Slow down, switch off, and enjoy a truly unique day on the water.
Duration
6 hours
About
A Canal Boat Experience Day (for up to 4 people) is the perfect introduction to life on the water — whether you’re thinking about a boating holiday, planning to live aboard, or simply curious about canal cruising.
Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll take the helm and steer through beautiful countryside, learning how to navigate canal locks, handle turns, and master mooring techniques. Over the course of this 6-hour cruise, you’ll also pick up essential skills such as tying key boating knots, understanding canal etiquette, and gaining practical tips for safe and enjoyable cruising.
At the end of your day, there’s even the option to stay overnight aboard when you return to our base at Burscough Wharf — the perfect way to round off your first taste of the canal boating lifestyle.
What’s included
Arrival & Introduction
- Welcome & safety briefing: You’ll meet your instructor or guide, go over safety essentials, and get familiar with the boat’s layout.
- Basic boat tour: Learn about key components like the engine, tiller, mooring equipment, and the galley (kitchen).
- Life jackets and gear: Provided, especially if you’ll be navigating locks or walking on the towpath.
Hands-On Narrowboat Training
- Starting and stopping the engine: Learn how to safely power up and shut down.
- Steering practice: Get a feel for how a long, heavy boat responds (it’s slower than a car!).
- Cruising techniques: How to move in a straight line, handle tight bends, and pass other boats.
Manoeuvring Skills
- Reversing: Practice steering in reverse—a useful but tricky skill.
- Turning around (winding): Learn how to do a three-point turn or use a winding hole.
- Mooring: Secure the boat using piling hooks, chains, or pins. You’ll also learn key knots like the clove hitch and round turn & two half hitches.
Locks and Water Management
- Operating locks: You’ll go through one or more locks, learning how to safely raise or lower the boat.
- Lock etiquette: Understanding the rules and courtesy when sharing or waiting at locks.
- Water levels and flow: How to read the water and manage your boat accordingly.
Etiquette and Knowledge
- Canal etiquette: Learn how to interact with other boaters, manage speed, and use your horn or lights.
- Navigation signs and rules: Understand signage, right of way, and general navigation rules on the cut (canal).
- Environmental awareness: Respect for wildlife and sustainable boating practices.