Ah, lovely days for boating (From Gazette Series)

Ah, lovely days for boating

A SUMMER of messing about on the river is set to get underway this weekend with the return of boat trips between Sharpness Canal and Gloucester docks.

From Sunday, the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester which operates the trips, is recommencing the 45-minute fun-filled journeys for the summer season.

Chris Hayes, general manager of the museum, said: "The boat trips are very popular with visitors to Gloucester and local residents alike.

"People going on one of the boat trips this year will have a fantastic opportunity to see progress on the biggest engineering work to be undertaken on the canal for many years as well as having an exceptional view of the other regeneration projects underway along the waterfront."

British Waterways is restructuring part of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to accommodate the Gloucester south-west by-pass. The engineering work includes removing the two-mile' bend in the canal near Hampstead.

Mr Hayes added: "We will be running the trips throughout the summer to the two-mile bend so passengers can get a unique view of the work."

A number of themed cruises are also being launched to tie in with events throughout the seasons, starting with an Easter bunny cruise on Easter Sunday, April 16.

A programme of jazz and blues cruises as well as longer evening supper cruises is also planned.

The 45-minute tours along the canal depart at 12noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm from the National Waterways Museum.

For more information contact the museum on 01452 318200 or e-mail bookingsnwm@thewaterwaystrust.org.uk