Boat Trips
The Canal Trust operates a 20 foot trip boat for public trips and group hire from Easter until the end of September.Boat trips recommence Easter 2011 and will run Saturdays until the end of September. The boat will also run on bank holidays, but not on Sundays. During the main Summer school holiday the boat will also run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During the May bank holiday the boat will be moved upstream to the National Trail boat rally and operate from there for the 3 days together with a second boat.
For almost 20 years, since 1990, thousands of passengers have been conveyed along the waters of the Neath Canal, crewed by experienced volunteer boatmen, all licensed by the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. However the bureaucracy of government, through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, now requires each experienced volunteer crew member to hold a navigational qualification in boat management.
It is taking time to set up all the training involved. As a result, one of our members has recently been to London to qualify as a trainer, and he will then be able to rain and examine all our volunteer crew members. All being well, when our crews have successfully completed their training, notice announcing the commencement of public trips will be placed here on our site.
The Boat
The boat is a custom built 20 foot trip boat, and can carry up to 12 passengers. It is called the Thomas Dadford after the Neath Canal Engineer.
Video
To see what a leisurely trip on a sunny afternoon down the Neath canal is like, we have included a short video for you below. The video is just over one minute in length.
Finding Us
Neath
The boat is berthed at the landing stage, between B&Q and Morrisons in Neath Town Centre, and is located by leaving the A465 dual carriageway at the Neath exit. At the first roundabout take the first exit travelling from the south of the county and the third exit from the north, continue to the next roundabout taking the third exit, passing the school / college complex on your left. Continue to the next roundabout taking the second exit, at the traffic lights turn left. Continue to the next set of traffic lights and turn right which will take you into a small Council car park or the car parks of Morrisons and B&Q. A footbridge links the stores and the boat (when running) operates from the bridge steps to the canal.
Location map to find the boat trips...
Trip Times
Trips run on most Saturdays (Easter to end September) and start at 11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm. For further details of dates, please see our Diary Dates.
Fares
Fares are £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Small push chairs etc. may by carried on the foredeck (or in the cabin) at quiet times, with the agreement of the duty crew.
Group Hire
To hire the boat for a private trip, please contact Trevor Morgan on 01792 426449. Trevor will give you fuller details and endeavour to arrange for a crew to be available for your chosen date and time. A two hour trip will cost £50. The trip length is presently limited, due to a low bridge immediately downstream from the point of embarkation and refurbishment of locks upstream. Groups of more than 12 can be taken in staggered parties, or smaller groups may wish to cruise more leisurely and bring picnics with them.
We are a voluntary body and all proceeds from the canal trips are used to improve the canal for the benefit of all. Donations to this end are most welcome and we are also keen to encourage new society members. If you are interested in joining us, please take a look at our membership application form and membership details.
We are extremely grateful to the Neath Canal Navigation Company, owners of this private canal, for allowing us (and you) to enjoy this very attractive feature of the lovely Neath Valley.
