Eight Reasons To Go Narrowboat Cruising

There are many reasons to go narrowboat cruising and if you don’t own, or part-own a narrowboat, then there are plenty of opportunities to try it out. Narrowboat hire is available from marinas around the country. You can hire a narrowboat for a day, weekend or take a week-long holiday cruising the canals and waterways of Britain.

  1. Enjoy a slower pace

With a speed limit on canals equivalent to a walking pace, narrowboat cruising allows you to escape the frenetic pace of everyday life. It is the perfect opportunity to take it easy and unwind.

  1. Explore somewhere new

Much of the UK’s canal network was built to transport materials during the industrial revolution so canals connect major cities and cross rural countryside. So, if you’re looking for a city break with a difference, or the chance to get away from it all, narrowboat cruising offers both. Free moorings are often available to boating holiday-makers so you have plenty of choice in where to spend the night.

Even if you’re staying closer to home. Cruising the canals on a narrowboat can give you a completely new perspective.

  1. Reconnect with nature

It’s widely recognised that reconnecting with nature is good for our well-being and the UK’s inland waterways provide perfect habitats for a wide range of fauna and flora. Being on the water at dawn and dusk means that you are in the ideal position to see ducks, herons or kingfishers when they are most active. If you’re really lucky you may even catch sight of an otter. Plant life is also diverse with different plants providing a beautiful and changing backdrop throughout the year. For more information, see our blog post about wildlife on inland waterways.

  1. Combine relaxation with gentle exercise

Gentle exercise is great for us too and narrowboat cruising presents the perfect opportunity for some occasional exercise. You can moor up and take a walk along the towpath to explore the area on foot. You can also give yourself a mini workout when opening and closing lock gates!

  1. Learn something new

Taking a narrowboat cruising holiday or just a day trip enables you to learn a new skill and practise it in a relaxed environment. If you’re hiring a narrowboat, the hire company will explain everything you need to know so that you’re safe and confident in taking charge of the narrowboat. You can then hone your skills on the waterways.

Cruising the canals also means that you’re taking a journey through history. There are fascinating things to see and learn about the historic architecture of the canals, famous tunnels and aqueducts.

  1. It’s eco-friendly

Although narrowboats are powered by diesel engines, the slow pace means lower levels of fuel consumption and pollution. It’s estimated that a boating holiday is 20 times better for the planet than taking a two-hour flight for a holiday overseas. Compared with travel by car, boating uses a third of the fuel and produces a sixth of the pollution.

  1. Enjoy some team work

Narrowboat cruising with your family and friends can bring you all closer together. You work as a team to ensure the smooth passage of the boat, whether it’s being at the helm or acting as a look-out. You also spend some quality time together, enjoying a relaxing break without the distractions of everyday life.

  1. Find your new favourite pub

Historically canalside inns were welcome places for boatmen to find rest and refreshments. Also, their horses could be stabled overnight or exchanged for others on the next leg of the journey.

Many inns remain on our canals and are an important part of our canal heritage. They are full of history and character and need our support. Stopping by to have a meal or sample the local brew could mean that a hidden gem becomes your new favourite pub!

We hope that this article has encouraged you to give it a go and that you enjoy your narrowboat cruising experience.

You may also be interested in our article on why narrowboat cruising is good for your mental well-being.

This is a marketing article from Assist Insurance Services, a UK based family run business with more than 41,000 leisure policyholders. Each of our policies provide comprehensive cover as standard, with plenty of optional extras to choose from. For more information about our insurance services, please call one of our boat insurance specialists on 01604 946 779. Alternatively choose your product of interest below to find out more:

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