The Birmingham Canals have a bit of a reputation. Black satanic mills, locks everywhere, whole days spent down the weed-hatch, untangling complete households from the prop in the rare moments when not being stuck on submerged cars, HGVs and tanks in a hostile environment. Racing along the New Main Line from one end to the other seems to be the only reasonable option.
Only it’s not. Not at all. The BCN has a lot to offer. It’s not the Llangollen, okay, but it has more aqueducts, it has splendid scenery, it’s not crowded, it has a lot to explore. That’s why the BCNS is offering, since many years, the (always fully booked) Explorer Cruises.
Our Explorer Cruises are gentle, fun cruises for boat owners and hirers alike, an opportunity to discover under-used parts and hidden gems of the BCN. Together with fellow boaters that know the BCN well.
Have a look at two reports from previous events:
2024 June Explorer Cruise, a video by Sean Godfrey of Lichfield Cruising Club
You’ll find the dates for the our next Explorer Cruises on the Upcoming Events page – we’ll publish them as soon as we know them!
If you have taken part in previous events, and have photos or experiences you would like to share – we would love to hear from you!
Comments 16
2025 Explorer Cruises
Next year the BCN Society is planning three Explorer Cruises so you have a good choice. They will be in May, June & July. The May Cruise will be planned to fit around the BCNS Summer Rally so will start on 9th finishing on the Friday before the Rally on 15th. The June cruise has been planned to accommodate hire boaters it starts & finishes in Birmingham and lasts just the week 7th – 14th. So if you do not own a boat & want to explore the BCN now is your chance to hire one for this cruise. The July Cruise will start in Birmingham on 6th July and end in Titford on the 15th.
All three cruises are available to all boaters, owners & hirers alike. Please let me know if you are interested at the email address below and I will send you full details including the itinerary of the month you choose as soon as they are published.
Brenda Ward
bcns.explorercruise@gmail.com
We would realy like to participate in one of your tour cruises, we would like more information on dates, days on each tour and also the cost, would realy appreciate more info on this
Yours hopefully Ray&Viv
On RubyIrene
Are there any spaces on the next one or two explorer cruises? Ideally 2024. Thank you so much.
I’d be grateful for details of the Explorer cruise, which (I gather) will take place in May 2024. My wife and I hope to join you in our narrowboat Piu Lento, normally moored at Wolverhampton Boat Club.
Me too 😁
Hi there, are there any spaces left for the May 23 Explorer Cruise?.
Dave & Jo James
nb Wind on the Water.
Hi is the any availability to join your May cruise please?
Thank you.
Could we sign up for the BCN Newsletter please
I am afraid that the Explorer Cruises for this year have been filled with those that booked for the 2020 cruises & we had to cancel because of Covid. We may have a space on the June Cruise 18th to 24th. email: bcns.explorercruise@gmail.com
We have a narrowboat and are constant cruisers.
Could we sign up for your newsletter.
Also do you have any information regarding BCN CRUISES.
Regards
Susan Holder
email: boundarypost@gmail to be put on the mailing list for BCN information.
Would love to be part of your Explorer Cruise 2022 if it’s running
Hi Jean is the cruise going ahead this year? We were booked for 2020 but alas couldnt travel. Now it may be a possibilty. Please can you let me know ? Best wishes Helen storey Australia
We would like to take part in your BCN explorer cruise in May 2022 if you will be running one
I am interested in the Explorer Cruise in 2020.
Many thanks
Email bcns.explorercruise@gmail.com for details