Wandering Duck is a unique hosted canal boat experience.

Our trips travel around Manchester, Cheshire, and the Peak District National Park. We offer 2 routes - the 2 night Canal Boat Escape or the 3 night Canal Boat Adventure.

The UK has 2000 miles of connected inland canals which were originally built as the main transport network of the 1800's.

Today these are a hidden escape. A great way to experience England's countryside, cities, villages, and pubs.

Wandering Duck allows individuals to experience this hidden world and meet other like-minded people at the same time.

Our 70ft narrowboat can accommodate up to 8 guests. We have 8 bunk beds, a cosy lounge, 2 bathrooms with good hot showers, and enough outdoor space for everyone too. The boat has central heating and a carpeted lounge, so it's really homely and comfortable.

On board you will find an honesty bar (even a real ale beer pump to pull your own pint of micro-brewed craft ale), games, cards, books, a guitar and an ipod dock.

You will be involved in all aspects of boating - this is a very hands-on tour! Have a go at steering the boat, learn work the locks, operate the swing bridges, and assist in mooring the boat in the evening.

Fishing gear is available free of charge, and we carry a 3-man canoe with us for which there is a small charge of £6pp for unlimited use. There are often walking options on our trips, and we normally moor close to a pub in the evening.

Choose from our more rural 2 night Canal Boat Escape, or venture from city to countryside on our 3 night Canal Boat Adventure.

Most meals are included in the cost of the trip, as are hot drinks, fruit, and home-made cake.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

NB Wandering Duck can also be charted for your own private group (max 10 people including use of the lounge sofabed).

Location and Contact

Location

• Canal Boat Escape
• This route travels between Marple in Manchester to Congleton in Cheshire
• Canal Boat Adventure
• This route travels between Manchester City Centre and Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
• All trips are one-way and start and finish within walking distance of local train stations.
• Full directions are available on our website and will be emailed to you with your booking confirmation.

Facilities and Amenities

Family-Friendly Hostel

Older travelers (+50)

Quiet Rest

Solo Traveller

Bedsheets

Breakfast

Dinner

Luggage Storage

Parking

Bar

Credit Card Payments

Entirely Non-Smoking

Food/Restaurant

Lounge Area

Movie Library/Rental

Outdoor Seating

Power Point/Sockets in Rooms

Videogames

Airport Pickup

Kitchen

Lockers in Rooms

Towels

Wheelchair Accessible

Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons

Wi-Fi in Rooms

Pet-Friendly

Service Animals

Genders: Males & Females

Max. Age: All Ages

Min. Age with Parent (dorms): 18

Min. Age with Parent (private room): 2

Min. Age without Parent: 18

Note: Under 18's only permitted on private charter bookings

Checkout: Flexible

Curfew: No Curfew

Lockout: No

Maximum Stay: Most trips 2-3 nights. Occasional longer trips

Minimum Stay: 2 nights

Open Dates: Closed Nov-Feb

Reception Hours: 24 Hours

Size: Small (less than 30 beds)

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