Relaxing rural charters aboard Narrowboat ‘Hawkesbury’

Although predominantly utilised for ‘Skippered holiday charters ’, Narrowboat  ‘Hawkesbury’ is an ideal venue for a day trip in the Staffordshire countryside. Our normal day charters run from Great Haywood, near the historic Shugborough Estate; home to the ‘Anson’ Family, the ‘Lords of Lichfield’.

‘Harland & Wolff,’ the Belfast Ship Builders built ‘Hawkesbury’ in 1937; Guests get to travel aboard a historic, pre-war former working boat, converted to a very high standard and with maximum of ten-guest capacity.

The forward twenty feet of what was originally the hold space converts from under the ‘cloths’ to reveal an exterior saloon, allowing unimpeded views of the ‘Area of Outstanding National Beauty’, which we travel alongside; ‘Cannock Chase’.

The remainder of the accommodation is a galley, saloon, bathroom and bedroom, please see our ‘Hawkesbury’ page for residential bookings; These facilities are of course available to use for the duration of your day charter.

Guests are more than welcome to self cater; please bring food and drinks along with you. There is a cooker in the galley and a fridge. Cutlery and plates, glasses, cups etc are all on board. Tea and Coffee is provided for you.

Off-season and winter bookings are also available and we benefit from our departure point being in an area not heavily congested by other craft in the off-season. ‘Hawkesbury’ has a solid fuel stove in the saloon, which is lit during the winter to heat the interior of the boat.

All our charters are ‘Skippered’ by qualified BoatMasters and for day charter we provide an additional Crew member, who assists with the passage making.

Itinerary

(Standard trip from Great Haywood. There are other locations available, please ask for details)

Guests should aim to arrive at Great Haywood for about 10.15am – There are a few parking options which we will discuss with you when you book. We meet our guests at the Lockside Cafe near the Post Office at about 10.30am.

A member of Staff will escort your party to the boat, a short walk from the café. Guests should bear in mind that the towpath can get muddy and wet and the weather is typically ‘English’ – We advise you to wear stout footwear and to dress in the type of outdoor clothing you would wear on a country walk.

Once aboard, the Skipper will brief the guests regarding health and safety prior to setting off in the Direction of Colwich. Colwich lock is about 35 minutes away and the Skipper and crew will negotiate the lock and continue to the turning point or ‘winding hole’ near James Brindley’s aqueduct just outside Rugeley.

The return leg has Cannock Chase and the River Trent on our left and as we enter the wooded area of ‘Worseley Bridge’ we look out for a suitable point to moor for an hour or so.

Guests generally take a short walk through the wood and up onto the road and over the bridge to the ‘Worseley Arms’, a Public House that has an excellent menu and real log fire.

Returning to the boat just after 2.00pm we restart the engine and set off once more, via Colwich Lock, to Great Haywood. If time allows we will continue through Great Haywood Lock and ‘wind’ or turn again at the Junction of the Trent & Mersey and the Staffs & Worcester Canals before mooring near the Lockside Café for departure. Prices
Prices are seasonal for day charters;
May to October rates are from £350.00
November to April rates from £250.00
Discounts are available for charities, trusts and so forth – please ask for details

WE DO NOT SUPPLY LIFE JACKETS OR BUOYANCY AIDS
IF YOU FEEL A MEMBER OF YOUR PARTY MAY REQUIRE ONE
PLEASE DISCUSS THIS WITH US AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.