Had quite a good meeting today with various estate agents in Northfleet & Gravesend. Some amazing things happening in the area and it really is one of the last...
Ok all, I have been asking lots of questions on this site, in an attempt to learn what life is like on the water. Lots of good advice received. Thank you. So my Wife and...
Susan C. replied:
I can thoroughly recommend Chas Hardern at Beeston, nice small family run company. Going South from there you would experience wide and narrow locks.
Michael G. replied:
Bear Boating near Leeds have some very nice boats and you get to see some wonderful Pennine scenery. Very friendly couple run it and will give you good training if you need it.
Chris H. replied:
Napton Narrowboats at Napton and do the Leicester ring two interesting staircase locks, tunnels, rivers, narrow and wide locks. All type of country side towns city's and villages. This was our first route. We now live on our boat most of the year.
Chris B. replied:
I would recommend Twyford Wharf Narrowboats, just south of Banbury. They only have two boats but they are top quality and geographically give you a good area to cruise. Down to Oxford and a bit of The Thames. My other recommendation would be not to make a marathon out of it, dawn to dusk cruising every day to try to cover as much distance as you can isn't a fair reflection of life on a boat. Cruise a few hours a day to reach an interesting destination then stop and explore, find a good pub and meet some local boaters over a couple of drinks.
Martin C. replied:
Aqua Narrowboats are centraly based ( G.U and Oxford canals) . Also union carriers out of braunston are a great family run business.
Brian H. replied:
Nearly all the hire companies are good ones, I can't think of a bad one. I don't know if any do one way trips, I would suggest if hiring for 2 weeks, just go one way for about a week, turn round and come back. It will look completely different going the other way and you can stop at places you passed on your way out. If you are flying into London then Wyvern Shipping may be a good bet. www.canalholidays.co.uk/
Nicky S. replied:
Norbury Wharf narrowboat. It's on the Shropshire union and you can easily do the Llangollen canal (which is beautiful) from there. Lots of overnight moorings outside good pubs that do meals.
Oly T. replied:
Oxford, to London up the GU and back. Countryside, City, narrow canal, river, wide canal. South so better weather and ..... Dun Dun Dun..... Drum roll.... Less crime and skanks
Nicki S. replied:
If you are really serious about doing locks, try the Huddersfield Narrow or the Rochdale. Hire from Shire Cruisers in Sowerby Bridge. But it does depend on what you see yourselves doing when living aboard. The Pennines are at the extreme end, but I love them.
Anthony D. replied:
Try Cheshire Cat Narrowboats. Family business, good clean boats, based at Audlem on the Shropshire Union so convenient for the Cheshire Ring, 4 counties ring and the Llangollen. Plus Linda Andrews is a mine of information and also runs training courses. www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk
Sofia L. replied:
I also did this and highly recommend bear boating based at Apperley Bridge on the Leeds and Liverpool. You'll take in Bingley Five Rise locks (and three rise), plenty of different locks plus a variety of manual and electric swing bridges. You could start with a couple of days training to get your helmsman's certificate - will give you loads of confidence and skills. I did mine with bear boating and it really was excellent, plus their boats really are lovely.
Philippa L. replied:
But if you can cope with a rammed tourist hotspot, working out how you're all going to get through the locks without crashing, sinking or draining the whole system, with a good Saturday afternoon's crowd commenting on your rope techniques and your windlass action, then the rest of it will be easy! We had our first hire of a 69ft boat in peak season from Sally Narrowboats on the K&A and loved every minute of it (apart from when I cried because I thought we were going to die going through the massive locks in Bath, or when we hit the current as we met the River Avon). We're now rookie owners (not liveaboards yet) and find winter cruising very peaceful and relaxing - if a bit chilly. Good luck and lucky you x
Laura G. replied:
I'd recommend Willow Wren on the North Oxford Canal in Ruby, Warwickshire, Black Prince Narrowboats have a few bases that you could start at, Napton and Stoke Prior have both been very accommodating in the past. Kate Boats in Warwick are a great company too. Good luck and enjoy your cruising.
