Birdswood Boat Trips
Birdswood Boat Trips
Birdswood is the historical narrow boat belonging to The Friends of Cromford Canal. The boat and the gift shop are run entirely by The Friends’ dedicated team of volunteers.
Scheduled Trips
Birdswood runs scheduled trips throughout the year, open to members of the public.
The full experience is a 2 Hour Cruise departing from Cromford Wharf and returning to Cromford Wharf. During a Regular Powered Boat Trip passengers may opt to take the boat one way and explore the area fully or walk on. Included is a bespoke commentary detailing the history of the Cromford Canal and Birdswood’s journey up to the charity purchasing her. Every passenger will have the opportunity to have a tour of the back cabin and a brief description of how the families lived on the boat. Whilst the boat is winding (turning around) people are invited to take a short stroll of 300 metres to take in the views of Leawood Pumphouse and the Aqueduct over the River Derwent before embarking for the trip back to Cromford Wharf. This is optional – weather permitting.
Hot and cold drinks are for sale during the trip, as well as sweet and savoury snacks for all ages. There is a toilet on board and we can accommodate small wheelchairs and pushchairs if required. Dogs are very welcome.
Horse Drawn Trips
On certain days during the season, there are special horse drawn trips, when Birdswood is pulled by the sturdy Dales cross Clydesdales, Chelsea and Ted owned by Arraslea Shires. They are the stars of the horse-drawn passenger boat trips on the Cromford Canal. They pull the 70-foot heritage narrow boat Birdswood from Cromford Wharf through High Peak Junction to Leawood Pump House at a quicker pace than can be achieved under motor power. After you’ve looked around the Leawood Pumphouse they then haul the 21-tonne boat back again without undue effort.
The return horse drawn trips, include a bespoke commentary tour of the back cabin and history about the families who lived and worked on board. A short walk of 300 metres, allows you to take in the views over the River Derwent and the restored Aqueduct Cottage, before embarking Birdswood again for the return stretch.
There are hot and cold drinks for sale during the trip and sweet and savory snacks for all ages.
There is a toilet on board and we can accommodate small wheelchairs and pushchairs if required.
Find out more about booking a horse drawn trip here
Private Charters
You can also hire Birdswood for an exclusive charter for a special venue for your private function.
Find out more about booking Birdswood for a private charter here
Come and enjoy a peaceful journey along the Cromford Canal and get up close to the fabulous wildlife and take in the amazing scenery.
