We run trips from the Goytre Wharf on either our smaller Edith-Elizabeth open sided boat, or our Lord Raglan. The Lord Raglan is a large, widebeam canal boat. At 55ft long, she is one of the largest boats on this canal! We usually do 30 minute trips on the Edith-Elizabeth, and one hour trips on the Lord Raglan. There is no need to book. Just turn up and talk to one of our shore crew members.
We welcome well behaved dogs, but we do try to not have too many on at the same time. Just speak to shore crew. If we feel we can’t accomodate you on the trip due to numbers, we can ensure you are given a priority on the next.
If you have a pram, or a pushchair, or a child’s trike or anything else (we don’t judge) our shore crew will be only too happy too look after it for you while you ejoy the trip. With The Lord Raglan, we can sometimes accomodate them on board.
Please note that as we are reliant on volunteers and dependent on the weather, we cannot gaurantee that either of the boats will be running on any one day so please do check our facebook page.
Edith Elizabeth out on a trip
We are justifiably proud of this little boat. She is fully electric, and not only that, but with the solar panels being used to charge the batteries, she is completely self sustaining. She never needs to be plugged in! How’s that for being green!
Riding the Edith Elizabeth is quite fun, for all ages. The trip takes you to a canal basin, over an aqueduct, past “Millionaire’s Row”, and on past the marina, past the sluice, through the “Jenkins-Prosser” Bridge to the winding hole, where we turn around and return. Usually taking around 25 – 30 minutes. Throughout this journey, our volunteer staff will gladly explain all aspects of what it is you are seeing should you wish. Getting some of them to shut up is the hard part!
Edith Elizabeth, waiting for you
The Lord Raglan is a large canal boat fully enclosed with hatches in the roof that can be opened if the weather requires it.
When this boat was bought by the trust a few years ago, she was just a shell, little more that a piece of scrap metal. She has been completely refitted inside and out and now boasts full disability access, space for 2 wheelchairs and a disabled friendly toilet complete with alarm. Two fire exits as well as the front and rear exits. Just like the Edith Elizabeth, she is fully electric, although due to her size and weight (22 tonnes!) we cannot charge her with solar panels so relay on an onshore power supply.
She is built a very high standard, being classed a sea worthy (though our trips don’t go that far). She is fitted with two motors, one either end. We refer to her as a push me-pull you. Instead of turning around, we simply go to the other end of the boat and drice back from there. These motors are powered by 40 batteries that are designed for use on submarines!
From spring of 2025, we will be operating both boats from 10:30am to 3:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The last trip starting at 3:00 pm. You don’t need to book in advance. However, when you arrive please contact our on-shore crew who will advise which time slots are available.
If we are busy, you may choose to pay in advance, in which case you will be issued a ticket for your reserved slot. Payment can be made by either cash or card.
Please also remember, there is much to do in and around the Goytre Wharf while you are waiting. there are walks, play areas, historic information and of course, Penny’s Cafe.
The cost on the Lord Raglan is £8 per adult, £4 per child, under 2 yrs free for a 50 minute trip. Please pay before you board.
The Edith Elizabeth is £5 per adult and £3 per child, under 2 yrs free, for a trip expected to last 25-30 minutes. Please pay before you board.
Download our 2024 Boat Trip prices here – MBACT Boat Trip Price List 2024
If you have reduced mobility then the larger Lord Raglan boat has a boarding ramp, a lift down into the cabin, two dedicated wheelchair spaces and a disability friendly toilet onboard. Please note that there is no guarantee which boat is running on any particular day. Please contact us in advance, or discuss with the shore crew on the day if you have any particular wishes or requirements.
To find us, you can simply enter “Goytre Wharf” into google maps. Alternatively, the post code is . If you like to use the What3Words app, then enter, ///guilty.overjoyed.hobbyists and that will take you right to one of our shore crew.
Private Party?
The larger enclosed boat, The Lord Raglan, is also available for private hire for longer or special trips. For these trips we can accommodate up to 28 passengers. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will be able to discuss with you what we are able to provide on this boat for bespoke trips. Our 2024 charter prices can be found in our 2024 boat price leaflet. To book one of our Community Boats please contact Martin Gillard at boats@mbact.org.uk or by phone on 01633 892167 / Option 3.
Our Boats are licenced to run passenger services and are operated by trained and qualified volunteers. For your added safety, our boats are equipped with life-buoys. We provide a short safety briefing before each trip. We would ask that you pay attention to this briefing and follow the instructions of the crew.
Please pay on arrival for your chosen trip.