2010 Cruises

 

A warm Lizzie-Jean welcome!  When you arrive in Skipton for your cruise, the skipper will meet you on the tow path and welcome you aboard.  You will then be served with a choice of hot or cold drinks and something to eat - like warm croissants or home-made flapjack biscuits - while the details of the cruise (and safety information) are explained.  Then we'll "cast off fore and aft" and away we go!

 

Day Cruises (for groups of up to 8):   

(see Saltaire Festival page for September 9th - 26th)

Thursdays 11.00 to 16.00          .....    £120

 

Saturdays 10.30 to 16.30           .....    £150

 

Sundays 11.00 to 16.00             .....    £130

 

Bank Holidays 10.30 to 16.30     .....    £150

 

Normally cruises aboard Lizzie-Jean start from Skipton Canal Basin and go northwest towards Gargrave and return, though, if preferred, we can go southwards through Bradley towards Farnhill/Kildwick and return. Farnhill Wood is full of bluebells and looks stunning in Spring. Pub lunches are available in Snaygill, Bradley and Kildwick.

 

When we get near Gargrave there is usually time for a walk into the village to visit the famous Dalesman Sweet Shop/Cafe or try out the stepping stones across the River Aire.  On the longer Saturday/Bank Holiday cruises you will be able to help take Lizzie-Jean up and down Holme Bridge Lock just outside Gargrave.

 

Cruises for Hotel Guests     

For the convenience of guests staying at either the Rendezvous Hotel (Snaygill) or Herriot's Hotel (near Skipton Train Station) cruises aboard Lizzie-Jean can start from the designated mooring areas behind each hotel.

 

Boating Tuition Cruises    

These cruise days provide tailor-made, hands-on experience of canal boating designed specifically for intending boat hirers.  Come and try your hand at steering, mooring, locking and winding with Lizzie-Jean's experienced skipper(a former teacher and  adult trainer). Each day is individually designed so please 'phone David Fitch to discuss your specific requirements (Click here for 'Contact' details).

Note: Due to canal restrictions imposed by BW from 2nd August these tuition cruises are suspended until further notice.  Sorry for any disappointment.

 

 

 

Lizzie-Jean's lounge with refreshments and flowers ready for guests

 

Lizzie-Jean's lounge table with refreshements

 

 

 

Please click here for available '2010 Dates'

 

 

Lizzie-Jean looks very special when decorated with bunting, banners and balloons (see 'photo below). If your cruise is to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday, engagement or anniversary, we can arrange decorations for an additional £10.  Champagne glasses can be made ready too if required.

 

 

Lizzie-Jean decorated for celebration cruise

  

A group of happy boaters after a day cruise

 

Photo:  A happy group of boaters after a Celebration Cruise

 

 

 

  Local Canal Information

 

Skipton is situated in the Aire Valley and is known as "The Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales".  The Leeds and Liverpool Canal follows the contours of the valley northwest from Leeds.  Above the famous Bingley 5-rise Locks  is a 23 mile stretch of canal with no locks.  However there is a good number of swing bridges which need to be opened and closed by boaters.

 

The picturesque Yorkshire Dales village of Gargrave, northwest of Skipton, is where the next series of 6 canal locks is found. From there the canal goes in a south west direction as it rises to cross the Pennines and on into Lancashire through the "mile long" Foulridge Tunnel and beautiful countryside.

 

Further information on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal can be found on the websites listed on our 'Links' page.

 

 

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