beams, box pews and a pulpit and minstrels gallery. Valle Crucis Abbey is an array of fascinating ruins located in the green fields beneath Llangollen's steep-sided mountains. The Abbey has fared well over the centuries and many of the original features remain. Criccieth Castle is another castle worth visiting with an intriguing history. Built by the Welsh it was then captured by the English and then gained back by the Welsh again. It suffered fire from the Welsh leader Owain Gly Dwr in 1404 but still remains standing today.

If you want to experience some Welsh history visit Anglesey as it has a wealth of historic monuments and sites. It includes standing stones, an array of burial chambers, hillforts and fortlets. The Roman Fortress Baths in Caerleon were built around AD 85 and this is one of the most complete remains of any baths in Britain. This site includes fortress baths, an amphitheatre, barracks and a fortress. Castell Coch is a late nineteenth century castle that is lavishly decorated and furnished in the Victorian Gothic style and is reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

The Number 1 Bed & Breakfast Website is a joint venture between B&B websites of various countries to create one truly global site. 1bbweb.com is on the way to fulfilling the aim of being the best bed & breakfast site in the world. In the short time we have been accepting international listings we have achieved a membership of nearly 10.000 members from USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, as well as increasing numbers from European and Asian countries. Find guest house Wales accommodation listings here.

Great Photo Locations During a Cornwall Holiday

By Dave Kingsley

Cornwall is well known for its amazing scenery whether it is the stunning coastal views or the abundance of attractive countryside. I have several friends that are spending more and more time exploring the UK with their cameras in their spare time and Cornwall keeps cropping up as a top location. Here are some locations in Cornwall that you should visit with your camera.

Marazion: Marazion in Cornwall is a hugely popular destination for photographers who want to photograph one of Cornwall's most famous landmarks, St Michael's Mount. The island is linked to the land when the tide ebbs and is an amazing photography spot. Its castle is a good focal point for many images from a wide range of locations in the bay.

St Ives: St Ives is strongly linked to its history as a working fishing harbour and a great location for any holiday. The harbour town is a treat for photographers offering a wide selection of photography options including an extremely picturesque harbour and several sandy beaches. St Ives is well known for its high quality of light which makes for great photos and artwork, the town has inspired many artists in the past and even has its own Tate gallery. There are plenty of species of birds in the area that can prove popular for bird photographers too.

Bodmin Moor: Bodmin Moor is a great spot for the more traditional landscape photographers who don't want to focus on the coastlines of Cornwall in their images. Photography options on the moor include stone formations, and views from the Tors of the expansive landscape below. The moors are great for exploring to find whatever type of photo you prefer, some people prefer photos of lone trees in a barren setting while others like to photograph views of rivers winding through the valleys. Bodmin Moor has plenty to offer whatever your tastes.

The Southwest Coastal Path: Sometimes it is nicer just to explore and see what views greet you. The South West Coastal path spans the entire Cornish coastline and beyond. Choosing a section to walk on or to cycle can be a great way to see a wealth of views. The only downside (and upside) is that you never know what view will greet you around the next corner. If you like photographing Cornall's famously rugged coastline the coastal path is going to be one of your best bets. The added bonus of access to such a vast amount of coastline means that you can find places to capture your own unique perspective.

Wherever you choose to visit in Cornwall with your camera during your holiday, you are sure to have a great time and want to go back.

Powells Cottage Holidays offer a wide choice of Cornwall Cottages that are perfect for your photography holidays including St Ives Cottages and more.

A Day Out at Barton Country Farm Park near the Kennet and Avon Canal

Barton Country Farm Park is a beautiful park that stretches from Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon to the Avoncliff aqueduct. The Barton Country Farm Park is sandwiched between the river Avon below and the Kennet and Avon Canal above.

