Victor wonders about that 'relaxing' holiday on the canals.

IT'S HEADING TOWARDS the start of the boating 'season' so here comes Canal & River Trust's advice of taking a relaxing holiday on its waterways.

Even to giving us ten reasons why we should take one!

All well and good, but alas the reality is somewhat different—and here's the reason why:

This Saturday two canals were closed. Locks 1E to 5E on the Huddersfield Narrow, (pictured in a more attractive part) through lack of the wet stuff. But much more serious a leak/breach again on the Macclesfield. So those two are out for starters.

Then the Glasson Branch of the Lancaster Canal has been out of action since the end of February due to a mechanical fault with the winding drum, on Lock 7 which operates the lock gates. And still out of action.

Over in Wales there are doubts about the water supply to the scenic Mon & Brec that makes it a non starter, with the hire people in doubt whether they can take bookings or not.

Of course the Leeds & Liverpool is always on the closed list, this time by severely low water on the pound between locks 90 and 91 at Gathurst.

The South Stratford is closed at Lapworth Bottom lock due to paddle failure on Lock 27.

Then boaters were held up at Morris Lift Bridge (pictured) on the Llangollen for two weeks to locate a broken bolt that was stopping the lift working!

Then there are the long lasting failures, such as the 'hole' that appeared on the Marple flight of the Peak Forest Canal that appeared on the 7th of November last year and took four months to repair.

The Leeds & Liverpool again that has had more that its fair share of long stoppages with its present one of a broken paddle frame between Stegneck Lock and Bank Newton Bottom Lock that occurred on the 5th of February and is still not repaired.

And still another long stoppage on the Leeds & Liverpool with Newlay Top Lock having a broken cill way back on the 13th December last year yet still no notice of its repair—over three months later.

Don't lets forget the Huddersfield Broad and it's Loco Lift Bridge, (pictured) that took three months to repair, then failed again after just two days.

But surely worst of all is the Anderton Boat lift, which we are calmly told will be closed all summer, instead of being attended to during the past winter months.

And steer clear of the London waterways—as the London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, warns of the 'toxic air' on London's canals remarking that narrowboats' old diesel engines and solid-fuel stoves pose a risk to people’s health.

I'll let our Keith finish off:

How CaRT can say that a canal boat holiday is relaxing and stress free I have no idea.

The system is in such a poor state that it can, and does, fail at any point at any time and then takes them ages to fix only for it fail again a few days later, eg Loco bridge.

A state of affairs where we have approaching one stoppage a day does not create a stress free environment in my opinion.

A stoppage a day

Let's have a look at the stoppages of the season last year that may help your choice:

May—31. June—39. July—34. August—37. September—35.

So in fact its more than one stoppage a day with a record of 37 stoppages in August.

Based on this, plus the very long running stoppages, I don't think it portends a stressfree holiday on the canals as CaRT would have us believe, and I certainly tell from our own last few years' experiences.

In May, as for the past 30 years, we will be taking a two week's cruise, and though we would very much like to enjoy the scenery of the Pennines again, just dare not risk it, owing to the amount of stoppages, so it's hoping that the Coventry and Oxford will be 'healthier'.

So like us, you takes your pick on where to cruise—then hope!

A good effort

There is little doubt that River Canal Rescue is making a good effort to celebrate its 25 years in business. It giving expensive gifts as prizes.

But there is something that may be of concern, and that is asking that up to three photos be supplied.

Over the years I have related many such escapades, but alas did not get a photo as the subject that was quickly passed or did not think it as worthy at the time, so I wonder if some of the stories they receive could be photo-less.

Getting tough

I see that the Environment Agency is getting tough with non payers on the Thames, and well supporting the various coucils who complain of unregistered boat littering the river.

Even to dragging the boats away (pictured) whose owner don't pay or have abandoned them.  Then hauling the owners into court to get its money.

Being so short of cash, one would have though that Canal & River Bust would have taken up such activities, dragging those free-loaders who want to stay in one place without paying into court and get some cash in its bank.

But no, they still get away with breaking the rules, as they know they are fairly safe.

Something exceptional

So now for something exceptional—The Beetroot Tree. For those of you with now blank expression on your faces, I shall tell the The Beetroot Tree is one of the many restaurants at our marina, Mercia.

Last year I found the food somewhat strange, though eatable and boating partner Jan rather liked her choice, though for the life of me not sure what the meals were!

So time for another try last Tuesday. And what a difference—for the better, I must add. The menu was certainly more understandable and the three of us, as this time we brought friend Mary along, all thoroughly enjoyed our various meals.

Then Jan espied French toast on the menu, all of us admitting we had never had it—so here goes! It was absolutely delicious! 

The service was with a smile and overall a very good experience, so definitely returning.  For you not in the know, all the restaurants and shops at Mercia are outside the actual marina and so open to anyone. 

Victor Swift—telling tales for 25 years