To mark the 60th anniversary of the 4mph speed limit on the UK’s canal network,* narrowboat holiday specialist Black Prince has picked out five waterway routes that deserve to be experienced in slow motion.
From crossing the world’s tallest canal aqueduct to riding the world’s only rotating boat lift, canal holidays in England, Scotland and Wales offer a variety of spectacular slow-paced adventures, all highlighted by Black Prince. All celebrating the UK’s countryside and industrial heritage.
Chirk to Ellesmere
Chirk to Llangollen and Ellesmere features some of the UK canal network’s most breathtaking sights, and with few locks and just four hours of cruising each day, it’s a great choice for beginners.
Departing from the Black Prince base at Chirk and journeying along the breathtaking Llangollen canal, this exhilarating short break crosses the world’s tallest canal aqueduct, Pontcysyllte, before taking a trip over the smaller but no less thrilling Chirk Aqueduct, and a senses-heightening crawl through the pitch-black Chirk Tunnel, which at 480 metres is the longest canal tunnel in Wales.
The beautiful Dee Valley provides the backdrop for much of the journey, with the market-towns of Llangollen and Ellesmere bookending the route. Boats can stop at almost any point, allowing families to enjoy ever-changing views of captivating countryside and explore sites of interest at any point.
Prices start from £990 (saving £109) for a four-night short break departing 7 May for up to four people sharing.
Acton Bridge to Lymm
The 26-mile route from Black Prince’s base at Acton Bridge to Lymm starts with a short detour south to visit the Anderton Boat Lift. Known as the Cathedral of the Canals, which was Britain’s first boat lift when it was built in 1875. This example of engineering genius closes in autumn 2025 for at least a 12 months of maintenance work, so this year will be the last chance to see the lift in action until at least 2027.
Families then continue along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Dutton Stop lock. This is where the boats are lifted just a few centimetres to give the experience of a full lock.
Additionally, the adventure continues into Preston Brook Tunnel, where the darkness stretches for three quarters of a mile. The cruisers then emerge onto the Bridgewater Canal, for lock-free cruising through idyllic countryside. Bypassing pretty towns and villages along the route, before turning at Lymm and returning to base.
Prices for a four night short break start from £1,035 for departures on 5 May and up to five people sharing.
Kennet & Avon – Bath to Devizes
Starting at Black Prince’s Bradford-on-Avon base, this is a short stretch of Kennet & Avon canal between Bath and Devizes. Equally, blessed with glorious countryside and two aqueducts that provide glorious views.
There’s an even more impressive ‘wow’ moment with the spectacular Caen Hill Locks, which stretch out over two miles. They are one of the seven wonders of the UK canal network, and a great place to spot wildlife. Plus, cruises may see herons and kingfishers hunting for fish, dragonflies, damselflies and a colourful selection of butterflies.
Prices start from £1,149 for a four-night break starting 6 May for up to six sharing.
Falkirk to Edinburgh
Start a narrowboat break at the Black Prince base at Falkirk, and the first task is to ride the Falkirk Wheel. This is an incredible mechanical marvel, built at the start of the Millennium replacing a series of steep locks. Furthermore, it is the world’s only rotating built lift.
Narrowboats are lifted onto the Union Canal and pass through two manned locks. On a seven-night break narrowboaters can weave their way into Edinburgh’s historic centre, with the Union Canal following the contours of the land to avoiding any more locks. This atmospheric route takes boaters through the Falkirk Tunnel. Moreover, the tunnel was blasted through a hillside when a local landowner refused permission for the canal to cross his land.
Then comes the fabulously impressive ruin of Linlithgow Palace, which was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Cruisers the follow the Avon Aqueduct, the highest canal aqueduct in Scotland.
Prices start from £1,993 for a seven-night break starting 30 June for up to four people sharing.
Caldon Canal Return
The Caldon Canal is an offshoot of the much busier Trent & Mersey Canal and is often missed by narrowboaters. Adding an out-and-back cruise to Froghall provides a wonderfully heightened sense of seclusion.
Starting in Stoke-on-Trent, families soon swap the industrial backdrop for glorious countryside. Firstly meandering for three miles along a branch to Leek, where families can stop for a day or two for visits to nearby Alton Towers. Secondly, families can then retrace their steps to continue the slow-paced adventure towards Froghall. They will pass through Deep Hayes Country Park, Consall Forge and the Churnet Valley. Thirdly, cruisers can board a steam-powered heritage railway (weekends and Wednesday only), and marvel at a 185-year-old blast furnace. All the while, looking out for wildlife that includes kingfishers, herons and otters.
Prices start from £1,440 (saving £159) for a seven-night holiday starting 10 May for up to four people sharing.
Contact Black Prince on 01527 575 115 to book a trip or visit the website to find out more.
* The 4mph speed limit on the UK canal network was established in the British Waterways Board Report: The Facts About the Waterways (1965).
Five Slow-Mo Holidays On The Canal With Black Prince – Words by Daniel Johnson Public Relation and Rachel McAlley / @LadyRach
