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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Fayres & local events, Featured articles
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narrowboat festival IWA

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From Saturday 29th to Monday 31st August the Inland Waterways Association is holding a major waterways event on the river Nene in Northampton.

Northamptonshire is known as the county of ‘squires and spires’ and Northampton is great to visit at any time, offering plenty of cultural heritage and historical architecture. There are ancient churches, impressive buildings and bygone battle sites. You may also visit the shopping centres, parks, museum and art gallery.

But on the August Bank Holiday this year up to 200 boats, including leisure, trade, heritage and working narrowboats will be moored in the marina and along the river front as well as an array of smaller craft, sailboats, windsurfers and ribs. There will also be trip boats and water taxis available for festival visitors.

This year’s Northampton Festival of Water celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the opening of the Northampton Arm in 1815 which connects the Grand Union Canal to the Nene in Northampton, creating a navigable channel to the East Anglian waterways and the Wash. This connecting waterway enabled working boats to transport ironstone, limestone, grain, flour, coal and timber.

iwa-in-mediaThis year’s boating event will promote Northampton’s riverside, to acknowledge the value of the Nene to the town and its people and to encourage more people to use the waterway for boating and leisure. The event will include live music, Morris dancing, a German Shepherd Dog Display Team, children’s fairground rides, face painting and balloon modelling. There are also a variety of talks on waterways topics, a boater’s quiz and an open mic night. (More details on the IWA website.)

Through Northampton boaters on the Grand Union Canal can access Peterborough, Ely, Cambridge, St. Ives, Huntingdon and Bedford using the Nene, Middle Level and Fenland waterways. These less-travelled waterways of the East of England are quiet enough for a relaxing boating holiday or fishing trip. However if you have extra energy to burn off you could also try canoeing, kayaking or countryside cycling. Fox Boats hire boat base is ideally located for exploring these little-known waterways. Check out Fox Route 3 and Fox Route 4 which take you onto the River Nene.

For more tips on events and places to visit in Cambridgeshire sign up to get regular updates from our blog. (We never sell or share email addresses, we’ll just send you helpful articles about boats and boating!)

History of IWA Narrowboat festivals

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Navigation articles
denver-crossing-narrowboat-boating

 

Salters Lode to Denver passage, along the tidal Great Ouse, may sound daunting but with the right preparation and precautions, should be straightforward and safe.

Preparation

Call ahead to check locking times as these change with the tides (Fox’s will be able to let you know the locking times for your trip if you are on a holiday hire boat).

Make sure you have plenty of fuel.

Arrive in plenty of time, at least an hour before you are due through the lock. There are two reasons for this, to make sure you don’t miss the tide and so that you have time to speak to the lock keeper.

It’s always a good idea to chat to the lock keeper – he or she can talk you through the crossing, as well as let you know about the conditions which may affect you on the day.

If you have time, a walk along the bank to familiarise yourself with the landmarks will make the crossing easier. If you have time have a look at the river at low water, so you can see where the sandbanks are.

Get your anchor ready. Position it somewhere you can easily drop it overboard, and make sure it’s attached securely to the boat!

The Crossing

All crew members should wear a lifejacket. The water is deep and fast flowing.

Take care with pets and young children. It may be best to keep them inside.

Don’t be afraid to use plenty of power to make the tight turn into or out of Salter’s Lode, especially if you’re turning against the direction of the current. Be aware of the current direction and how it will affect your boat.

Look out for the sandbank marker (cross on a pole) outside Salter’s Lode. Don’t be tempted to cut the corner!

Once in the lock, follow the lock keeper’s instructions carefully.

Boats longer than 61ft are a special case and can only go through the Salter’s Lode lock on the level tide (gates open both ends), and have to wait for the lock at the other end to be ready, either on the tyre wall when coming into Salter’s or the pontoons coming into Denver.

Courtesy to Other River Users

On all waterways, the rule is to travel on the right. There is a stretch near Cambridge where navigation is on the left, but this is signposted. However, mostly, it’s best to stay in the middle where it’s deepest unless another boat is approaching the other way.

Powered boats

You may have to wait at bridges if you see a boat coming the other way. Whilst some are high and wide, there’s not room to pass under many of them, especially on the Middle Level. At bends, sound your horn to warn other boats of the presence as you approach. When passing moored boats, make sure you slow down to a tickover, especially on the shallow Middle Levels.

