Midland Mallard

We really enjoyed our time on the Ashby Canal thanks to Midland Mallard. Justin was very helpful and checked we knew what we were doing including staying with us a little way up the canal to check our steering etc! It was a bracing weekend and had rain... we were snug and warm. Excellent heater! The canal itself is beautiful and has no locks although some of the turns are tight and need a bit of thought! The boat was very clean and well prepared and everything worked. It was comfy and the TV and WiFi were a bonus. Thank you!

This was our second break on the lovely Mallard, having previously been aboard this time last year.This time round,we were greeted by the new owners Charlie and Simon.They helped us load our bags onto the boat before going over everything again in a very thorough manner.They will both put you at ease from the very start.The Mallard was very clean and kitted out with everything you would ever need.We quite enjoy linking our phone to the stereo via Bluetooth so we can have lovely soft sounds playing as we eat our meals and relax.One evening it rained hard ,so we turned the smart tv on. We were most impressed with the amount of channels you can get including Netflix. I also synced my iPad to it to watch various things.We ventured up the Ashby canal ,down the Coventry canal,and then onto the Oxford canal as we had the Mallard for 7 days.She handles superbly I can tell you. Please treat her with the respect she deserves and she will reward you with a fantastic time away from it all.Just remember,take on board everything you are told and just take your time and enjoy the stunning countryside you will pass by .We would highly recommend a Midland Mallard break to anyone regardless of the length of the break .

Had a fantastic Monday to Friday cruising the Ashby canal.Simon and Justin couldn't have been more helpful and friendly.We would definitely recommend.Love Jeff Karen Linda and Daisy the dog.

Well equipped and very clean boat. Justin was brilliant in assisting us for our first barge boating trip. Can't recommend highly enough. Scenic canals with a couple of great pubs along the way e.g. The Globe and Hercules Revisited. Had wonderful meals at these pubs. The Rising Sun, unfortunately does not do meals anymore. We stopped off at Sutton Cheney and walked to the Battle of Bosworth heritage centre then did a circular walk around the battlefield. Can't wait to return

Just returned from a great weeks holiday cruising the delightful Ashby Canal aboard the Midland Mallard. Travelled virtually the full length stopping at various places of interest not least the pubs on route for our evening meal. Best fishing from my opinion was the upper stretches in particular Congerstone where I caught several big Perch. Loads of wildlife to be seen especially the boats namesake. Can't wait for the next time.

What a lovely introduction to narrow boating. Justin was friendly, relaxed and helpful and the boat was more than adequate and well fitted out. The Ashby Canal is easy to navigate and peaceful to stay on for a few days. Not too many pubs along the way so ideal for those wanting the quiet life on board interspersed with the odd dinner out. We enjoyed a lovely 4 days with the family. Thanks

After the lockdown, it was lovely to get away for a relaxing, safe outdoor weekend with the dog. The boat is very comfortable and well appointed and Justin explains everything you need to know. We recommend eating/drinking at The Dog & Hedgehog, Dadlington, The Horse & Jockey, Congerstone, the George & Dragon, Stoke Golding and Sutton Cheney Wharf cafe.

Just returned from a wonderful 3 day experience on the MM. The Ashby Canal is truly beautiful - so relaxing to observe the wildlife as we chugged along. An extremely well equipped, comfortable boat - they seem to have thought of everything! As four newbies to narrowboats, Justin's thorough handover gave us chance to get used to steering and enjoy a chilled, safe trip. Whether you're experienced or not, a holiday on this boat is a real tonic. Thanks again Justin x

Having hired over a dozen narrowboats from the large companies we hired Midland Mallard directly from Justin. Everything was great about this rental, in particular the personal touch tailored to our experience rather than just getting the normal corporate speel. Thanks Justin.

We were looking to take a break involving our dog who is nearly 16 yrs old when we came across the Midland Mallard website. From the first contact to unloading the boat with us, the owners Simon and Charlie were great. The boat was very well equipped, well maintained and clean. We booked a week in mid September and was very lucky with the weather. The scenery on the Ahsby and Coventry canals are stunning in places and good pubs to stop for food and drink. The only thing to be aware of is there are not too many places to stock up on supplies so best to take some basics with you. Overall we had an amazing time and will definitely do it again. Simon and Charlie go out their way to make sure you have a pleasant experience, thanks guys. See you again soon. Dave, Julie & Ted