bestboatingholidays

We recently joined some friends on their boating holiday along the Caledonian canal. The car journey was very scenic up to Fort William, at the start of this canal which passes through the Great Glen. The canal links several lochs from Inverness down to Fort William, so at times you are on quiet an expanse of water, especially Loch Ness.

The boat hire company, Connoisseur, is part of the Le Boat group which have 11 boats based on the Caledonian canal. Our friends met us at Connoisseur Laggan, at Laggan on Loch Oich. After a tour of the boat and equipment, and a short instructional lesson on the workings of the vessel, we were ready for the off! 

Our first task is to pass through the swing bridge which carries traffic across the canal. Once clear of this we were out into Loch Oich. As the loch opens up we decide to keep to the western side so to pass Invergarry Castle quite close. As we approach the castle we notice moorings close by for visiting boats.  The castle also has shops etc. around about the area. It was burnt down in 1746 because Bonnie Prince Charlie visited it during the Jacobite uprising of 1745. The Jacobites were defeated when the army under the Duke of Cumberland caught up with them at Culloden Moor on the 16th April 1746. However, quite a bit of the castle has survived and upon approach it looks impressive!

The first night aboard proves very comfortable. The boat is well equipped with all modern conveniences. We wake to the sound of birds and water gently lapping the sides of the boat. Once up on deck the stunning scenery is breathtaking with the green mountains disappearing into the waters of the loch. As we set off further north we notice many inlets with small groups of houses, all very picturesque.

Although we did not visit, there is a water park – the Great Glen Water Park at Laggan which offers plenty for you and the family to do and enjoy. Everything from white water rafting to abseiling, so if you are looking for an activity based holiday in tantem with your boating experience then why not visit the park?

As we reach the top of the loch, there comes into view Cullochy lock. All the locks on the Caledonian canal are operated by Lock keepers, so as we approach they open as if by magic! Once through these locks we pass along the canal to Kytra lock then we have four more locks to negotiate at Fort Augustus. We moor up for the day and visit the town and Abbey. Very enjoyable and interesting.

We have to leave our friends here and return home, but they plan to journey further north along Loch Ness stopping at Castle Urquhart, which is often photographed for Scottish calendars. From there they will visit Drumnadrochit, which has the Loch Ness Monster Museum, and then Foyers to see the wonderful waterfalls.

If you are inspired by our short holiday break, then why not enquire about booking a boat. Although dates maybe limited for Spring and early Summer, I am told September onwards is still relatively free.

Taking a canal holiday in the South West of France can be very enjoyable. Our short break started at a small villiage named Meilhan sur Garonne near Bordeaux, in the Aquitaine region of France. The trip was along the Canal Lateral a la Garonne which is an unspoilt area with wonderful scenery, superb local food and wine. The region has many medieval castles and very old villiages almost unchanged throughout the years.

You can hire a canal boat that either sleeps 2,6 or 8 people for your journey. All have comfortable beds – some double; fully equipped galleys (kitchens) with fridge, gas cooker and oven; all the cutlery, crockery and utencils that you need; and come complete with all bed linen including duvets. However, you need to bring your own towels. Heating is either with a space heater or there is central heating depending on the size of the canalboat you hire. All boats have radio cassettes or CD players and some have 240v supply. Before you leave the mooring for the first time, the boat hire staff go around the vessel with you to allow you to familarise yourself with everything. They will give you instructions on starting the engine, handling the boat and stopping as well as how to moor up.  You will have no problems understanding the staff because they all speak very good English.

For those that have a passion for nature, there is a large nature reserve easily accessable along this canal trip. The place is at Tonneins, called Reserve Naturelle de L’etang de la Maziere. The nature reserve covers 100 acres of wetland, and is home to a vast array of aquatic wildlife. Not only bird watchers will be fanscinated but anyone with an interest in nature. There are well over 200 species of birds including herons, black kites, crested grebes and bitterns. In addition to birds the reserve also has loads of mammals, 44 different species, so something for all the family to see and enjoy.

Along the canal towards our destination at Agen we also visited the vineyards at Buzet-Sur-Baize, for a guided tour of the whole process of wine making!  After looking at all the barrels of wine, you get to sample at the tasting session. Wonderful! You are then able to buy some bottles at the shop on site. Afterwards you can wander around the vineyards on several routes throughout the area.

At Agen, the end of our canal journey, there is a beautiful Art Museum which dates back to the 16th century. It has over 2000 works of art including some from the Spanish artist, Goya. The museum also has the Palissy ceramics, which are very decorative. You will certainly come away having both an educational and enjoyable day in Agen.

