About this trip.
Weighing up hire firms? UK narrowboat hire, compared lists 32 firms by canal, dog fees and fuel.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Short breaks from Silsden
Silsden is on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Keighley in West Yorkshire. The boatyard here is a starting point for the Aire Valley, the Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines. Depending on the break, holidays start on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
On a short break you can head west through the Aire Valley to Gargrave and back, passing the historic market town of Skipton on the way. You could also go east through the Yorkshire countryside to Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing through the Bingley Five Rise Locks. A four-night break lets you carry on from Gargrave to East Marton and back, with mountain views along the way.
Week-long and longer routes
With a week, you can cruise west across the Pennines to the historic market town of Barnoldswick, or continue as far as Foulridge Tunnel and back. Heading east instead, a week takes you through the Bingley Five Rise Locks and Saltaire to Apperley Bridge, or on to Leeds Dock. There you can moor up to visit the Royal Armouries Museum and other sights in the city's waterfront.
A 10-day break goes west beyond Foulridge Tunnel to Burnley and back. That includes crossing the Burnley Embankment, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. Two weeks will get you to Wigan and back, passing Blackburn and the edge of Chorley. Alternatively, you can go east to Sowerby Bridge and back by way of Bingley, Saltaire, Leeds, Castleford, Stanley Ferry, Wakefield, Shepley Bridge, Mirfield, Brighouse and Elland. Some longer journeys use sections of the Aire & Calder Navigation, the Calder & Hebble Navigation, the Rochdale Canal and the Bridgewater Canal. One version also includes the Huddersfield Broad Canal, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Ashton Canal.
The boats
Anglo Welsh offers boats for two to 12 people. The boats listed at Silsden are:
- the 50ft Cymbal Class, 56ft Bongo Class and 56ft Snare Class narrowboats, each sleeping up to five - the 57ft Tabla Class narrowboat, sleeping up to seven - the 55ft Ashiko Class widebeam, sleeping up to eight - the 59ft Taiko Class narrowboat, sleeping up to nine
All the narrowboats have gas central heating with radiators throughout, so they are comfortable at any time of year, and some also have a multi-fuel stove. There is plenty of storage on board.
Planning your trip
Anglo Welsh offers advice on what to pack. Its Canal Boat Holidays brochure covers boats, routes and destinations, with tips for first-time boaters. The boatyard is at Canal Wharf, Elliott Street, Silsden, West Yorkshire BD20 0DE.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in England. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