Find out more about Barton Country Farm Park

A Must-Visit Castle and Restaurant in Brixham

By Mary Godago

During your Brixham holidays, you can visit a number of historical sites, which will teach you about the rich historical background of Brixham. These ancient sites include castles, forts, mansions, manors, gardens, estates, and even some beaches. You can also eat at some fantastic restaurants if you don't feel like cooking during your Brixham holidays. The Brixham holiday cottages are superb forms of accommodation for small as well as large families or groups of friends. The Brixham holiday cottages offer self-catering facilities, modern amenities, and ample parking space. You can also request to stay at a pet-friendly Brixham holiday cottages if you are travelling with your pet to Brixham. Here is one must-visit castle and restaurant during your holidays in Brixham.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

One of the castles you can visit during your holidays in Brixham is the Berry Pomeroy Castle. The castle is located near Totnes which is about a 20-minute drive from Brixham. The castle has been through extensive excavation between 1980 and 1996 and there have been several items that have been recovered. When you visit the castle you will be able to see the wall painting of the 3 kings in the gatehouse chamber. The Tudor mansion, 15th century gatehouse, curtain walls and rampart are what you will be able to see when you visit this castle. Legend has it that the White Lady haunts the dungeons and towers. The dungeons were the place where Margaret Pomeroy was kept prisoner by her cousin Eleanor Pomeroy where she eventually died. The castle is located in Devon County and is easily accessible from any of the spacious Brixham holiday cottages. The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. (from April to October) and closes at 5 p.m. The Berry Pomeroy Castle is part of the English Heritage. There is a small admission fee that is charged for visitors. Adults will have to pay £3.60 and children £ 1.80. Your holiday in Brixham will not be complete without a visit to this historic castle.

The Quayside Restaurant

If you don't feel like stepping into your self-catering kitchen, visit the famous Quayside Restaurant for a fantastic meal. This restaurant is also just a short drive away from the luxurious and spacious Brixham holiday cottages. The Quayside Restaurant is an AA Rosette rated restaurant and has received this award many a time. You can expect all of the meals cooked using the freshest and finest ingredients, as well as fresh seafood, meats and vegetables. The dishes are also cooked to cater to the tastes of the customers. You are sure to love the atmosphere at the Quayside Restaurant too. It is very warm, relaxed and friendly. The staffs at this restaurant are very knowledgeable, friendly and courteous. You can also pack a parcel to take home and eat in the comfort of the luxurious Brixham holiday cottages. Try and visit this popular restaurant at least once if not more during your Brixham holidays.

Visit Blue Chip Holidays for more information on holiday cottages

A Gypsy Caravan Holiday

By Dr Ellen Schmidt

A Gypsy Caravan Holiday is an adventure!

It's an escape from the busy every-day life: imagine living in a Gypsy caravan for a few days, handling a horse and driving through an unspoiled, idyllic countryside.

You can spend a holiday like this for example in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Hungary with different horse breeds and vardos in different variations.

How can I book, how does it work?

There are hire-companies and travel agencies that offer you a trip with a fully fitted and very practical Gypsy caravan for the holiday together with usually one horse, sometimes two.

Bow top wagons, made out of wood and stretched canvas are used preferably. These vehicles are about 5m long (without horse) and approx. 2m wide. They can weigh up to 750kg. In most places Irish Cobs or Gypsy draft horses are used, as they are very well tempered, calm and very good with children. In a lot of cases a collar harness is used.

What, if I haven't got any experience with horses?

Everyone gets an initial thorough introduction into functionality of the vardo and handling and caring for the horse. It will be explained to you how to harness up and put the horse onto the caravan, how to feed and water it, how to groom and how to look after hooves and hoof shoes.

What do I need to bring with me?

Space is limited in a vardo, therefore you need to bring practical clothing and only gear you really need and don't forget the wet wear, as in some areas weather can be quiet unpredictable even during the summer: spells of rain can occur at any time. Most hire companies give you bedding, but ask you to bring your own towels. A good idea is also to bring your own sleeping bag. Take also a book or two and some games for the children. A mobile phone for emergencies is a good idea. Also, Bank facilities and ATM's are usually not passed during the trip (the routes are quite well selected and you will travel on calm, more remote roads.)

You will drive along a fix route and check in at selected over night stops, where you will find grazing for the horse, electricity, shower and toilet facilities.

