So don't take our word for it, see what thousands of our customers are saying about us!
Amazing holiday, very clean and all staff made us feel very welcome, they couldn't do enough for us, will definitely be back at Blackwater, they are a credit to your company!
10 Oct 2021
The Canals were unkept with not many tying up places. The water points were often blocked by private boats, Hardly any places to put rubbish, definitely no places to recycle. The map given us was often inaccurate re: tie ups & water points. The information given us re: turning @ Edinburgh Quay was incorrect!
09 Oct 2021
The mattresses on the beds are hard and uncomfortable. Some things such as the toaster didn’t work, the wind blew through the gaps around the front doors . The boat is generally getting old and tired.
09 Oct 2021
Excellent slow paced holiday. Perfect for unwinding and spending quality time with the family.
09 Oct 2021
The boat is a bit sparse in terms of storage space and shelves - a folding bedside ledge and a light to read by in bed would be a big help
09 Oct 2021
We have hired from ABC for a good number of years now and have always had a good hiring experience and this holiday was no different in that experience. This was the first time we had hired from a base that wasn't one of ABCs "Alvechurch" bases, this was Red Line, so a company purchased by ABC which is on the "Mon & Brec" a canal that is not connected to the UKs main canal network. Whilst the weather was mixed with some heavy rain days (ABC can't help that) we enjoyed the canal in South Wales. The boat however was a bit "tired" in relation to other ABC boats we have hired but it was perfectly serviceable with everything you could need to live comfortably onboard. The handover on the first day was excellent with friendly advice and thorough instructions. To be fair as we have been hiring for over 30 years we knew most of it but there are some details about cruising the Mon & Brec that are different to the main canal network especially the locks and the fact that the canal is so shallow so it's a good job we paid attention. During the week after a particular rainy and cold day we put the heating on to dry us and our clothes to find it didn't work, aaggghhhh! Next morning we phoned the base and agreed a point at which a person could meet us (all the bridges are numbered so it is easy to locate access) and rectify the problem. And so it was ... Ashley met us at bridge 131 and having brought an exchange heater with him the job was done in about 30 mins and we were on our way with a working heater and, eventually, dry clothes. So a good holiday, a decent boat and great staff, what more could you want? Oh yes and money back at the end because we didn't use all the diesel ... oh yes!
08 Oct 2021
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. As you say the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is shallow by design which is why the boats available at Goytre Wharf are different to the rest of the ABC fleet. We are delighted to hear that you were pleased with the service you received from the marina when you had a technical issue and that your holiday was not interrupted. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
08 Oct 2021
Nice boat, but the trip to Bristol was disappointing, as there was nowhere to moor at places we wanted to explore, eg Bradford on Avon. Few moorings on the Avon itself, so we had to turn back before Bristol.
08 Oct 2021
The whole experience was absolutely fantastic. The staff at Aldermaston Marina we’re very friendly and the boat was lovely. They’d forgotten to put enough bedding on the boat, but bedding was brought to us at the pub when we rang and told them on the Friday evening! We had a fantastic time.
08 Oct 2021
From the booking process to meeting the friendly staff and plethora of new friends along the journey, it was a memorable holiday that we will always remember, even the locks! :)
08 Oct 2021
Great holiday on the Eagle. Thank you However a couple of little points - The gear lever is in the 'danger zone' of the tiller swing - i almost got knocked to the lock when the rudder knocked against the rear gates of the Bath Deep Lock - i was trying to move the boat forward using the gears at the time - maybe repositioning the gear lever into a more accessible location could help. With regard to the 'navigation / cruise' notes on your web site from Hilperton to Bristol - i would advise that they need to be updated for the River Avon section - there are NO usable visitor moorings at all (apart from Hanham, but very limited). The cruising notes made it appear that this was an easy passage with plenty of moorings. This is not the case - Mead Road in Saltford moorings have been removed due to tension between local residents and boaters. Avoncliffe Bridge & Keynsham moorings were full with 'live aboards' - i would advise that the notes are updated to say that the full passage from Bath Western Lock to Bristol should be undertaken in 1 day. We ended up having to tie to a tree opposite the Avon Valley Wildlife Park overnight. A bit of a scary experience. Other than that, we had a great time. And Thank you for returning our bag of art materials so efficiently. Much appreciated.
08 Oct 2021
Great time apart from the weather - not the fault of ABC! Very helpful when low tide and wind prevented our return journey. Excellent service all round
08 Oct 2021
Lovely clean boat, helpful and polite staff. Very professional
08 Oct 2021
Would have been excellent except that one of the WCs blocked up almost immediately, and filling the water tank is problematic because of air blow-backs from the tank. Otherwise, the boat handles very well and is thoughtfully fitted out.
08 Oct 2021
We’re long term boaters, have owned several boats in UK and overseas. Upland Sandpiper is a beautiful vessel and we enjoyed a leisurely trip to Bath and back - so boating and sight seeing all in one!
08 Oct 2021
The experience was fantastic. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Steve gave us really detailed instructions. We were advised on the best route as novices. Would have scored a 5 star, but the interior of the boat was a little tired looking, could do with a refresh.
08 Oct 2021
