Guide To Road House Narrowboat Hire

We just returned home after a week aboard The Countess with Roadhouse Narrowboats and we cannot say enough good things about our experience. As first time narrowboaters, we were a bit apprehensive about navigating such a long boat through bridges and locks, etc. However upon arrival we were given lots of instruction, Nigel answered all our questions with patience and humour and we set out feeling thoroughly confident. We learned the boats here are shallower on the draft making them very easy to handle. In speaking with boaters hiring from other companies, I can confirm that many were having issues with running aground and general navigation, mainly due to how shallow the canal is. We felt like pros though! Because of this, the week was everything a narrowboat holiday should be: relaxing, engaging and an opportunity reconnect with nature. The Welsh countryside is truly something special, and this was a perfect way to savour it! Thank you Nigel and Sally, we will remember our trip always!

Two of us had ‘Gilwern Princess’ for a full week, Apr-May 2025.

Nigel was a professional right from the start – the handover was in depth, without feeling condescending, and throughout the week there were a few occasions where we felt that perhaps we had been given more instruction and advice than boaters who had rented through other companies on the canal. This gave us confidence to handle the boat with ease on our journey from Gilwern up to Brecon and back, including managing the 5 locks as a two-person team, and passing though the tunnel at Ashford.

We took a very leisurely pace, and made sure we stopped every day for long walks and pub stops, but never felt like we were running short of time to get the boat back for the return handover.

As you pass up and down the canal, there is almost always somewhere to stop and see something, and you are never that far away from somewhere you could get food or supplies – we particularly suggest the Dragon Inn at Crickhowell, and the Canalside cafe at Talybont as good places to stop. This was made even easier by the canal and boat guides that were provided by Nigel and Sally with the hire.

We took the opportunity to walk 3 of the hikes in the guide book, and would recommend them for the views and the scenery – although we would suggest good walking footwear for each!

Princess was immaculately clean and fully equipped when we picked her up – the oven and the hob worked perfectly to cook meals while we were on board, the fridge kept stuff cool, even though we had a week of full sunshine and heat, and the bathroom and toilet were clean and perfectly adequate for use while we were away from shoreside facilities provided at convenient locations up and down the canal.

At 36ft, Princess was the perfect size for us as a couple – the bed was always set up so no having to move anything to go to sleep, and the same with the small split tables at the rear. She was small enough that manoeuvring her was easy, but large enough as to not feel cramped.

All in all, would 100% recommend hiring from Road House Narrowboats on the Mon & Brec canal – i’m sure we’ll be visiting again in the future.

Two of us spent almost a week on The Dutchess, soaking up the wonderful scenery around the Mon and Brec canal.

Nigel and Sally were very helpful, with Nigel providing us with a detailed introduction to the boat and the route we would be taking, including locations of water filling points

The boat itself was very clean with all the kitchen items we needed.

There were a few different types of locks which were easy enough for one person to operate, whilst the other navigated the boat.

The route we took was not too crowded with other boats, meaning we could take our time to moor up and explore the towns and villages around the beautiful canal.

This was our second holiday on Gilwern Princess, and we enjoyed it as much as the first time several years ago. The boat is comfortable, warm and well-equipped, the scenery is beautiful, the people we met along the way were very friendly, and the pubs and cafes, several of which are within a very easy walk from the canal, are a great alternative to eating on board.

Road House’s narrowboats are ideal for everybody, but particularly for novices to the tiller, as their shorter length makes them easier to handle and more manoeuvrable on the Mon and Brec; additionally, Sally and Nigel are very helpful should you require advice or assistance during your holiday. We hope to return again to enjoy this beautiful, peaceful canal.

Incredible time in a stunning setting, on an impeccable boat, with first class service. Absolutely loved it!

I originally booked a 1 week hire (24/6 – 1/7) for my parents who were visiting from NZ, before a last min change of circumstances meant I was able to join them with my young son for a few days of the trip, and I’m so glad we did.

For starters Sally and Nigel were fantastic hosts. So accommodating, nothing was ever too much trouble (including personal transfers to the train station), and they clearly care a lot for maintaining a positive vibe on the canal with a brilliant induction to the boat and general canal rules etc. that made our journey that much more enjoyable.

The boat itself (Gilwern Queen) was impeccable, very easy to handle, and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The additional information Sally and Nigel shared in advance (recommended spots to stay, pubs to check out etc.) was also super helpful.

The canal itself and surrounding scenery is stunning, and has the right balance of cruising, locks, bridges etc. for anyone wanting to experience a slice of the narrow boat lifestyle without overdoing any specific elements.

Would absolutely hire from Sally and Nigel again, and recommend them to anyone who’s thinking about giving it a go. You won’t be disappointed!