Hi, I know nothing of narrowboats or good companies to hire them from but can recommend the Cheshire 'Ring' on the basis that it has some lovely canalside pubs I've enjoyed many a drink at on a sunny weekend afternoon! I've walked a fair of it too at different times and it passes through an interesting mix of very rural areas and has a small section which travels through very urban Manchester! The following link will give you a flavour of what to expect:

http://www.jim-shead.com/waterways/The-Cheshire-Ring.html

Alternatively, I've also enjoyed many a walk along side the Llangollen canal which might be more manageable in 4 days than the Cheshire Ring which is circular route though it seems most people take a week to complete the whole thing. You could, however, make enquiries and see if you necessarily have to return the boat to the same yard as you started from. I understand from friend that some companies will let you drop the boat off at a different yard on the popular routes.

SM

Hi

that's brilliant thanks...I'll investigate those two, and it gives me a good starting point. The drinks on the sunny weekends sounds the best bit

Sharyn

hi there we would like to hire a narrow boat for my sisters 40th just for a long weekend.there are 6 adults we live in birmingham we have looked at a few they seem to be very expensive for 3 nights.can anyone suggest any cheaper ones please thanks

Hi
I'm a new member, so hopefully not too late on this subject. I've spent a few great weekends on canals in Cheshire and Lancashire, I'd recommend it for relaxing, beautiful countryside and good pubs! A friend of mine had a couple of enjoyble days on a well turned out boat around Chester, it came with the option of a 'Captain', good if you're not that confident. It was Missmollycruises based somewhere Chester/North Wales.