Merryweather

Wide-beam luxury barging across Southern England

 

The ultimate extended barge holiday...

 

From her own private mooring on the Kennet & Avon Canal summit at Burbage Wharf, Merryweather offers diverse cruising possibilities covering all of the K&A Canal – west to Bristol Harbour and/or east to Reading – and the whole of the River Thames from Cricklade down to Teddington taking in everything from the head of navigation through Oxford, Pangbourne, Henley, Marlow, Windsor right down to Hampton Court and Teddington. You can also visit the stunningly tranquil Wey Navigations to Guildford, the Lee Navigations up to Hertford, and the Grand Union Canal as far as Warwick. (A pilot will be required at nominal extra cost for the tidal River Thames section between Teddington and Brentford -and we regret that you are not allowed to cruise down the tidal Thames past the Houses of Parliament)

Accommodation includes a spacious king-sized Master Bedroom at the front of the boat, a glamorous bathroom with large quadrant shower, and a substantial living area with contemporary galley leading to the generous stern deck. Up to two extra visitors can be accommodated on folding Z-beds, but she’s really designed for luxurious cruising for two. The lounge features a super-comfy large sofa and a stunning club chair, together with a fold-away dining table with chairs for up to 4. She is fully centrally heated as well featuring a solid fuel boat stove in the lounge. 240V power is available at all times and she has her own on-board washing machine.

Merryweather has a huge cruiser-stern deck with both taffrail/ perching seats and al-fresco dining table, together with folding chairs for 4. Her forward cockpit with a glazed cratch allows you to take in the secenery at the bow in all weathers, and acts as a lovely balcony for the master bedroom.

Smartly painted in a private owner-style livery, you’ll draw many admiring glances from passers by and boaters alike…as you are Master of your own craft for as long as you wish….

What’s Included….

Hire of Merryweather, its full on board inventory of cooking and dining equipment for up to 4pp, duvets/comforters, 2 pillows per person, and 2 sets of bedding and towels for your party. Two spare/extra blankets are onboard at all times.

The boat is fully fuelled and has a full fresh water tank ready for your departure. You pay for all fuel, gas, and solid fuel used, which you may purchase to top up as necessary along your travels.

The barge is fully insured, safety certificated, and licenced for the Kennet & Avon Canal from Reading to Hanham (just upstream from Bristol) as well as the Grand Union Canal and Lee Navigations. Visitors licences for Bristol Harbour, the River Thames, the Basingstoke Canal, and the Wey navigations are extras to be paid for by you, on arrival at these places, as and when required.

The barge has an electric flush toilet using a cassette disposal system. Disposal, by yourselves (full training provided upon arrival), is free of charge at most wayside disposal points. Toilet chemical is provided, included in the hire fee.