The Grand Union’s main role was to transport coal from the Coventry coal fields to London, and the narrowboats that plied them were first horse drawn and then powered by steam and then diesel engines.
With the coming of the railways, canal use in the UK for commercial traffic gradually diminished and had virtually disappeared by the end of the 1960s.
A small number of dedicated boat owners still make a living hauling goods. But from the 1970s, the renaissance of these same canals began as their use for leisure and recreation was discovered.
Over the last 50 years the canal narrowboat holiday, the ultimate in slow travels, has become firmly established, and with it the flourishing of this wonderful natural resource.
Union Canal Carriers’ Union Canal Carriers’, based in Braunston, Northamptonshire, provide 10 narrowboat routes, from the relaxing nearly lock free to the more energetic with many locks and tunnels to negotiate.
It offers day trip, short break and longer hire opportunities on the Grand Union Canal.
The operation is truly family run operation with Iris Hewitt, the original owner of the company since 1968 still working three days a week.
Heather Hewitt, Tim’s wife looking after the marketing and bookings.
Drifters Waterway Holidays Union Canal Carriers is a member of Drifters Waterway Holidays, nine independent canal boat holiday operators that offer access to over 550 narrowboats for hire from 45 bases across England, Wales and Scotland.
AllWays Traveller to narrowboating in the UK https://www.allwaystraveller.com/continents/europe/life-is-good-on-thegrand-union-canal
*Source: Debbie Walker at walker.debbie@sky.com
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