Overview

We selected this canal boat because it was the only one near us where we could have it to ourselves for the day. It was a day out with my husband and 4 personal assistants. We understood that we wouldn’t be able to use the accessible toilet when we hired it and had previous experience of a narrow boat. I’d say that the room was just enough for our group and access up/down and in and off was fine for me in myvoowere chair. We had a lovely briefing to familiarise ourselves with the boat and spent five lovely hours gently going down the canal.

Transport & Parking

There was general parking a short walk from the boat and you can drop off right next to it to unload/load.

Access

I use a power chair and I’d say that if you have good driving skills you can get on fine. The ramp onto the boat is level but you do then have to do a sharp manoeuvre to turn at a right angle to move onto the platform lift to go down into the main open boat area. The main area is covered and had patio furniture seating you can place wherever you want to sit. There was a sink, hot water, kettle and radiator in this area. With the table set up I think the space was just right for 4 people inside and 1 powerchair user but you could fit more in depending on how much manoeuvrability you want.

Toilets

There is a small toilet in the main area. I knew I wouldn’t be able to use it as the only support rails are fixed (so you can’t side transfer). They are removable but then you have no support rails. I’d say an independent wheelchair user could get to the side of the toilet to transfer if rails were not needed and someone closed the door behind you. The toilet would also have been too high for lifting me on to ( and there is no space for a carer inside at the same time. We resolved is by bringing my shower/toilet seat commode. We put blankets up over a few windows and transferred in the main boat area before pushing me backwards into the toilet room. The door did then close. You could bring a number of sheets (about 8-10) to cover all windows and use a portable hoist over a commode in the main area. Luckily the way we went was fairly quiet to do this with a level of privacy. The toilet will suit some people more than others - but with private hire what we did was not so bad! We came prepared!

Staff

Staff (volunteers) greeted us at the boat and helped us get to know how to get on/off and made sure my husband was suitably experienced to take her out. All nice and friendly and helpful.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There were no locks and just one electric swing bridge. We had some experience of a narrow boat a number of years ago and the boat was very manageable (very sensitive tiller if you are more used to a longer ‘narrow’ boat). The boat does not have ‘drive from joystick’ capability for wheelchair users with limited mobility. The best views inside are from a raised chair height - if you have s low chair or children’s chair you may not be able to see the water. You can stay on the top /driver level to view the water and see the ducks. A very lovely way to spend the day and when we went Is was very quiet - only passed a few boats and dog walkers!!

Photos