Wildlife abounds as the boats pass through a rolling landscape full of grazing sheep and cows, interspaced with small woods and deep lakes left over from the ice age, overhead circling birds of prey soar on the thermals, perhaps even the rare Red Kite may be glimpsed.

Highlights of the cruises include the world famous 1000 foot long Pontycysyllte Aqueduct at Trevor, the stone arched Chirk Aqueduct, the Shropshire Lake District around Ellesmere and three spooky tunnels. Two of cruises also feature the walled city of Chester; the others a side trip down the recently restored Montgomery Canal, a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) due to its rare plant life.

Llangollen has been served by the canal for two centuries; first to carry limestone and now to bring in tourism. The town is also a haven for daleks and cybermen who find a refuge inside the "Dr Who Experience", an entertaining exhibition of childhood memories of terrors from outer space and dodgy plot lines!

The canals are hidden parts of English and Welsh Heritage, offering relaxation, wildlife havens, industrial archaeology and access to both tiny villages and revamped city centres. If you are unfamiliar with the waterways, and don’t want the often hard physical slog of boat handling or working the numerous locks, the ideal introduction to this hidden world is a hotel boat. Boats carry up to 8 passengers, on fully catered 7 night cruises.