Manually Powered Craft

Cambridge is well known for its rowers, but you may find small craft anywhere. Rowing boats will often be faster than you, but their visibility may be limited. Keep an eye out behind you as well as in front, and let them know if it is safe for them to overtake. If they do not seem to have seen you, sound your horn to alert them, or call “Take a look” which is the standard rowing terminology for “watch out”. If they’re heading for you at speed, shouting “hold it up!” will get their attention because it means “stop the boat dead”. For small boats which are slower than you, give them plenty of room as you carefully pass by. Ensure that you are not creating a breaking wash. On some of the rivers you may encounter rowing races taking place. There will be marshals on the banks (usually wearing hi-vis jackets) who will give you instructions about whether to wait or pass through safely.

Sailing Boats

The best course of action is generally to maintain a steady, predictable course and they will manoeuvre around you.

Check out our suggested cruise from March to Ely crossing the short length of tidal river between Salter’s Lode and Denver Sluice.

Thanks to Amy Tillson of M.B. Willow, Cambridge, for this guest article with photos.

by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Owning & living on a narrowboat

So, you’ve enjoyed a few hire boat holidays and taken an RYA Helmsman Course; and you now feel ready to take the next step towards owning your own boat. Here are our top three suggestions for getting afloat in 2015.

narrowboat-sales-11) Build It

Fox Narrowboats have spent over 40 years refining their distinctive, yet traditional narrowboat style that is now recognisable by enthusiasts on the waterways who are looking out for a “Foxy” bow. Our company founder, Charlie Fox is considered to be a bit of a waterways pioneer; he was active in the revival of the Fens for boating and worked on quite a few waterways renovations.

You can easily calculate the cost of having a narrowboat built, with our nifty narrowboat build calculator. Find out more about narrowboat building at Fox Boats.

narrowboat-sales-22) Buy It

Occasionally we have second hand canal boats for sale at our marina. Check out boats for sale page on the website

For a virtual tour of the boat check out the video of Silver Fox here.

3) Research It

You’ll need to consider how you’re going to finance the boat purchase and decide on a budget. Make sure you factor in a budget for repairs and improvements as you get to know your boat during the first year of ownership. Make sure you also budget for ongoing licence fees, marina fees and insurance costs.

You can easily research the kind of boat you can afford on a website like Boatshed Grand Union. Covering London and the South East they visit and photograph every boat for sale. Looking at the pictures and specifications on the website you will get a feel for whether you’d prefer a trad or cruiser, widebeam or narrowboat. If you want to bring a boat to the Fens, Boatshed can advise on boat transport, or alternatively you may enjoy a leisurely cruise to the waterway of your choice!

Check out Boatshed’s: How to Buy a Boat: The Ultimate Guide and if you’re thinking of selling a boat grab their Free eBook: How to Sell a Boat: The Ultimate Guide.

Would you like to write for us?

This is a reciprocal guest post from Peggy at Boatshed Grand Union. You may also like our recent guest post on the Boatshed Grand Union blog. If you’d like to see your blog featured here, and would be happy to host an article from us on your blog or website then get in touch! Contact Tim.

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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Guest & customer articles, Navigation articles
fox narrowboats marina
fox narrowboats marina

fox narrowboats marina

I spent nine days in April this year visiting the Chesterfield canal. It is an early contour canal designed by Brindley and completed in 1777. The canal declined over the years and most of the mining and heavy industry has long disappeared. This means that most of the canal is surprisingly rural.

There are not many boats, a few friendly boat clubs (eg the Retford and Worksop Boat Club) and some good pubs (eg the Brewers Arms in Clayworth). Those venturing beyond Shireoaks can enjoy what I think is one of the finest flights of locks in the country.

The visitor guide produced by the Chesterfield Canal Trust states that since 1989 twelve miles of canal have been restored along with 36 locks, 11 major bridges and 2 marinas. This should give heart to all of us working to restore to full navigation Horseways Channel, Welches Dam Lock and the Old Bedford River.

John Revell

As published in June 2015 in “Hereward”, the Magazine of the Peterborough Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Fayres & local events, Featured articles

ouse-fest-banner

 

The Ouse Fest is coming – a fortnight of exciting events celebrating the Ouse Washes landscape and communities. Events are happening from Denver to St Ives, and from Ely to Chatteris. There will be wildlife safaris, walking tours, arts and literature, museum trails, filming workshops, family fun days and more.

