Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 17

Base 17 is in the northwest of England; a well-established boat base offering well designed and equipped narrowboats. Crewe railway station is 7 miles away, Manchester Airport is 20 miles away and it's just 2 miles from junction 18 of the M6.

One Week Cruises:
The Four Counties Ring: A popular and almost completely rural route through Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire, including the 1? mile long Harecastle Tunnel! A pleasant route and not difficult. 50 hours cruising, 109 miles, 94 locks.

Caldon Canal: A truly charming little canal, shallow in places, with lots of 'en route' interest including a steam railway at the end, fine, remote scenery - a "mini Llangollen". Don't rush it. 38 hours cruising, 76 miles, 96 locks.

Chester and Ellesmere Port: Visit Roman Chester with its medieval 2 tier shopping "Rows", via the 13th Century Beeston Castle. An easy, relaxed and pleasant route; ideal for beginners and with plenty of interest for families. 24 hours cruising, 52 miles, 36 locks to Chester.

Llangollen: The most famous canal trip, culminating in remarkable scenery and the passage of the 150' high Pontcysyllte aqueduct. A totally rural route - slow going outwards against the water flow but a lot quicker coming back. 47 hours cruising, 112 miles, 50 locks

The Cheshire Ring: Cruise past the famous Anderton Boat Lift, through central Manchester, then along the scenic Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, skirting the Peak District. A fascinating route of contrasts. hard work in places. 48 hours, 100 miles, 92 locks.

Leeds and Liverpool (West Lancs. Section): A long trip for the enthusiast. 56 hours, 147 miles, 42 locks (Rufford Branch), 65 hours, 181 miles, 26 locks (Liverpool)

Longer Cruises
Leeds & Liverpool (Main Line): A unique and fascinating trip into England's industrial past combined with superb moorland scenery. 112 hours, 264 miles, 126 locks. Max. boat length 60'

Severn Cruise: A simple route covering a large geographical mileage from base, particularly rich in architectural interest. Can be extended to Gloucester covering a total of 115 hours, 271 miles, 142 locks.

Staffordshire & Leicestershire: A busy trip, visiting lots of famous canal centres. 118 hours, 266 miles, 210 locks.

Birmingham Ring: As for Trent and Mersey (part of Four Counties) then on to Birmingham. Gives plenty of opportunity and spare time to explore the extensive and intriguing Birmingham Canals Network. 73 hours, 156 miles, 144 locks.

Minimum Lock Cruise:
Designed for the less energetic boater, comprising 32 hours, 65 miles, 18 locks (assistance at 10 of these)