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Recreation
Boating
Boating is a wonderfully peaceful way to explore the eleven miles of canal. With access to the water all year round, no locks and an innovative lift bridge near Halberton the Grand Western Canal is an ideal destination for those who prefer a relaxing break on the water.
 | There is a mixture of urban and countryside scenery, passing from the market town of Tiverton eastwards through the villages of Halberton, Sampford Peverell and Burlescombe. Most of the villages have pubs serving food, farm shops and post office stores. Alternatively there is always the town of Tiverton a short drive or cycle away. For more details on local facilities please refer to Local Businesses and Services. |
Motorised craft have only been using the canal since 1996, rowing boats and canoes also use the canal. Boating is recognised as an important leisure activity in the Country Park, and since early 2003, has been positively promoted as an attraction. The Canal Ranger Service maintains the canal and is the boaters' point of contact for information about facilities and cruising permits.
Until recently very little motorised boating has occurred on the canal but in recent years improved facilities such as a slipway, pump out and water supply points, plus an extensive dredging programme, has meant that it is an increasingly attractive proposition for many boaters seeking a peaceful, lock-free waterway.
However Devon County Council is committed to maintaining the superb natural environment and wildlife habitats found along the canal. Devon County Council seeks to ensure that increased boating activity does not harm the natural value of the canal. Therefore in addition to speed limits and engine size restrictions set out in the terms and conditions when boaters purchase their boat permit, Devon County Council actively encourages environmentally-friendly boating and is keen to promote initiatives such as The Green Blue, backed by the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting Association. The Green Blue is an exciting new environmental awareness initiative that is testing out practical projects, conducting research and providing advice, to help recreational boating go green.
Boat Permits
If exploring the canal by boat, a permit must be bought in advance.
Permit Prices
| Portable unpowered (any boat without an engine) |
Day | Week | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| £3 | £8 | £30 |
| Short-term powered boats (any powered boat without a paid mooring along the canal) |
Day | 3 Days | Week | 6 Months | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12ft | £6 | £10 | £16 | £40 | £60 |
| 12ft and over | £8 | £15 | £25 | £60 | £85 |
| Moored boats (any boat with a paid mooring - currently only available from 'Mid Devon Hire Boats and Moorings' (Tel: 01884 252178) or from the Ranger Service with a Mooring Agreement). |
0 - 3 Months | 3 - 6 Months | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30ft | £50 | £70 | £110 |
| 30ft and over | £60 | £85 | £130 |
There is a 25% discount available for under 18 year olds purchasing permits for portable unpowered boats. There is also a 25% discount for groups of 4 or more purchasing permits for portable unpowered boats, but this cannot be combined with the under 18 discount, above.
Boat Permits are available from the following outlets:
Ranger Service Tel: 01884 254072 |
Tiverton Canal Co. Tel: 01884 253345 |
Minnows Caravan Tel: 01884 821770 |
Holcombe Rogus Tel: 01823 672693 |
|---|
Navigational Notes
- It is imperative that boats pass the Horsedrawn barge on the offside and must never come between the barge and the horse.
- It is imperative that boats do not moor on the towpath side between the Tiverton canal basin and East Manley Bridge between March and November as they will impede the horsedrawn barge.
- Only outboard motors that are no larger than two and a half horsepower per metre length of boat are permitted.
- The maximum speed limit for boats is 4mph and a breaking wash must not be created.
- Motorised craft must have third party insurance to the value of £1m.
- Compliance with the Boat Safety Scheme requirements is essential. Please refer to the Boat Safety Scheme for full details.
- The current limit to navigation for motorised craft is Waytown Tunnel, however the remaining section to Lowdwells is worth a walk to enjoy the striking canal scenery.
- More information on boating is provided when purchasing a permit.
Slipways
The canal can be accessed via Boehill Slipway, close to M5 Junction 27. The slipway is based on the Inland Waterways Association and British Waterways guidelines for trail-boats; and can accommodate boats no larger than 7.5 metres in overall length and 2.2 metres in width. Car and trailer storage is available for a moderate charge at Minnows Caravan Park close to the slipway. A boater's water supply and chemical toilet emptying facilities are available at Minnows Caravan Park, Mid Devon Boat Hire and Moorings and also at the Grand Western Horseboat Company at its operating base in Tiverton basin. Small charges are also made for these facilities.
This landlocked Canal is full width, has one Lift Bridge, a height restriction of just under 2 metres, and is totally lock free.
Boating Facilities and Services
Tiverton Canal Company Catering for individuals, families, schools, corporate events, coach parties or private groups, The Tiverton Canal Co. is an ideal day out come rain or shine. Other features include Rowing and self-drive Day Boats for hire and the Floating Canal Gift Shop, which also provides refreshments. For more information please ring 01884 253345 or email info@tivertoncanal.co.uk |
Mid Devon Hire Boats and Moorings Narrowboat Hire Unwind and take life at a more tranquil pace onboard 'Cornish Crème'. This is a modern, but cosy 55 ft, traditional Narrowboat, it has 4 Berths, Bath, Shower, Toilet, Large Galley & Saloon, & Central Heating. It is ideal for a quiet holiday or a short break along the banks of this beautiful canal.
Moorings A small, peaceful, family operated, linear moorings, situated 2 miles East of Tiverton. Mooring terms are for 1, 6 or 12 month periods. Facilities include:·Water,·Rubbish Disposal, Toilet Disposal, On Site Car Park, BBQ Area, Calor Gas, Fuel and Trailer Storage. For more information please ring 01884 252178 or email pat@midevonhireboats.co.uk |
Canoe Hire
At present there is no provision for canoe hire along the Grand Western Canal; however the Ranger Service is looking into potential outlets for this type of facility.