Our one weeks holiday on the canalboat from Meilhan to Agen cost about £700 in April for 2 adults. Prices may vary depending on dates and special offers etc. It was certainly very relaxing, entertaining, enjoyable and we would thoroughly recommend this area of France for a holiday on the canals.

After spending a few years hiring boats in Britain I decided to hire a boat on the French canals. My wife had spent sometime in France before I met her, so she was keen to return.  She could speak French quite well so I was not too aprehensive. Boating holidays in France are a perfect way to explore the quieter, less populated parts.  It is really relaxing as you meander leisurely through the countryside on your canal boat. 

There are lots of places to choose from on your French canal trips. For example, the River Lot offers dramatic limestone gorges to view as you pass by. The River Charente offers relaxing scenery and is a wonderful introduction to boating in France.

While in France you must sample their tremendous food. Each region has its own specialities and these are within easy reach of your canal boat each day and evening. Sightseeing not only as you pass along the canals and rivers is wonderful but also away from the water. Why not moor up and go exploring? Ancient castles, medievil villages, churches, and abbeys all offer history for you to learn about as you wander around.

Boating holidays in Brittany, Lot, Burgundy, Vosges, Aquitaine and Alsace Lorraine are all wonderful places to spend you time exploring on board boats with your family or friends. Why not book a break today with one of the most reliable hirers, Hoseasons. Just click on the advert on the righthandside of this page to visit their site. It has all the information you need to book a wonderful holiday.

When you hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads you are able to enjoy a variety of activities.  Whether it is a motorboat or a sailing boat you can amuse yourself in so many ways.  When on the move, steering the boat should be a family activity; everyone on board should take a turn at the helm.  Lots of fun can start when someone, who has never steered before, takes the wheel or tiller.  As long as it happens away from any danger, it can be enlightening.  Fishing as you move along at 3 -4 mph can be interesting.  Messing about in the dinghy when you tie up for the evening can be really fun for everyone, not just the kids. 

Why not invest in a remote controlled model  boat. Let everyone have a go when you are tied up for the day or evening.  These model boats can provide hours of fun for all the family.  Although I have spent some lovely times in pubs and restaurants throughout the Broads, I have also been with the kids while they fly their kites across and above the waters of the marshlands.  So bring a couple of kites with you on holiday. 

Inflatable dinghies and canoes are popular items to take with you on holiday.  They allow you to explore areas that might otherwise be inaccessable.  Kids can have hours of fun in these boats.  If your dinghy can have a mast and sail attached this can offer other possibilities on holiday.  So think about these various options.

For rainy days the obvious things like books and board games can be packed, but what about computer games and laptops?  Lots of places will have wireless.  So you can keep in touch by email.  Why not keep a diary of your holiday on your laptop?  Download your photos each day and send them to BEBO or MySpace where your friends can follow your every move back home!

There are so many possibilities and activities to do on holiday on the Broads.  With the place teaming with wildlife why not record all the various species of, say, ducks you spot, as you move around the rivers and broads?  With kids on board, a series of photos of wildlife will no doubt help them with forthcoming projects at school.  Good close ups of ducks and other natural inhabitants will no doubt produce a stunning project!

The variety of the Norfolk Broads in scenery allows you to chose what type of holiday break to have for you and your family or friends.  If you want quiet times there are many places to go – if you want busy activity then thats on offer too.  You decide.  Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy your time on the Broads!

There are loads of things to do on a canalboat holiday! However, it really depends on what you want out of your break? If it is a relaxing time with a good book, then what better place than pottering along at 4 mph passing wonderful countryside?

Tying up for the evening beside a pub, and going in for a lovely meal and a drink. If it is a more adventurous holiday break then why not use the boat as a means to get to exciting places, tie up and get on our mountain bikes to visit the surrounding places of interest.

For the kids, a visit to a theme park etc. can be slotted into the holiday because you have your mobile accommodation with you. The best of both worlds. Kids can also get involved in the lock operation, steering for short intervals, mooring up and all the other messing about on a boat that will make the holiday go well.  Remember to take some games with you – either board games or computer games that the kids can play at certain times of the day and evening. Think ahead and bring stuff that will keep them busy – Bikes, Kites, football, roller blades, dolls etc. can all be used either on board or on the tow path and surrounding areas once you tie up for the day. Fishing rods, toy boats, romote control toys, are all useful. Give them a camera to record the holiday or scrap book to collect items of interest. The list can go on, but do consider the kids because if they are busy being occupied you will get peace to enjoy your holiday too!

When near busy towns or cities you can moor up and go shopping or site seeing. There are loads of activities to do once you do a bit of research before hiring the canal boat.