The Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust was formed in 1983 to raise money to build a narrowboat for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages. The Trust has one boat, Lady Winifred, which is our day trip boat. The boat is run on a voluntary basis. Patrons are: David Essex, Aled Jones and Brian Kay.
| HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The Trust relies on donations to run the charity and suggests, where possible, a donation of £150.00 is made for a day trip for up to 12 people. If you feel you are able to donate more please do so. If you are a smaller party or only want a short trip, there is some discretion on the amount of your donation. We also encourage, if appropriate, that you complete a gift aid authorisation. This doesn’t add to your cost but can give additional income to the Trust. |
| WHAT SPECIAL FACILITIES DOES THE BOAT HAVE? The boat has a hydraulic lift to assist people in wheelchairs aboard. The toilet and washing facilities are designed for disabled people. Deep windows allow a clear view of the canal scenery as you cruise along. The fixed seating meets NHS standards and are exceptionally comfortable and the cabin has plenty of space for wheelchair users to gain access to the front deck area. Lady Winifred has 230v power sockets and USB charging points. |
| WHO CAN BOOK? Bookings can be made for disabled people of any age. The boat can be booked by groups (schools, clubs, homes, etc.), by families who have a disabled member, or by individuals who want to aid our fundraising. Wherever possible bookings will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and priority will be given to disabled users. Unfortunately we are unable to offer ‘turn up and pay’ trips. |
| HOW MANY PASSENGERS CAN THE BOATS TAKE? For half or full day trips, Lady Winifred can take up to 12 people (including helpers). The ratio of helpers to disabled people must be determined by those making the booking. A maximum of 3 people in wheelchairs can be accommodated.
Unfortunately we are unable to allow dogs on board unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please contact us with specifics. |
| THE VOLUNTEER CREW The Trust provides skippers who are trained to NCBA ( National Community Boats Association ) standards and who are responsible for the safety of the boat and for ensuring that the necessary equipment is available for passengers. They are not trained to deal with disabilities, therefore, group carers or family members would be expected to take that responsibility. |
| WHERE DO WE PARK? WHERE CAN WE GO? We are based at and depart from TREVOR BASIN – close to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, approximately 5 miles from Llangollen and 7 miles from Wrexham. On SatNav – Postcode: LL20 7TY. PARKING – parking is available at Trevor Basin visitor area. The parking immediately adjacent to Trevor Basin is BLUE BADGE ONLY and this is a small pay & display carpark. If your party consists of more than one vehicle, containing able bodied passengers, there is a much larger carpark (which also has disabled spaces) nearby. This is also a pay & display car park. The SatNav for that is LL14 3SG (Queen St). Both carparks, run by Canal & River Trust, have an all-day charge of £3, payable at a machine. TRIPS – One of the highlights of a day trip is to travel over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. We are able to offer a number of trips of varying lengths to suit most requirements. The boat is available for use from approx 9:30 am to 4.30pm. We try to be as flexible as possible in setting the times of departure & return and passengers are asked to allow 30 minutes for boarding prior to departure. We are able to carry 12 passengers (including helpers) at a time. For groups of up to 24 people (including helpers), half would go on the boat one way and the balance would return on the boat. Some guidance regarding the length of trips is:
FULL DAY TRIP Poachers and back – will include time for pub lunch 4 – 5 hour trip Chirk Aqueduct and back 4 hour trip Bryn Howell winding hole and back plus over the aqueduct 3 hour trip Chirk marina and back OR Bryn Howell winding hole and back 2 hour trip Over the aqueduct to lift bridge and back Please have a chat with the booking officer if you have questions. |
| WHAT IS PROVIDED? Fridge, gas hob & microwave, cooking utensils, standard cutlery, mugs & plates. All items of equipment on the boat have been kindly donated for the comfort and convenience of passengers. In the interests of hygiene, passengers are asked to remember to bring their own towels and tea towels with them. The Trust has some on the boat which are checked and washed on a regular basis when used.
FROM 6/4/2024 – New Welsh Govt legislation means that ALL waste that CAN be recycled MUST BE and should be separated into appropriate categories. The Trust has no facility to do this and so passengers MUST take ALL rubbish home to be disposed of, as appropriate, based on their local refuse collection/recycling rules. |
WHAT SHOULD PASSENGERS BRING? Milk (tea, coffee and sugar are provided) and food for a picnic on the journey. There is a Pub (The Poachers) which provides bar snacks and meals, it is alongside the Canal in Gledrid . The Booking Officer or Skipper can advise you on options.
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