When is the best time to travel? How much does it cost approximately?

Gypsy caravan holiday operations are open from April to October, with a main season in the summer months July - August.

Prices in 2007 were around £500 (£600 in high season) per week and caravan and they will usually ask for approx.10 - 15 % deposit. There will be surcharges for the compulsory over night stops, which might be between £15-20 per caravan. You can book short trips over 2 or 3 days or longer ones over 4 or 6 days. If you enjoy it very much, trips can be prolonged in most cases.

A Gypsy caravan holiday is certainly an adventurous vacation and you will experience life from a totally different point of view, in a slower pace. You might even want to take a longer break and organize your tour through different countries with your own vardo and horse/s.

Dr.med.vet. Ellen Schmidt

She is a veterinary surgeon living and working in Scotland, United Kingdom. Her passion are horses and horse driving for recreation. Visit her website and sign up for the free e-zine "The Cart Wheel" on http://www.discover-horse-carriage-driving.com. This is an "Infoport" for hobby drivers and horse lovers who would like to get expert information about most aspects of equine driving, horse care and horse health issues. Read about Gypsy vardos on http://www.discover-horse-carriage-driving.com/caravan-gypsy.html

Using Canal Holiday Guides to Make Your Narrowboat Holiday Run Smoothly

By Cliff K Bayliss

I tend to over prepare. I get all the canal maps and guides, and plan where we will moor, where the best pubs are, where the water points are located. When the markets are on, where the local buses go, what is going on in the towns.

You don't have to go to that extreme, but a little preparation will help your narrow boat holiday run smoothly.

Most important to have is a good, informative Canal Guide for the canals you are cruising.

Which one do you buy?

There are three main cruising guides: Nicholson, Pearson, and Waterways World.

So let's look at them all.

Nicholson probably have the largest range of Canal Guides to the British canals available, and have a good reputation. They are bound in a solid cover, (all are red) and some have a spiral spine.

We have not used them a lot, but many fellow boaters do. Our share owned "Stella" had a full set on board and we found them easy to use and robust.

Some years back they were the 'Boat Owners Guide", with the other guides being relegated for Hire Boaters use. This is not quite the case now. Nicolsons Guides cover all the Canals and rivers of the U.K with good descriptions, lots of photos. The maps run from the top of the page, to the bottom.

Waterways World has had a checkered career in the canal guide market. We used them exclusively for our first ever trip in '85, and still have three of their original guides. For years waterways World have been the leading Waterways magazine, but for some reason they disappeared from the guide scene. Their Canal Guides are back now, featuring the Llangollen, Grand Union (South), Shropshire Union, and Oxford. I don't like the new format quite as much as the old style, which I found easier to follow. And I liked the ads! However, they are bound in a sturdy wire bound cover, to lay nicely on the boats roof for easy reference. They also run from top of the page to bottom, with the colour map on the right hand page. Lovely colour photos, (typical of Waterways World) there are more canal guides planned from them.

Pearsons is our canal guide choice. We have been using Pearsons since our '85 trip, and have continued to do so. Their very detailed maps run from left to right, with the corresponding text underneath, the only guides to be in landscape format. It is clear informative and accurate. At the top of each page, is the number of miles travelled, the number of locks, and the time taken to travel that particular length of canal. We find this particularly useful when planning our trip.

Pearson writes in a unique, entertaining style, (e.g. "Foxton Village basks in the sun like a sleek cat that has just had two helping of cream"), with handy notes on each village and the facilities in the town. Their guides cover the majority of canals in the U.K., including Llangollen, Shroppie, Oxford, Grand Union and Trent and Mersey. My only problem with the Pearsons, is the covers tend to part company with the rest of the pages after a few outings. But this is easily fixed with a stapler. Otherwise, we love them!

Which one is best?

It is entirely personal. Have a look at each one, talk to other boaters, and make a decision. We have a selection of all of them. So... have fun choosing, and Happy Cruising!

You can find lots more about your narrowboat holiday by visiting: http://www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com