Access for all

If you are visually impaired and find the text on our website is too small to read and require larger text, please refer to the RNIB website : www.rnib.org.uk , which contains information on how to access the web using different technologies. Our complete brochure is on our web site www.black-prince.com, then ‘contact us', and details on the bases and routes are also on the site under ‘bases'.

Introduction

Canal holidays are enjoyed by many people with special requirements, or who are less mobile. For reasons of safety, at least two of the party will need to be active enough to operate the boat and locks. These people do not need to be experienced boaters as we give full instruction prior to you setting out on your trip.

Bases

We operate from 6 bases and reception areas at all bases can be accessed without having to use steps. The bases all have car parks, but at some, the car parks may be some way from the boat. There are therefore unloading areas, where cars can be taken for unloading, except at Falkirk , where cars can only be brought to 30 yards from the boat. At Falkirk, it may be possible for less mobile people to access the boat in the lock adjacent to the Falkirk wheel.

Car Parks

The car parks at Stoke on Trent , Napton, Falkirk are metalled. The car parks are Stoke Prior, Acton Bridge and Chirk are gravel. If a member of your party is less mobile, it would be a good idea to let us know prior to your arrival, so that we can place the car as close to the boat as possible when you arrive.

Boats

Boats are normally roped together during the turnround alongside the wharf. This means that customers may have to walk over two or three boats to gain entry to their own boat. If customers with mobility problems warn us of this, we can move their boat to ensure that their boat is moored next to the wharf prior to their arrival at the base. At Stoke Prior, it may be possible for people to access the boat when it in the lock, next to the base, and the water level can be dropped so that there is no step to board the boat.

Decks . All our boats have a cruiser stern, which can be seen on the ‘boats' section on our web site and brochure. There is normally a step up onto the rear deck of the boat, which can vary between bases and also depends on the water levels in the canal. The largest step up is at Stoke Prior where the step up is up to 12 – 15 inches (30cm to 40cm). The smallest step up is at Chirk at 2 inches (5 cm). If you would like further details on your base of departure, please ring the base or the booking office.

The front deck can also be accessed from the shore ; the height of the gunwale is likely to be 10 inches (25cm ) more than the rear deck lift, again depending on water levels. The well of the deck is normally 22 inches (55cm) below gunwale height. On the starboard (right) side of the boat, there is a step within the well deck which is 12 inches (30cm) high.

Access to boats . There are doors to the front and rear of the boat. The rear doors are 19 inches (48cm) wide and lead to 3 steps down to the cabin, leading to a total drop of 34 inches (86cm ), and is at an angle of 53 degrees. The front doors are 27 inches (70cm) wide, with one step leading to a total drop of 22 inches (55cm), again at an angle of 53 degrees.

Corridors . The corridors through the boat are normally of a minimum width of 20 inches (50cm).

Headroom . The boats normally have an interior height of at least 6ft 4 inches (1.93m) in the centre of the boat, and 6ft 2 inches (1.88m) at the side.

Beds . Double beds are 4ft (1.22m ) wide and are 6ft 3 inches (1.9m) long, with interior sprung mattresses. Single beds are 2ft (61cm) wide and are 6ft 3inches (1.9m) long, with interior sprung mattresses. Beds are 28 inches (71cm) from the floor.

Bathrooms. Bathrooms are accessed by a door in the corridor (see boat layouts under ‘boats' in the brochure or on our web site), which is 19 inches (48cm) wide. There is a shower, basin and toilet in this area. The shower area is smaller than would normally be expected on shore based accommodation.

Kitchens. Work surfaces are at a height of 3ft, and the two work stations are 25 inches (64 cm) apart.

Floors . Floors are all short pile carpet, except in the bathroom and kitchen areas, where they are laid with slip resistant laminate.

Pet Free Boats . We operate Pet Free Duchess 4 boats at all our bases except Falkirk .

Nebulizers . If customers need to use nebulizers, please let us know before you start your holiday and we will provide special wiring for you to access a 12 volt electricity supply. On certain boats we are also able to provide a 240 volt supply, through the use of a 120w inverter. Please remember that the electric supply to the boat is from batteries and may not be as consistent as a shore based supply.

If you have any particular requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us, either at the booking office, or when you have booked, at your base of departure. We are likely to have come across any problem that you may have, and be in a position to help.

Black Prince Holidays do not currently operate any boats specially adapted for wheel chair access or for those with severely restricted mobility. In the booking office, we have telephone numbers and web addresses for companies with these facilities. Alternatively, you could contact the Community Boat Association on 0845 0510649 ( www.national-cba.co.uk ), whose members operate boats with these facilities.

Updated 17/10/2007