On 28th July 2015 the Environment Agency is hosting an OuseFest event at Denver Sluice Complex. Just a short cruise away from our hire boat base at March, you can enjoy boat trips, rowing, wildlife, birds – and the local eel man! Here are some of the highlights of the day:

1) Denver Sluice

The sluice is an important flood defence and land drainage structure, essential to East Anglia’s land drainage, flood defence, navigation and water resources. Although Denver Sluice is at the tidal limit of the River Great Ouse there is a 17km non-tidal navigation along the Flood Relief Channel towards King’s Lynn, and 48 hour moorings are available near the lock. The complex is worth a visit, even without the festival.

2) Eels and Fish

You’ll be able to get up close to eels and fish with the Environment Agency Eel Tank and meet Peter Carter, the local Eel Man. You can also explore the history of eels with The Field Theatre Group’s intriguing installation. Take a taster session with the King’s Lynn Angling Association.

3) Birds

Explore local wildlife and birds with Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the RSPB.

4) Ouse Washes Experience

See the Ouse Washes Experience Roadshow video with Ely Hereward Rotary Club.

5) Go Boating

Take a boat trip with the River Inspector or have a mini session with the West Norfolk Rowing Club. Alternatively, hire a holiday boat or day boat from Fox Narrowboats.

With so many fun activities, it’s an event not to miss! The OuseFest is on 20th July to 2nd August and is hosted by Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership

Check out the full programme at http://ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest/

You could also visit the St Ives Riverport Discovery Day by boat on Saturday July 25th: more here http://ousewashes.org.uk/events/ousefest-old-riverport-st-ives-discovery-day/. There are plenty of moorings in St Ives!

Alternatively, visit Denver Sluice, explore local wildlife and birds and take an extended boat trip on a date to suit you. Check availability
Day Boat Hire on the Middle Level: Check availability

by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Pubs & restaurants
river cam canal boating

river cam canal boating

An advantage of taking a British summer holiday is that there’s nothing quite like visiting a succession of traditional English pubs to enjoy a cosy, nostalgic feeling of times gone by. For those that enjoy a leisurely pub stroll, a canal boat holiday is possibly even better: Enjoy beautiful scenery and pretty villages, with the convenience of taking your holiday accommodation with you on your journey!

Here are five places to moor and seek out refreshments, as you lose yourself exploring by boat on the River Cam.

1) Upware

Next to Upware marina there are plenty of moorings along the frontage of the Five Miles From Anywhere, No Hurry Inn (formerly named the Lord Nelson). It was rebuilt in 1980, some time after the previous building was destroyed by fire in 1957.

King of Upware

In the 1850s a university club founded the Upware Republic at the Five Miles from Anywhere with a president, a consul, a treasurer, a justice, its own laws, and its own money. Then, in the 1870s, Richard Fielder MA, Member of Lincolns Inn, declared himself King of Upware. Wearing a red waistcoat and corduroy trousers, he would drink from a six-gallon jug of punch known as His Majesty’s Pint, and argue with passing bargees.

2) Clayhithe

The Bridge Hotel is opposite the large 19th century yellow brick Conservators House at Clayhithe and has moorings for customers. There is also a, the plough 100 metre stretch of 48 hour mooring available just upstream of Clayhithe Bridge. (Mooring elsewhere, beside the towpath is forbidden by the Cam Conservancy.) Nearby in the village of Horningsea are the Plough and Fleece, and Crown and Punch Bowl public houses where food is available.

3) Fen Ditton

Stop in Fen Ditton to see thatched cottages and 16th and 17th century houses with graceful terraced lawns sweeping down to the river. You will find refreshments at The Plough Inn, the Kings Head, the Blue Lion or the Ancient Shepherds. This listed building was originally built as three cottages in 1540, and so it has plenty of traditional charm and character. It offers guest and house ales and a varied menu.

4) Chesterton

Chesterton is now a suburb of Cambridge and offers the travelling boater a popular riverside pub; The Tudor Green Dragon.

5) Cambridge

Passing through Midsummer Common and Jesus Green you will have your choice of The Fort St George, a popular riverside pub, The Boathouse, The Rat and Parrot, The Graduate, Midsummer House Restaurant and Restaurant Twenty-two.

So, get yourself moored up near Jesus Lock, and go forth and explore the pubs of Cambridge!

