I have been on several narrowboat holidays and can recommend some good hiring companies - but one to avoid is Middlewich Narrowboats of Middlewich, Cheshire on the Trent and Mersey canal. Other hirers along the canal that we spoke to were also not too happy about the condition of the boats.

Ours was dirty and in a very faded condition. It had obviously not been valeted properly after the previous hirer as we found a pair of tights on the cabin floor. The cooker was disgraceful and needed cleaning before we could use it - likewise the toilet and shower. The fore and aft decks had not been swept nor the cabin windows cleaned. The mooring ropes were too short and the centre rope was frayed - a health and safety issue.

On return told the proprietors they could expect a letter from us with a list of faults. This was duly written but they have failed to respond to it and several emails. Has anyone else dealt with this company. Definitlely one to avoid.