Our Narrowboat
The Hargreaves is a truly pleasant way to cruise along local waterways for a day
About The Hargreaves
Large low level panoramic windows, comfortable seating and on-board kitchen and toilet facilities make the Hargreaves a truly pleasant and accessible way to cruise along the local waterways for the day.
On sunnier days there is an outside area with screens where people can take chairs to sit and enjoy the views.
Tea and Coffee making facilities and microwave are provided in the small galley.
Should the temperature dip, there is central heating on board to warm things up – making Hargreaves II a perfect day out at any time of the year.
If you want to find out more about The Hargreaves Narrowboat, the charity and the history of our narrowboat please click on the button below.
Accessibility
Hargreaves II has excellent access for people who need to use a wheelchair or for those who have limited mobility. The narrowboat has a hydraulic ramp to the rear and single level flooring throughout all of the cabin making it suitable for standard size wheelchairs and those less steady on their feet.
We can accommodate passengers in up to TWO standard wheelchairs (max 23” x 42”), and One passenger transferred to our seating from a folding wheelchair.
The on-board toilet facility is suitable for most disabled people to use.
All trips generally start from (and return to) our loading point opposite Boot Wharf, Bull Ring, Nuneaton, CV10 7BE.
Access to The Hargreaves and onto our reserved disabled mooring is via the public access public ramp, found through a gap in the bridge wall and onto the towpath of the Coventry Canal.
This ramp is shallow and ideal for our less mobile passengers who require assistance or a wheelchair.
Health and Safety
Please note, on some bridges headroom is very limited. Don’t be tempted to touch the bridges as we cruise under them. If you trap your fingers it will hurt.
Life jackets are available on request. An introduction and safety recording will be played at the start of your time with us. For more details see our Terms & Conditions.
Should the temperature dip, there is central heating on board to warm things up – making Hargreaves II a perfect day out at any time of the year.
If you want to find out more about The Hargreaves Narrowboat, the charity and the history of our narrowboat please click on the button below.
FAQ
Questions that are asked the most by our passengers...
Do you provide refreshments on board?
We provide refreshments in the form of hot drinks from our small galley.
How many passengers can The Hargreaves carry?
The Hargreaves is licensed and insured to carry a maximum of 12 passengers/carers. This is in addition to the qualified Captain and two Competent Crew members.
What if I have to cancel a trip?
We understand that situations sometimes require cancellation.
The income from donations ensures our narrowboat can continue to operate.
We do not charge any cancellation fees, however please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the trip date to others. See our Terms and Conditions of Booking.
How much is a trip on The Hargreaves?
As a registered charity, we rely solely on voluntary donations to cover all our boat costs, but as a guide, please consider a minimum of £80 for a day during the week and a minimum of £100 for trips at the weekend, shared among the passengers.
How deep is the canal?
All canals vary in depth. The Coventry Canal is between 4 and 6ft deep in the middle channel and around 2ft deep at the edges. The deep channel in most places will allow two narrowboats to pass side by side.
Remember canals were all dug by hand so the minimum depth was maintained to speed up the construction process.
The more rural Ashby Canal is generally narrower and shallower in places than the Coventry Canal.
Do the crew onboard The Hargreaves get paid?
All volunteer Trustees, Captains and Crew do not receive any renumeration and give up their time to ensure the boat remains safe and operational for the community.
Who looks after and manages the canal?
The Canal and River Trust (CRT) volunteers maintain the 2,000 miles of canals, towpaths, shrubbery, as well as carry out restoration projects.
The Hargreaves volunteers also do their bit, with plastic litter picking from the canal and cutting back shrubbery as/when safely possible.
Do you provide meals or pub reservations?
Food options is a very personal choice. We do not provide meals or pub reservations but can advise on suitable choices for your party.
You are more than welcome to bring your own food and drink.
Some trips do not have an option for a meal in a canal side pub anyway and this will be your only option.
We do ask that if you bring your own food you take all waste away with you.
What destinations does the Hargreaves go to?
Please see our Trips information pages which list all destinations and trip times which do not allow for any stops along the way so please consider this when working out your total trip time.
Will we need to wear a lifejacket whilst onboard?
We carry life jackets for children and our volunteer crew may wear life jackets but otherwise these are not mandatory.
How to a make a donation for my trip?
You can make payment to the captain during your trip or direct to our admin offices if preferred.
What facilities are onboard The Hargreaves?
Passengers have the use of a small galley with facilities for making hot drinks.
We also have large panoramic windows, central heating and a toilet onboard.
Can the Hargreaves cater for wheelchair / disabled passengers?
Yes – the Hargreaves has an external ramp and an internal hydraulic lift, suitable for standard wheelchairs (max. 27” wide) and disabled passengers with assistance.
The same applies to the toilet. We cater for a maximum of 3 standard wheelchairs, providing one of them can be transferred to our seating and their wheelchair folded-up for storage.
Can we re-book another trip whilst aboard?
All bookings are managed via our Booking Office, either on our web site www.hargreavesnarrowboat.co.uk, or email info@hargreavesnarrowboat.co.uk or telephone 02476 374674. (Please note our booking office is run by volunteers also so you may need to leave a voicemail).