About this trip.
Llangollen Canal closure: Closed near Whitchurch since an embankment breach on 22 December 2025. The Canal & River Trust expects to reopen it in March 2027, weather permitting. Until then boats can't pass the breach, so routes that cross it (for example Trevor to Wrenbury or Nantwich) aren't running. Trips that stay on one side, such as Trevor or Chirk to Llangollen and Pontcysyllte, are unaffected. Source
Planning the route? Read our Llangollen Canal guide. 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
From the Prees Branch at Whixall
Whixall Marina is on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, at Alders Lane, Whixall, SY13 2QS. It's a peaceful place to start a narrowboat holiday, and from here you can cruise through North Shropshire, Staffordshire and North Wales. Routes take in open countryside, the Shropshire Lake District and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Short breaks and four-night cruises
On a short break you can cruise to the historic market town of Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District, and back. There are several options for a four-night mid-week break. You can go through the Shropshire Lake District to Chirk, home to the National Trust's Chirk Castle. You can turn onto the Montgomery Canal and carry on to Crickheath. You can cross into Wales and over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Trevor. Or you can head through the Staffordshire countryside to historic Whitchurch and Wrenbury. Each of these routes brings you back to Whixall.
A week or more on the water
A week's break gives you two main choices. You can pass Whitchurch and Wrenbury and join the Shropshire Union Canal to reach the historic market town of Nantwich. Or you can cruise through the Shropshire Lake District and over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Llangollen, in the Berwyn Mountains, and back. With 10 days or two weeks, you can follow the Llangollen Canal through the Shropshire countryside and join the Shropshire Union Canal to the ancient City of Chester and back. A two-week break is also long enough for the Four Counties Ring: 137 miles and 132 locks in around 86 cruising hours.
The boats at Whixall
The Whixall fleet ranges from 48ft Weir Class boats sleeping two or four up to a 67ft Constellation Class boat sleeping up to 10. In between are the Village, Gem, Bond, Admiral and Constellation Class boats, which sleep four or six. Every narrowboat has gas central heating with radiators throughout, so the boats suit holidays at any time of year, and some also have a multi-fuel stove. There's plenty of storage on board, and Anglo Welsh offers advice on what to pack. Its brochure also has tips for beginners.
To spend a day on the canal instead, there's a family- and pet-friendly day boat, Julia, which takes up to 10 people.
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.
