How to Take a Canal Vacation on the Welsh Borders

Just take a trip to your local travel agent. They will have details of canal boat operators and can book the whole thing for you.

Booking over the Internet. There are plenty of canal holiday websites available where you can plan and book your holiday from the comfort of your own home. You can plan the route you want to take and find details of the barges and narrow boats that will be included in the prices. Check out the comprehensive canal holiday operator Viking Afloat at their website www.viking-afloat.com or give them a call on 01905 610660. They have in-depth details of the routes available and you can see photographs of the countryside and boats.

Wales has some of the most spectacular scenic canals in Europe and one of the best is the Llangollen Canal. The canal stretches for around 46 miles and branches from the Shropshire Union Canal. One of the highlights of this canal is the 125 feet tall Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The Llangollen Canal is known as one of the most beautiful stretches of canal in Europe, and floating along past quaint market towns and pretty waterfalls is a great way to spend a holiday.

Another highlight of the canal holidays is the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. This canal wanders through around 36 miles of stunning countryside and at points follows the route of the mighty River Usk. There are plenty of stopping off places such as the mooring at Pontypool Leisure Centre. If you stop off there you can have a dip in the swimming pool and even try some skiing on the dry sky slope.

Take a canal vacation on the Welsh borders and further inland and you may be surprised you have not thought of it before as a holiday option. The boats are very easy to control, even for beginners, and everyday brings something new. It's a great experience for families, and kids will love this type of holiday.