The Boat Co North

We hired Charlotte for a week in early September. The boat was clean, comfortable and well equipped. This was to be our first experience of narrowboating and we were a bit doubtful of our abilities to pilot a 57' long boat. We needn't have worried. John and his team gave us a comprehensive and practical instruction to the boat, lock operation, steering and canal etiquette. They also assured us that if any problems arose then they were only a phone call away. We had planned to leave Leeds on the Aire and Calder Navigation and turn onto the Calder and Hebble and head towards Mirfield. This plan was dashed as there was a problem with Woodnook lock. We decided instead to go east though Castleford, Ferrybridge, Knottingley and then on towards Goole. Between the outskirts of Leeds and Knottingley the river and cuts pass through densely wooded areas where we saw all manner of wildlife including kingfishers and little egrets. After Knottingley the landscape flattens with large crop fields in all directions and huge skies. The Locks are easy, being automated and few in number. The waterways are wide and easy to navigate. There is the New Junction Canal that also has automated locks and lift bridges that takes you towards Sheffield or Thorne and Keadby. For a novice to boating, this whole route turned out to be the perfect introduction. Thoroughly recommended!

Hubby, 2 adult sons and myself spent 4 nights on New Dawn, Leeds to Shipley and return. We had no idea what we were in for except I wanted lots of locks for my boys to keep them busy, and busy they were. We loved the lock system and swing bridges, enjoying the challenge at first, and then feeling quite chuffed and skilled by the time we returned the boat … just as John said we would.John really was amazing! He was prepared to start us with a late boat pickup, which we couldn’t help, but John was so patient and explained everything well, and got us started. I wouldn’t recommend starting late, so make sure you are there early afternoon to start.He was available throughout the trip if we needed anything, very supportive, and very concerned that we were having a good time, even with the drizzly English weather lol. And we really did have a wonderful family time together, such fabulous memories!Other people we met along the route were incredibly nice and friendly, making the canal life very special.Highly recommended!

Our family group of 4 adults have just got back after a fabulous Monday to Thursday adventure on Emily. We had a great time working the locks and the swingbridges as we travelled leisurely to the Bingley 5 Rise and back to Castleton Mill. We had terrific tuition & support from John and Mike before we set off with the help of the friendly crew on board River Dancer. John resolved a minor technical issue for us via a phone call and we had every confidence that he would help us with anything that we might have wanted. There are plenty of excellent pubs on the route serving great beer and food. We would highly recommend the lovely folk at The Boat Co North and we would gladly holiday with them again.

John and the team are very welcoming, human and informative. Handover instructions were very informative and stuck with us for the 7 days we were away. The trip out to bingley was excellent fun and very peaceful. Nothing was too hard but it was very enjoyable and challenging enough to feel rewarding. Emily was well stocked and served us well, we cooked onboard easily and enjoyed visiting pubs and cafes on route

Sorry for the delayed review..But we hired in mid September with our parents.. it was the best experience for a weekend away. Would 100% recommend it. Simple living , but perfect accommodation with all the minor details thought of by John and his team.Always on hand, great info super friendly , helpful .The way a business should be run. He doesn’t just leave you to it he builds confidence and ensures you are set up for a fab experienceWe will be back .. be sure to book for next year

Beautiful way to spend an autumn weekend. John is a sound lad, on the end of the phone when needed. Luckily not needed much, and the team at the base were fantastic. Tuition was fun and crucially, informative. Hopefully you'll meet Steve along the way who works for the Canal & River Trust. Another top bloke. This was my first barge holiday and I loved it so if you're thinking about giving it a go, I can't recommend these guys enough.

We have just had a wonderful holiday on River Dancer on the Aire and Calder navigation.John was brilliant. He was easy to get a hold of if needed and couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. We loved the boat - she’s a very traditional narrow boat which we prefer. The waiting area at Castleton Mill is a beautiful and comfortable space too. We will definitely be back!