If you’ve ever fancied having a go at canal boating now’s your chance…

This Sunday (April 17) the Canal and River Trust, the charity that looks after the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, has teamed up with Drifters Waterway Holidays to offer local people the chance to try canal boating free of charge..

The event is taking place at ABC Boat Hire on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Goytre. It’s one of 19 venues across England and Wales that are offering the free taster sessions.

The Open Day will include free trips on skippered narrowboats, as well as boat tours and holiday discounts.

No booking is required, with people of all ages encouraged to just turn up. Events open at 11am and close at 4pm.

For more information about the event at ABC Boat Hire Goytre Wharf call 01873 880516.

For more information about all Drifters’ National Open Day events, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/drifters-open-days-2016

Mike Grimes, head of boating at the Canal and River Trust, said, “For many people, a boating holiday is the start of a lifelong passion. These free taster sessions are a great way to test out whether this sort of holiday could be for you, before committing to a full weekend or week’s break.”

Tim Parker, chairman of Drifters Waterway Holidays, added, “Travelling at just 4mph through peaceful countryside, sleepy villages and exciting waterside cities, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’. Close to 400,000 people go canal boating each year and according to research, the numbers have increased by 23% since 2009.

“Last year, more than 1,000 people got afloat at our open day events held all over the country. We hope this year’s taster sessions will introduce many more people to the joys of a holiday afloat on Britain’s wonderful inland waterways.”

For more information about visiting the canals, go to canalrivertrust.org.uk

For more information about Drifters Waterway Holidays call 0844 984 0322 or visit drifters.co.uk