Ref. The information featured in this article can be found in The River Great Ouse and Tributaries, an Imray guide, by Andrew Hunter Blair.

Update: Since the Imray guide was published there have been a few changes. Fen Ditton and Chesterton no longer have visitor moorings, and there have been some notable changes to the pubs: The Tudor Green Dragon is now just the Green Dragon, The Graduate became the The Tivoli in 2011 and then burnt down earlier this year, and the Rat and Parrot is now closed. Also, please be advised that Midsummer House and Twenty Two are not places to just stop for a drink, but are lavish “fine dining” restaurants.

Travel to Cambridge by boat: Check availability
Cambridgeshire Day Boat Hire: Check availability

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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Charity, In media

cambs-times March Lions Club take a boat trip with Fox Narrowboats to fundraise for EACH

by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Foxes News

Congratulations to 9 year old Alijah who has won our children’s colouring completion to win a mid week family day on one of our day boats either March Adventurer or March Explorer.

The competition was judged by Fox Narrowboats mooring customer and member of March art group Gordon Wills.

Alijah and her family will have the opportunity to take a family day out along the tranquil Fenland Waterways on either of our day hire boats the March Adventurer or March Explorer through the town of March Eastwards towards the picturesque village of Upwell (approx 6hrs 30mins) or… Alternatively take a trip west passing Floods Ferry Marina Park arriving at Ashline Lock and the town of Whittlesey.

colouring comp winner

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Fayres & local events, Featured articles
strawberry fair by the river flyer

This year marks the 41st year of Cambridge’s famous Strawberry Fair, when Midsummer Common will once more become a festival of vitality, music and colour. It begins with a parade that wanders around the city centre from 10.30am, and then returns to Midsummer Common for the start of the fair at midday. There will be over a dozen stages, marquees and areas of entertainment, continuing all day until the festival finale at 10.30pm.

Down by the River Theme

strawberry fair by the river flyer

strawberry fair by the river flyer

This year’s theme is “Down By The River” and each area of the fair will be taking its own angle on this idea: from a cruise ship, to the Amazon. (A previous theme included a world-record breaking gathering of fairies a few years ago.)

This year’s fair is on Saturday 6th June, and on Sunday 3rd May the festivities will continue with Strawberry Sundae at The Portland Arms: A family-friendly day of entertainment and activities, including traders, music, dance, workshops, food, ales and beer.

Strawberry Fair website

Arrive by Narrowboat

If you really want to honour the “Down By The River” theme have you considered arriving by narrowboat this year? Travelling south down the River Cam from Fen Ditton you’ll pass the many college boathouses which line the north bank to Victoria Bridge and beyond. You’ll also notice Stourbridge Common, which is the former site of Stourbridge Fair and used to last for three weeks, from 7th September! On the edge of the common, Garlic Row and Oyster Row take their names from former wares sold at the fair.

Mooring your boat

After a group of houseboats your cruise will take you onwards through Midsummer Common itself and then past the Fort St George; a riverside pub. The River Cam then flows under Victoria Road bridge reaching Jesus Green and the limit of the navigation. There are public moorings at Jesus Green Lock. Some mooring is also permitted between Stourbridge Common and Jesus Lock but check the local signs for details. There is also a 48 hour visitor mooring opposite the pump-out at Jesus Green. Motorised craft are not allowed to travel upstream of Jesus Lock from 1st April to 30th September.

If you’ve never been to Strawberry Fair, book now to hire a boat for Strawberry Fair 2016, and enjoy a scenic journey through stunning Fenland and picturesque villages on your way from March to Cambridge. Even if you don’t travel when the fair is on, there’s plenty to see and do in Cambridge!

Boating holiday in Cambridge: Check availability
Day Boat Hire in Cambridge: Check availability

by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in In media, Star media

cambridgeshireFollowing the BBC Four programme of a canal boat trip along the Kennet and Avon canal.  BBC radio Carmbridgeshire’s reporter Johnny Dee joined Paula Syred for a narrowboat journey through March on one of Fox Narrowboats Day boats the March Explorer. During the trip they passed through March town centre. You can listen to the live interview here. The interview was live on the Paul Stainton show on Monday 12th May 2015

Fox Narrowboats are offering hour and a half boat trips on Saturday 30th May for people to sample the delights of narrowboating.  Advanced booking essential, cost £10.  All proceeds are for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, Fox Narrowboats charity of the year 2015. To book tel 01354 652770

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