Overwater Marina, Audlem
About this trip.
Planning the route? Read our Four Counties Ring 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
Below the Audlem Lock flight
Overwater Marina is an award-winning marina on the Shropshire Union Canal at Audlem, just below the Audlem Lock flight, in the Cheshire countryside. It's the base for a small family-run narrowboat hire firm, and the Llangollen Canal is only three hours' cruising away.
Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced boaters, and pets are welcome too.
The boats
The boats sleep from two to eight. All have central heating, flush toilets and hot and cold running water. The galleys come with a hob, grill, oven and fridge, plus plenty of crockery, cutlery and kitchenware. All bedding is provided.
Getting started and finding the marina
Before you set off, you'll get tuition in handling the boat, including a practical demonstration of working through locks. The team can suggest suitable routes and tell you about the scenery, cosy pubs and historic buildings you're likely to pass. If you need help at any point during your holiday, free advice is a phone call away.
To find the marina, head for Nantwich and follow the signs for the Secret Bunker. These take you into Coole Lane. Stay on it for 3.6 miles, and ignore the last right turn for the bunker.
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.
