More waterways societies starting boats trips

THE Wey & Arun Canal Trust is the latest waterway society starting its boat trips after the pandemic.

Volunteers will be welcoming passengers back to Loxwood this weekend (2nd August) as boat trips resume after a four months break.

Strict safety procedures

The Trust's large electric boat Wiggonholt has been adapted to take a maximum of 14 passengers instead of 48 to allow for 2m social distancing, and crew will be following strict safety procedures to allow passengers to cruise in confidence. (Photograph by Dave Verrall.)

Trips will be running on Sundays and Wednesdays at 11.30am and 2pm throughout August, with each trip lasting either 35 or 50 minutes and passing through one lock and under a bridge before returning back to the wharf.  Bookings can be made online at the Trust’s website.

Accommodate wheelchairs

The 60ft Wiggonholt has double-sliding windows and an access lift to accommodate wheelchairs and passengers with mobility issues.

The postponement of boat trips and cancellation of fundraising events due to coronavirus has meant a big loss in revenue for the Trust and Chairman Sally Schupke relates:

"We've been working hard to ensure the safety of passengers and crew and can't wait to see Wiggonholt back in action after many months. We hope the public will take the opportunity to cruise the stunning Wey & Arun Canal and support us in our efforts to continue restoring this historic canal."

Tickets start at £6 for adults and £3 for children.