The trips, which are being run by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, will feature talks about the repairs needed. On-board guides will also point-out features of significance and interest.
Work to ensure the canal is open since being significantly damaged by flood water has included repairing banks that were washed away and reconstruction of embankments and towpaths. Dredging also took place on the River Avon, to remove silt from behind lock gates.
There are a variety of trips, with each boat taking up to 50 people:
- Bradford on Avon (BA15 1LE): Boat name is Barbara McLellan. 2.30pm, two hour trip. Adults £6, Children (5-15s) £4 (turn up on the day)
- Devizes (SN10 1EB): Kenavon. 2.30pm, 1hr45mins trip. Adults £6, Seniors £5, Children (5-15s) £4. Tickets in advance 07975 854503
- Hungerford (RG17 0EQ). Rose of Hungerford. 2.30pm, 2-2hr30mins trip. Adults £7, Seniors £6, Children (5-15s) £4.50 (turn up on the day)
- Newbury (RG14 5AS): Jubilee. 12noon and 2pm, 1hr15mins trip. Adults £6, Seniors £5, Children (5-15s) £4. Tickets in advance 01635 30267
For more details call the K&A Trust on 01380 721279
Rob Dean, chairman of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, said**:** “We love the Kennet & Avon Canal and our volunteers are pleased to be able to help with the cost of these vital repairs. Thanks to the hard work of the maintenance teams, the canal is very much open for people to enjoy this summer and I hope to see many visitors on our four boats next Sunday and right through the season.”
Mark Stephen, Canal & River Trust waterway manager, adds: “The Kennet & Avon Canal is one of the most beautiful and popular canals anywhere in the country. We were hit hard by the torrential weather earlier in the year, and the emergency repairs we had to do to keep the canal open have left us a hefty bill. So we are extremely grateful to the support from Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and all those who will take up this great opportunity. There can't be many better places to spend a bank holiday weekend than on the water, so I'd encourage people to take up a place on one of the trips.”
