The Harbroe area

The Canals area

Who? What? Why?

Where?

Factoids and adventures

Where

The canals system of Britain is arguably the cradle of modern history.

We share a boat with other like-minded people who have become friends. Annually, we decide where she'll be based. At the moment (from summer 2015) she's based at Overwater Marina, near Audlem, Cheshire. Previously she was at Sowerby Bridge (Yorks), having moved there from near Stone (Staffs) and before that at Aynho on the Northamptonshire ⁄ Oxfordshire border. Have a look at the map where they're marked in yellow; it's easier to visualise. Just click on it and it'll expand.

 

What

Solong is a 58ft narrowboat. That means she's less than 7ft wide - just. If you've not met a narrowboat, imagine a large matchstick with an engine.

As you enter from the back, you're in the galley with an en-suite dining table which converts to a double berth. Next down the left side corridor is a bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Then there's another (fixed) double berth. Next is another, tiny, bathroom, and lastly a sitting area which converts to 2 single bunks or a triple for the wider person or the adventurous.

She's equipped with a 1.8 litre diesel engine, fridge, cooker, solid fuel stove, central heating and hot water courtesy of either the engine or the central heating boiler. There are other items but you can imagine them for yourself. But to help, here's a plan of her layout.

 

Why

She's that long so as to make the most of the shortest lock, and that wide to be able to fit into the narrowest. Simple. For the mechanics and reasons behind locks, Google is a wonderful thing.

 

Adventures

All canal trips are good. Some are particularly memorable for one reason or another - sometimes many. Here are some.

Click to enlarge