Isolate yourself from the world on the canals

LOOKING ahead, with coronavirus likely to be in full spate, foreign holidays off the agenda and public places a potential source of infection, there may be a very British answer to the dilemma of both taking a holiday and isolating yourself from the world at the same time.

Hiring a holiday narrowboat on the country’s 2000-mile-long canal system would take you and your loved ones out into the open countryside, miles away from the crowds and with some of the best views in the land outside your windows.

Norbury Wharf – a specialist holiday hire firm with a fleet of vessels suitable for between two and 10 people, based on the

Shropshire Union Canal – says it is already receiving enquiries from couples and families who see a boating holiday as the ideal way to keep safe and have a relaxing break during a time of crisis.

Director David Ray said: “One of the great advantages of a boating holiday on the canals is that you can be self-sufficient and really visit the best of the British countryside.

“If you stock up with food and drink, you need never get close to another person for a week or two, yet you will be travelling through the countryside and seeing it in a way that you never have before.”

He continued: “We ensure our boats are thoroughly and hygienically cleaned between hirers and follow all the government guidelines, so once you leave our base near Stafford you can spend all your time enjoying the country air and the isolation which is possible on our rural canals.

“There won’t be many options for those who want to take a break during the coming months. Many foreign destinations will be affected by the virus and flying is a potentially high-risk activity.

“Even in this country, hotels and resorts are gathering places for large numbers of people and that is likely to be ruled out by the Government in the medium term.

“Boating offers one of the few holidays that you can take and be reasonably assured you are not taking unnecessary risks.”