Narrowboat cruising north of Middlewich, Cheshire

Image: © Roger D Kidd Taken: 28 Aug 2011

Narrowboat "Beeston Castle" is a 56 foot hire cruiser operated by Claymore Canal Holidays at Preston Brook. Their specifications: Beeston Castle was brought into the fleet in 2006. Slightly longer than the other castle class boats at 56 ft it gives greater flexibility in the accommodation and is fitted with a 220 volt AC mains system with sockets in each cabin, the saloon and galley. Heating is by a gas fired boiler to radiators in each cabin. Seating in the bow can accommodate two in comfort whilst at the stern there is room for two to three people to stand with the steers-person. The for'd cabin can be configured for a double berth or two singles with a similar arrangement for the mid cabin. A toilet, vanity unit and wardrobes separate the cabins. The main bathroom contains toilet, shower and washbasin. In the saloon, a dinette seats six and is converted to a double bed at night. The galley has a four ring gas hob, oven and grill. The mains supplies are used to power a toaster, microwave and the electric fridge. Opposite the sink and drainer are high and low storage cupboards. Steps go up to the stern deck with a small airing cupboard and storage for wet weather gear on either side. There is a TV with DVD player, car radio with CD player and a cigar lighter socket for phone charging. The boat comes equipped with a small hair dryer and all cooking and eating utensils. The engine is a four cylinder water cooled diesel with a hydraulic drive to the propeller controlled by a single lever. Hire costs for 2012 range from £800 to £1283 for a week. Not exactly slumming it, are they? :-)

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