Leigh W. replied:
Gosh so many places are fab! Llangollen is very pretty. Black prince at Stoke Prior are good...Stourport Ring, Avon Ring (take in stratford in Avon) take you through fab countryside! We're off to London in Feb, doing Thames and the kennet and Avon. Tbh anywhere on the waterways is just stunning! Enjoy xx
Brian H. replied:
Mutford Lock
Susan S. replied:
Cheshire ring, 4 counties ring or the Llangollen from Venetian hire boats near nantwich. www.venetianhireboats.co.uk
Teresa F. replied:
I'd go for The Four Counties Ring from Stone, doable in a week but more leisurely in a fortnight - and if you do find yourselves with extra time you can add in a bit of the Caldon or a bit of the Llangollen or southern Staffs and Worcs. Canal Cruding Co in Stone are reasonably priced and very friendly and have locks near the base so good tuition too.
Kate A. replied:
Hire from Calcutt boats.com. trip can take you south on wide locks then narrow on the south Oxford then a forray onto the Thames before returning. Consider a helmsman course for at least one day. www.watercraft.org.uk are also based at calcutt for the helmsman course. Another option would be foxhangers canal boats on the Kennet and Avon. Experience the Cain hill flight of 29 locks. Same company for the training day.
Steve J. replied:
Kate Boats. Good people and access to Grand Union, both North and South Stratford ( beautiful) and the Oxford. Also you get to stop at The Cape of Good Hope pub at the beginning or end of your trip - or both
Not selling
£1,234
Hi, I'm looking for a boys genuine Stone Island jumper/hoody age 14 or small mens with the badge on sleeve. Have tried Cruise, Selfridges, House of...
Elaine C. replied:
www.childsplayclothing.co.uk
Leeanne M. replied:
Van Mildert does men's stone island. My 14 year old is quite tall and takes a medium, it's pretty small made
Pamela S. replied:
Merridy Chalmers
Jane S. replied:
Gary Mcleod can u help.x
Jacqueline P. replied:
Www.childrenson.com amazing service and delivery / returns used them loads they have a sale on stone island just now x
Lorraine L. replied:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&hl=en-gb&q=Nautica+Bathgate&ludocid=18151030347006430253&sa=X&ved=0 ahUKEwiMtrrGgILRAhVdclAKHa-nDt4QvS4IRDAA&biw=320&bih=460&fpstate=lieGents shop in Bathgate sells stone island xx
our boat used to have a pump out tank, but it got removed, now we want to put it back in, recommendations on where to get the tank and toilet setup? please bare in mind...
David B. replied:
Robert Patrick James Young we have had boats with 'drop through' and macerator type toilets and many years with various Potto loos - including one with electric flush. By far the best loo is the macerator with the tank at the front of the boat. No smells, easy to use and no 'mess' or discomfort in winter taking it to the sanitary station. Disadvantage is every three weeks you will have to pay for a pump out £9.50 is the cost at our mooring but can go up to around £15. You can research this macerator type loo on Google. Ours I believe is a Techno or something like that - but I have heard Lee Sanitation are the norm - they are around £500 you will need it fitting plus the cost of a stainless steel tank. Some of the older hire boats had steel tanks welded and integral to the hull - not advisable.
