6th June 2023
Readers with as long memory will recall that in 2021 PlanetSKI didn’t get to the mountains due to Covid-19 restrictions. So, we did a few other outdoor activities including a 4-day boat trip on the Thames. We’ve just been back for more.
It wasn’t an extended trip this time with overnight stops, mooring on the river banks near pubs.
Watching the sun setting and living on board.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
This time it was just a day trip (with a pub visit) to see if we might take a longer trip later in the summer with Le Boat in the Highlands of Scotland.
PlanetSKI is heading there for some hiking and biking in July.
The minimum time for a Le Boat trip is usually 4-days and 3-nights, but we had a special dispensation for our day out on the Thames.
First, some links back to our summer 2021 experiences.
Suffice to say we didn’t quite take to it like ducks to water at the time, but we got there in the end:
This time round it was all slightly easier as we had some experience with the locks, the steering and ropes.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
It was a glorious way to spend a June day – just gliding up the Thames near one of Le Boat’s bases in Chertsey to the west of London.
We admired the other crafts.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
And crafts with houses.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Some amazing houses and gardens line the banks.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Some though needed a bit of work – for sale if you’re interested.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Some of our number had brought their dogs with them as Le Boat is highlighting the attractions of a river cruise for dog owners.
Doggy Life jackets provided.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Skully even took the wheel.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Tips for a dog-friendly boating holiday
- Bring your dog’s favourite things such as their blanket, favourite toy and water bowl along for the trip, so that they settle in faster
- Being able to have your dog settle in a specified place while underway helps keeps them safe and prevents distracted boat driving. You don’t want your excited pup running about while you’re launching your boat.
- Having a designated spot onboard can also help a more nervous dog feel better about riding on a boat. Invest in a comfortable anti-slip mat or pad that is big enough for your dog to lay down on. Fibreglass non-skid decks may provide a secure footing to you and I, but they can be quite slippery to a dog’s paws.
- Pack a spare towel and a log lead in case they go swimming
- Purchase a doggy life-vest to make sure your dog is safe when paddling.
- Some areas may be protected, and you may have to put your dog on a lead – always check beforehand
- Take plenty of doggie waste bags and paper towels with you on your trip
- Swim, run, jump – on a boating holiday everything is possible, just moor up and let your dog have fun!
See more details here on dog friendly river cruises with Le Boat.
No trip on the Thames is complete with a decent spot for lunch.
Dog or not.
We chose the Kingfisher right by Chertsey lock.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
It was hungry and thirsty work.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Then it was back on water heading to Penton Marina.
All too soon the day drew towards a close and we remembered the joys of river cruising.
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI is in the Highlands for some summer mountain activities later in July – hiking and biking.
We may be back on water with Le Boat.
It offers trips to the Caledonia Canal and Loch Ness.
Watch this space…
What You Need to Know:
Le Boat is the No.1 provider of inland water boating holidays, bringing together 50 years of experience, expertise and memories.
Le Boat has a fleet of large self-drive cruisers, allowing entire families to stay on board and to explore their chosen region.
A self-drive river cruise from Chertsey or Benson, allows holidaymakers to explore the western section of the River Thames.
Here moorings are easy to find and the distance between locks is greater than at the river’s eastern end, which means more cruising.
The dreaming spires and universities of Oxford out to the west of Benson, or head east and boaters can be in Henley
Le Boat’s Thames holidays can be whatever guests want them to be, from a full-on action-packed adventure to a slow-paced, relaxing chance to unwind.
Sample price
A four-night self-catered stay on board a Magnifique, which sleeps up to 10 people, departing 19 June 2023, starting and ending in Chertsey, costs from £1,689 per boat, £168.90pp based on ten people sharing (saving £430 / 25%).
No boating license or experience necessary.
Season runs until the end of October and dogs cost £75 per dog.
Le Boat (023 9222 2177, www.leboat.co.uk)
Here is what a Magnifique looks like inside:
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
Cruising with Le Boat. Image © PlanetSKI
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This article was originally published by Planetski.eu. Read the original article here.
