Bywater Canal Holidays horse drawn cruises

“Wet Feet and Warm Hearts"

Are you stressed by the thoughts of crowded grubby airports, late cramped trains and motorway traffic jams? Have you decided that, next time, you will have a different holiday nearer home?

I have the answer. Travel with friends on a horse drawn canal boat.

On the last weekend in June eleven of us, all over 60yrs journeyed to Welshpool in several cars, although there was a possibility of travelling by train. We were thrilled to find ourselves staying in a delightful 5 star B&B farmhouse, once the farm for Powis Castle. Our friendly hosts, Mike and Henia made us more than welcome in their beautiful home and converted barn and fed us so well that we could not wait to get back for our evening meal.

Going away with friends involves the inevitable breakfast discussion, ‘What shall we do today?’ Not on this holiday. We knew exactly what the plans were. We were collected by mini bus after breakfast and taken to our transport for the day. A gaily painted narrow boat drawn by a lovely heavy horse called ‘Buddy’.

Inside the boat comfortable seats were arranged so that everybody got a good view of the countryside and coffee, lunch and tea were served without having to move from them. Had the weather been better we would have been sitting outside and our refreshments served onboard or on the canal bank.

Ah yes, the weather! It poured with rain on the first day and the greater part of the second, but this did not dampen the spirits of the assembled company as, despite the rain, there was so much to see. As soon as the clouds lifted most of our group got out for a walk and when it rained they were more than happy to climb back on board to allow the crew to get wet and do all the work. Weather permitting there were delightful unspoilt villages to explore when the boat was moored to give ‘Buddy’ a well earned rest.

With this sort of holiday the stress rolls away with every leisurely mile travelled and the peace and tranquillity is even more apparent without the sound of an engine. If you have been on a canal boat holiday you will know that accommodation is somewhat cramped. The great advantage of our holiday was that each night we returned to a hot bath and very comfortable beds.

So, why don’t you try something different? Beat the crowds and improve your carbon footprint! Be cosseted in beautiful surroundings and let the world go by! You won’t regret it!”