Boat Tours
PASSENGER BOAT TRIPS OPERATING AS FROM TODAY
TWO boats, Ella II and The Newun, skippered by Trust volunteers operate at 2 different stretches of the canal, Ebridge and at Dilham
See below for booking information, locations and other details
THE NEWUN, this boat is loaned to the Trust by one of our Trustees for passenger trips.
The Newun is 50ft long and 12ft wide, electrically powered and is a steel replica of the clinker built wooden Norfolk wherries of the size and style used on the canal back in the day for the carriage of cargo.
When it’s not carrying passengers, The Newun is used for voluntary canal maintenance work for the canal owner.
For approximately a one hour trip to Wayford junction and return, the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust ask for a donation of £15.00 per person.
Trips all start from Dilham Hall Canoe Hire, Tonnage bridge, Oak Road, Dilham NR28 9PW. The approach roads are about one mile long and privately maintained, so a small charge of £5.00 is made for each car used (Not chargeable for Dilham Hall Retreats visitors or Canal Campers).
TELEPHONE BOOKINGS ONLY PLEASE
Call Graham on 07585 160 772
To find parking surf to https://w3w.co/brotherly.snug.civic in the search box.
The wherry mooring is just a short walk across the field from there (you’ll see The Newun from where you park):
To find the boat if you can’t see it, surf to: https://w3w.co/dragonfly.fewest.series The walk takes me a gentle 2 minutes with short legs.
Aside from the small £5.00 charge for car access, all monies donated from these boat trips go to North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust C.I.O. for the maintenance of re-opened sections and hoped for eventual re-opening of the remainder of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal.
These trips make a significant difference towards that voluntary work, providing for fees towards the various Government permissions, tools and materials.
Your crew look forward to meeting you.
ELLA II, named after the last Norfolk trading wherry sailing the canal.
Our 21ft, volunteer skippered, electrically propelled passenger boat with solar panels, is based at Ebridge lock on the Happisburgh Road out of North Walsham,
This year, for the 1st time since the Covid outbreak, we will once more be taking mixed parties of up to 10 people from Ebridge to Spa Common return. There is no minimum charge this year and the per person donation hoped for is £10 per person for the one hour trip.
Your trip will commence from Ebridge lock opposite Ebridge Mill.
To find us, surf to https://w3w.co/bonfires.workloads.following
BOOKINGS BY TELEPHONE ONLY PLEASE
Call Ralph on 07845 942 753
Where do boat trips run?
Is there food or drink?
Refreshments are not currently provided but please feel encouraged to bring your own. Food and drink is very welcome – hot, cold or celebratory! Please bear in mind that there is no toilet onboard.
What should I wear?
You will be on the water for around one hour. The boats are in the open air, Ella II is open-sided with a canopy. The Newun is open to the elements.
Remember to bring a jacket to protect you from any cool breezes and a raincoat to protect you from any showers that might be forecast.
If it’s sunny, a sunhat and sunscreen is recommended.
Arrangements can be changed if you find the weather is too inclement.
What can I expect to see?
Wildlife varies day to day and hour by hour. Birds, from the smallest wagtails to coots, grebes and swans, frequent the canal, as well as birds of prey including raptors and harriers. If you’re quick of eye you may see deer, foxes and water voles, while, on calmer days, in clear water, we often see fish chasing the front of the boat. Passengers can choose whether they’d like historic commentary from the skipper, who is knowledgeable about the history of the canal and its restoration, or to chat amongst themselves and ask questions as they go along.
See our Facebook pictures at https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.nwdct.org/media
Can I pay with my bank debit/credit card?
Yes you may.
The North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust now operate a ‘Contactless’ machine, subject to a usable broadband connection.
You may pay for your boat trip via this or by cash. Cash is still always very welcome because processing credit/debit cards does cost The Trust money.
How much does it cost?
- The Newun: Graham on 07585 160 772
- Ella II: Ralphy on 07845 942 753
How do I book a trip?
You can book your trip on The Newun by calling Graham on 07585 160 772.
Or to book Ella II, you can call Ralphy on 07845 942 753