Chris D. replied:
Robert Patrick James Young, if you are determined to take this step, Lee sanitation or the company, but you won't find the exercise cheap. http://www.leesan.com/shop/all-toilets/electric-macerator-toilets-standard-height
Just a thought, do you use a computer or a phone for internet access? It took me 2 seconds to find this link. and there's even a handy phone number on the page:- http://www.tek-tanks.com/boattanks/sanitation-systems/holding-tank-plumbing-and-layouts/
Carolyn J. replied:
Go for compost. No plumbing in and once you get the hang of it,no need to move and pump out! Colin Ives is the place to go to for info,but if your handy you can knock up your own throne! Personally wouldn't go back to Elsan. Would do pump out if all the gubbins were in place to re install . But why make things more costly
David B. replied:
Robert Patrick James Young - forgot to say, we have a mobile pump out machine we keep in the front of the boat in storage so you can do your own pump outs at some sanitary stations which allow this. Or you can pump into an appropriate container and dispose as you would with an Elsan. We got it as back up. We have used it twice! Cost around £300
Anyone close to westmidlands (birmingham) who can do miles to empty and windows close by key on a 2002 bora and activate cruise control plz
Steve A. replied:
try this guy. based on your school, he's about the closest (Y) https://www.facebook.com/kieron.mullan?fref=ufi
Fatmir V. replied:
You are better off posting on uk-mkiv's.net because what you asking it's not VCDS related
Steve A. replied:
i know that mate. i admin on there to! lol the guy MAY have Tacho / Commander / whatever, but not updated his details. if you don't ask... etc etc! if no go, we seek elsewhere! (Y) Michael, feel free to come on and join in though fella... https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcdsusersuk/?ref=bookmarks
Going this December 13-20! Anyone been to Jamaica this time of year? How is the weather? Is the resort usually full at this time? Does anyone have recommendations as far...
Robyn W. replied:
Love the Dunn River Catamaran cruise and also Mystic Mountain (Zipp lining, Sky ride, Bob sledding, infinity pool w/slide). Catamaran cruise can book up its very popular so if you can book ahead through www.IslandRoutes.com you'll be guaranteed to go!
Amelia I. replied:
You might like Island Routes Lover's Rock Catamaran Cruise on Island Routes, here's is a link with more information http://www.islandroutes.com/caribbean-tours/jamaica/2/ocho-rios/562/island-routes-lovers-rock-catamaran-cruise/. You can also give them a call at 1-877-768-8370 where they will happy to assist you:)!
I am looking to book a mediterranean cruise for my parents and their friends however their preference is to have Indian catering available (as you would find with...
Nirav K. replied:
Meghna Thakkar is the cruise expert .
Mehul D. replied:
Hi I am a travel agent based in West Hampstead called Caspian seagull travels we are abta and atol bonded for your peace of mind. Please call us on 0207 625 1177 or travel@caspiantravel.co.uk. Thank you . I had visitors from India they went on a msc cruise but they catering for vegetarians but Indian food is quite tough on a med cruise
Hi, folks.
I'm looking for a singing teacher/vocal coach in the West Midlands.
I've been singing semi-professionally for many years including work with function bands,...
Are there any canal events around Bingley, Hebden Bridge, Lincoln or Nottingham? I want to cruise to somewhere I can get to and back in two weeks enjoying a long weekend...
Hi guys,
Thought I'd ask before researching....
I've bought a retro fit cruise control for my mk5 golf gt from vw
Anyone know how to fit?.....any extra parts...
Annie W. replied:
I used this as a guide.. Also these guys are very helpful. https://youtu.be/LuZXi3VFKcg
Annie W. replied:
Genuine instructions mite help.. Also find out what engine you have. http://vwgolfr32.co.uk/MK5-Golf-ccs.pdf
Hi fellow boaties. Can anyone help- I'm looking for a decent marine carpenter- they seem really hard to find. The latest stop on my search has been with Shepperton...
Ed H. replied:
Johns Boatworks in Brentford. Johnsboatworks.co.uk
Help, we are at top of atherstone locks and need a boat yard that's open, can anyone help? It's just we're running on one gas bottle, have used last log and been a week...
Michael E. replied:
go down locks and moor in pound with A5 road over short walk under Railway line to Co-op and Aldi walk North and there is a Marina after next lock.
Alan C. replied:
Atherstone is one of the best towns on the canal system for supplies etc there's 3 supermarkets 4 chip shops and indian and chinese takeaways You can get red diesel from Brobat on the Carlyon Estate in Atherstone 01827 714000 you will need a container Brobot Fuels LTD Oil & Natural Gas Company Address: 30 Carlyon Rd, Atherstone CV9 1JH