Cruise suggestions

IN ADDITION to those already mentioned, there is a good route from Napton Junction through Braunston and onto the Coventry at Hawkesbury, writes Kevin McNiff.

Unless you encounter a wide beam or two. There on to the Ashby and towards Atherstone. Minimal number of locks hence lower risk of closures; water usually in abundance.

Caution against Thames

 I would caution [against] the Thames, because a few years ago, the season was washed out on Red Boards.

However, 'Project Canal Fear' should be taken with a pinch of salt. Apart from the Middlewich breach and Weston Marsh Lock scuppering my initial boating plans last year, I still made Llangollen and Ellesmere Port from Cropredy, then out to Etruria and back without any delays at all.

Only delays on Llangollen

The only delays on the Llangollen for me have been queues at New Marton locks and waiting for entry onto the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. No real dramas.

You could, of course, take a holiday abroad and spend all of it in an airport lounge. Nothing is safe anymore.