NarrowBiking
CanalScapes have come up with an exciting concept that will interest cyclists who enjoy time on the UK canal network and would like to stay overnight on the water.
Based at Aston Marina, Stone, Staffordshire, operated by CanalScapes Ltd, Pendelvin Gypsy is a CRT registered hotel boat.
We invite you and your cycling friends onboard and are happy to adapt our routes to suit whatever kind of cycling and boating experience you are looking for.
Your choice as to how much cycling or boating you do, and you can decide on the day. Your skipper is a keen cyclist and experianced skipper. He will do all the driving, but you are welcome to have go at the tiller and operate the locks.
Cost: For up to 3 cyclists, exclusive use of boat and skippered provided £350 per night when cruising, £250 if static.
NarrowBiking Suggested Routes
Remember: Our holidays offer self-catering accommodations with a skilled skipper provided for boat navigation and lock operation. Your skipper will leave you late afternoon so you can enjoy the boat on your own, returning the next day and the continuation of your cruise.
Route 1
5 Day Trip - South towards Alrewas, includes Cannock Chase Trails and National Memorial Arboretum
Trip Summary: This five-day, four-night excursion to the picturesque village of Alrewas offers a unique opportunity to explore the renowned Cannock Chase Trails, with your overnight mooring being only minutes from the trails. Additionally, on day 3, guests may choose to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, located just 20 minutes' cycling from the mooring at Alrewas.
Day 1: Aston Marina to Tixall: The journey commences with a scenic cruise to Tixall Wide, situated on the edge of Cannock Chase. Guests may either relax aboard the boat or venture ahead on your bike, as the boat will be positioned at Tixall Wide late afternoon.
Suggested pub: The Clifford Arms in Great Haywood.
Day 2: Tixall to Handsacre: Following breakfast, guests have a ten-minute ride along the towpath to access 'The Chase'. This vast terrain features an array of trails, including dedicated mountain biking routes designated as blue and red. Further information can be found on the Cannock Chase Trails website. Whilst you are on the trails, your boat will be moved to the town of Handsacre and will be in position late afternoon. The local chip shop, adjacent to the canal, is highly recommended.
Suggested pub: The Olde Peculiar and The Crown Inn.
Day 3: Handsacre to Alrewas: As on Day 1, guests have the option to spend time aboard the boat or cycle ahead. The boat will be moored overnight in the charming village of Alrewas. A trip to the National Memorial Arboretum is advisable, either on the afternoon of Day 3 or the morning of Day 4. A stop for refreshments at The Swan at Fradley (known locally as the Mucky Duck) is a must while navigating the locks at Fradley.
Suggested pub: The Crown in Alrewas and The Swan at Fradley.
Day 4: Alrewas to Wolseley Bridge: Guests are invited to remain with the boat in the morning as we navigate the Fradley lock flight. Afterwards, you can either revisit the Cannock Chase trails or create your own adventure along the towpath.
Suggested pub: The Wolesley Arms
Day 5: Wolseley Bridge to Aston Marina: The final leg of your NarrowBiking journey, where you'll probably want to sit back and take in the scenery and rest your legs. Guests are always welcome to have go at skippering the boat, and we find the final day is the obvious time to do so.
Cost: The total cost for this NarrowBiking adventure is £1,400 for up to three cyclists over the five-day, four-night excursion.
Route 2
4 Day Trip - North towards The Potteries and Harecastle Tunnel
Trip Summary: This four-day, three-night excursion takes in the town of Stone, with its nine locks, then on towards the infamous Harecastle tunnel. navigating the tunnel twice on day 3. This route offers numerous 'cycle ahead of the boat' opportunities, so your choice how much little time you spend on the boat.
Day 1: Aston Marina to Trentham: Today, we’re in for a memoriable journey as we navigate through 9 locks, taking in the views around the picturesque town of Stone. Once you have settled in, why not take a leisurely bike ride to the beautiful Trentham Gardens Estate? You'll discover an array of shops offering fantastic discounts and some lovely cafes where you can grab a tasty bite to eat.
Suggested Pub: Bod in Trentham
Day 2: Trentham to Westport Lake: After breakfast, it’s time to get on your bikes for a ride along the Trent and Mersey. After about 3 miles, take a right turn onto the Caldon Canal, where you’ll be surrounded by the sights of the Potteries. You can choose to stick to the Caldon for a lovely 25-mile round trip to Leek, the gateway to the Peak District, or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the disused railway line of Sustrans Route 55 to Congleton, then back onto the Trent and Mersey, making it a 45 mile ride? No matter what you choose, your boat will be waiting for you at Westport Lake in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Westport Lake to Barlaston Via Harecastle Tunnel: Brace yourselves for not one but two trips through the second longest canal tunnel in the UK, taking around 50 mins each way. Having navigated the tunnel twice during the morning, choose to either stay on the boat or cycle ahead on the Trent and Mersey. Rejoining your boat in the lovely village of Barlaston. If you didn’t make Trentham Garden on Day 1, this is great opportunity to do so.
Suggested Pub: The Plume of Feathers, by Neil Morrissey.
Day 4: Barlaston to Aston Marina: On your final day we head back towards Aston Marina. Choose to either stay on the boat, assisting with the 9 locks, or cycle ahead. You could easily reach the village of Great Haywood, with its wonderful canalside farm shop and café. The boat will be waiting for you at Aston Marina ready for you to disembark mid-afternoon.
Cost: The total cost for this NarrowBiking adventure is £1,050 for up to three cyclists over the four-day, three-night excursion.
NarrowBiking Testimonials - Ross M
Great way to spend a few days with friends, mixing the relaxed pace of the canal with the picturesque and excitement (optional) of Cannock Chase. Expert Skipper with great local knowledge of the riding options, we will be back!
Sept
2024
- Jon P
A fantastic way to escape the crowds, enjoy some scenery, and take advantage of the canal paths and local areas for cycling. Whether you want to cycle from your mooring along the tow paths for a pint and some lunch, or throw yourselves down the MTB runs of Cannock chase, this trip will have something for all. The narrow boat was really well equipped and extremely comfortable and the skipper takes the stress out of the locks and navigation. Highly recommended.
Oct
2024
©CanalScape Ltd. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.