Guide To On the Wey Narrowboat Hire

Brilliant 4 night break in October on Portland, heading from Guildford on to the Thames and back. Excellent explanation and great empathy and patience shown with our autistic granddaughter. Boat was very well equipped with everything needed including the basic essentials of toilet rolls, kitchen towel, washing up liquid, soap and shower gels, as well as towels and bedding, and a surprise welcome basket. Warm and cosy with central heating and warm showers. Lovely cruise up through the autumnal colours and scenic locks. You would never know you are within 10 miles of the M25 as the canal/river is very secluded.

Me and my husband had a fantastic half term break on the river Wey with our sons, 19 & 16, in “Bucket List” through Julie and Ray from “On the Wey”. What a cracking boat it was! Brand new and completely kitted out inside by Ray himself, it’s like a floating boutique hotel, with all the home from home luxuries you’d want, and so quiet, that the Thames lock keeper thought it was electric!

The river Wey is a lovely quiet waterway with gorgeous scenery, and would be perfect for anyone wanting to try out narrow boating or for experienced boaters as well. There’s enough locks to keep you busy, and loads of places to stop and explore along the way.

We received a warm welcome on arrival and given thorough instructions on how everything worked, then accompanied up to the first lock to make sure we had the hang of handling the boat and working the locks. Then we were off! Julie and Ray were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and we’d definitely recommend them.

We were first timers on a canal boat in the UK.

The experience, the boat (bucket list) and the staff were exceptional in every way.

We were given a thorough introduction and handover that included a short cruise to our first lock.

We took the controls almost immediately and it allowed us to gain some confidence on how to manoeuvre the 65ft vessel inc how to operate the lock.

Our boating experience back in AUS certainly helped but not necessary if you are a first timer.

We only wish we had more time cruising the whey.

Highly recommended and will definitely be coming back.

Fantastic weekend over Easter!

The boat Portland was well equipped and Julie had left essential items which took the stress of having to find a shop straight away.

The handover was great and left us confident to travel to the Thames lock and back over the 3days.

We travelled with another family and this made the locks a breeze, plus some really nice pubs.

Water stops are well hidden, so take note of the map.

We had children on board there is life jackets if needed, and they loved getting involved with the little adventure.

Overall a brilliant time had by all!!!

Thank you Julie and Ray

A Wonderful Family Escape on the River Wey Aboard ‘Bucket List’

Our recent 4-day canal trip on the picturesque River Wey, venturing up to Weybridge and navigating a total of 20 locks, was an absolute delight for our family, ranging in age from 11 to 88. Our primary goal was to create lasting memories for everyone, especially our dad, and this trip certainly delivered!

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Julie and Ray, the incredibly friendly and helpful owners. They took the time to thoroughly explain everything about the boat, which was a real treat as we had the privilege of being the first to voyage on their brand-new canal boat, aptly named ‘Bucket List’.

And what a boat it was! Fitted out to an exceptionally high standard, the ‘Bucket List’ truly lived up to its name. The kitchen and bathroom were particularly impressive, boasting modern amenities and a luxurious feel throughout (cute bear theme in the bathroom). The boat comfortably accommodated all six of us, with ample space to relax and unwind. We were also impressed with the bedding – incredibly comfortable and wonderfully warm, which was much appreciated during the cooler early spring mornings and evenings.

We were also welcomed with a lovely hamper and the convenience of fresh milk in the fridge, along with all the essential washing-up supplies.

While being the first to use a brand-new boat inevitably comes with a few minor teething issues, Ray was always readily available at the end of the phone and incredibly proactive in helping us get everything sorted. He even went above and beyond by coming out to see us at one point, which we greatly appreciated. This level of care and dedication truly stood out.

We were also incredibly fortunate with the weather, enjoying mostly sunny skies. However, as seasoned UK travelers know, a few downpours are always a possibility, so we were glad we packed our waterproofs. It was also reassuring to find umbrellas readily available onboard.

Cruising along the River Wey was a tranquil and scenic experience. Navigating the locks together became a fun family activity, and the journey up to Weybridge offered beautiful views. We also appreciated the helpful information provided regarding welcoming pubs dotted along the waterway and the locations of useful amenities. We’re already looking forward to exploring more of the River Wey on our next booking with Julie and Ray.

In summary, our 4-day canal trip on the ‘Bucket List’ was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The exceptional boat, the stunning scenery, and the outstanding hospitality of Julie and Ray made it a truly memorable family adventure. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience and can’t wait to book again soon!