Our fleet of Day Boats are built to provide the ideal day out for families and friends. The canal serving our marina is the Grand Union and it is at its most picturesque where it climbs up into the Chilterns Hills from Pitstone Wharf through Marsworth to Tring.
Our boats will accommodate 10 persons and all feature a cabin with galley and toilet compartment. In the galley there is a sink with running water, a two-ring gas hob, crockery, cutlery, teapot, saucepan and washing up materials. Forward of the cabin is a covered open air deck which can be enclosed by side screens should the weather turn unpleasant.
These boats are designed to be easy to operate even for the complete novice. They are relatively short in narrow boat terms (approx 30ft) and are simply steered by tiller from the stern. They are powered by quiet modern diesel engines with a forward and reverse gearbox operated by one easy to use lever. We supply all the fuel and gas that you will need and plenty of water for your cruise.
Our boats will also be available for hire between 6pm and 9.30pm during June and July.
Whilst we have no desire to spoil your day out we must advise you that drink/driving limitations are the same for road vehicles and canal/river craft. This includes persons working locks as well as those steering the boat.

Routes

The following suggestions are applicable to day time hire only. A practical destination for evening hire is Marsworth and perhaps one or two locks beyond.

North

You can steer north where the canal soon becomes very rural and remote with the Dunstable Downs as a backdrop. There is a swing bridge just after leaving the boatyard and the locks are generally more isolated than those to the south.

Slapton Lock is a reasonably easy destination to achieve, even for a novice crew.

South

You can cruise South through the village of Marsworth and can continue to Bulbourne by using the locks to climb to the summit level near Tring. You will be alongside the wonderful Marsworth reservoirs with an abundance of wildlife, particularly birdlife. An interesting option is to turn off at Marsworth onto the Aylesbury arm. You won't have time to reach Aylesbury but you will experience some great rural scenes on your trip. You may care to bring a picnic meal or use the pubs at Marsworth, Bulbourne or at Wilstone on the Aylesbury arm.

2010 Prices

All prices in the table below are in pounds (£) sterling.

  Price
Weekdays ( except Public Holidays ) 155
Saturdays and Sundays and Bank Holidays 185
Evenings ( June and July only )   92

Availability

Our boats are available from 9.30am to 5.30pm - 9am to 5pm in June & July - (or sunset if earlier) and can be booked by telephone on our booking number +44 (0) 1296 661920. They are also available for hire between 6pm and 9.30pm during June and July.

Booking Information

Bookings

Please telephone first to check availability. A non refundable deposit of £50 made payable to Grebe Canal Cruises Ltd. will secure your booking. The balance can be paid in advance or on the day of hire (cheques must be backed by a valid cheque guarantee card).

New for 2010.
The Waterside Café at Pitstone Wharf can ease your preparation worries and supply freshly made sandwiches for your day out. Details, together with an order form will be sent out with the acknowledgement of receipt of your boat booking deposit.

Damage Deposit

A separate £50 cash damage deposit must be left with us on the day of hire. This deposit is an insurance excess and a guarantee against damage to or late return of the boat. The boat will be checked when you get back to Pitstone Wharf, and your deposit returned immediately, provided that there is no damage or breakages and that you return on time. We will charge £25 per hour (or part thereof) for return after the appointed time. A cheque will be required for the damage deposit for evening hire. Your cheque will be posted back the following day (subject to deductions as above).

This page was updated on 15 May 2010
© 2010 Grebe Canal Cruises Ltd.. All Rights Reserved