Longboat Ride in the Countryside: Braunston, Daventry

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A Couple of Summers Ago

Some close friends of the family invited us for a day out on their longboat which they share with several other couples. Several families own the boat together with an arrangement that each group gets the boat at certain times of the year. I guess you could say that it is a self imposed time share.

Taking a break along the way...

I have seen the longboats around England for years but had never been on one before that day. I have to say, it was an incredibly relaxing and unwinding experience. It has made me contemplate getting one for our little family!

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I really have no idea where we were at in the country. All I remember is that it is several hours drive from Cambridge where we first started. I do remember a lot of winding roads which I don't do well with being that I get motion sickness quite often.

Update: Turns out we were in Daventry - here on google maps.

These things remind me of floating motor homes. They'd be perfect for minimal living!

That's our friend Andy getting onboard

All aboard!

The water is super smooth and calm while we were on it. Of course I can't speak for the times that it chucks down rain. I imagine it can get a bit choppy at times. The canals are relatively narrow most of the way so I don't know how bad it can get. I don't think that the water is particularly deep, either.

Amanda attempting to get us all in the shot, but didn't really work out

It helps to have someone at both ends of the boat because it's so long, so you can see what's going on.

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I wonder if there are any good fish in there? I don't remember seeing anyone fishing and I am not sure if you are even allowed to fish in here. There were plenty of other critters about, though such as ducks and other birds.

So peaceful! The whole way was perfectly calm and serene.

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Eventually the canal opened up into an area where there are fields of various farm animals. You could definitely smell them coming, that's for sure!

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The boats are so long that you generally don't turn them around that often. We ended up going several miles down the river to a tie off point to have lunch.

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After that we went a bit further where there is a large area specifically for turning around. We timed it perfectly so that we'd get back just in time for dark.

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Don't ask me why, but they actually let me steer the thing. I was a bit nervous to start with, but as long as you go slow and steady it isn't that difficult to control. The hardest part is avoiding running into people coming at you from the opposite direction.

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Some of the boats have great names!

So I must say, I wasn't sure about it when we were invited, but in the end I was very glad that we went. We had been working a lot the week before so it was a really perfect opportunity to have a nice relaxing cruise on the river.

If the chance ever arises to go for a ride on a longboat, I would highly recommend it! In fact, we've talked about buying a house in England over the years. If we do, I think I'd consider getting one of these for weekend getaways.



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16 comments
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You can rent them but the waiting list is enormous esp. in the summer months. Then you have to learn to deal with the locks. Did they take you back to the start point or was it a long walk?

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The people who invited us were going on a two week trip across the country (I don't know how that works, or how far the canals go) but we did a special day trip while we were there.

They took us several miles down the canal, until we got to an area where there is a huge opening that allowed us to turn around and we went back to where we started.

Yeah, I heard it was hard to rent one. At one point when we were in Cambridge one came up for sale at a really good price but we just weren't in a position to buy it. I think if I ever manage to immigrate to England it will be something I'd like to do. Who knows when that will be possible, though.

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It must be a great experience

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It is, I'm looking forward to doing it again!

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this is actually something we are looking to do when we decide we've had enough of being in asia. I grew up near a canal that ran through the city. Pretty chill existence and you can get to a lot of the UK via the canal network. Cool post!

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Yeah, they were telling me that the canals go all over the place. That would be kind of cool traveling from town to town, stopping in different places for a while, then moving on. A way that you could live all over the country.

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you can see the canal network on googlemaps. It's pretty extensive. I think when we decide to change our lives from the dive shop it would suit me for that reason. I don't like to be tied down and I love the water. Is why your post made me smile. Was nice to see your reaction to it all. Good stuff!

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That is pretty crazy! I don't know was though I have ever seen a boat like that. Where do you sit to fish? :) My buddy has a pontoon and I love going out on that with him. We stay out all day fishing sometimes.

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I'm not sure if you're even allowed to fish, or if there are any fish in the canals. I have to guess that there are. They were telling me the story about how the canals were originally built but it has completely gone out of my mind! I suppose you could fish from either end of the boat. There are open areas with benches. Or you could stand on top, I suppose. lol!

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Oo so nice! Never been on a boat trip, but I would love to try. I think it would be great for a family, for small trips👪

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It is really fun and pretty tranquil. I suppose it isn't so fun for people who are looking for an 'adventure', but great for chilling out and relaxing... Just taking in the scenery.

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Yes😍 it must feel so silent to be on river on a boat and enjoying the nature's sounds..... My idea of a perfect time

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Weather looks really amazing for such kind of trip. I hope you enjoyed alot with your family.

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Wow, this is a very long deep waters. Just like the one I saw here in Patigi along Niger state.

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