The Maid


New in 2018, the Shropshire Maid Canal Boat is a specially designed 70 foot holiday canal boat with accommodation for up to 6 people and finished to a very high standard.

She has been designed with the needs of our customers in mind, has thoughtful adaptions including an improved wheelchair lift, adapted WC and spacious saloon. Her interior colour scheme has been chosen to help those who are partially sighted.

Take a tour of The Shropshire Maid

 

The Maid has a ramp and hydraulic lift to access the interior of the boat.  Wheelchair users are able to access all parts of the Maid including the bathroom which has been specifically designed for them.  She has been designed to take wheelchairs up to a maximum width of 28” (71cm) – the standard size for wheelchairs.

The saloon has huge windows and dropped sides to enable amazing views of the canal, countryside and wildlife.  The saloon opens out into very large “well-deck” in the bow, with comfortable bench seating. In sunny weather, open up the covers to this deck and enjoy the almost dreamy atmosphere the boats creates as she moves along and causes a gentle breeze, to waft through the boat.

The Maid can sleep up to 6 people with 2 two tier bunk beds and a pull out double bed.  There are 2 toilets and a shower.  The Maid has central heating, fully equipped galley (hob, grill, oven, fridge, microwave, crockery, cutlery and kitchenware) and TV.

Take a look at the photos of the Maid at the bottom of the page.

Please note hire of the Maid does not include pillows, bed linen, blankets or sleeping bags.  Towels are not provided.

For a full list of crockery, cutlery and other equipment on the Maid please click here.

 

Standard ‘weekly’ hire is from Saturday arriving at 1pm and returning the Maid to the Wharf by 1pm the following Friday. This allows us time to prepare the Maid for the next hire.

Once unloaded, there is ample parking available in the Trust’s own car park.

One of the Trust’s volunteers will meet you when you arrive and ensure you are familiar with the operation of the Maid before you set off.  They will give guidance with suitable routes depending on the length of your holiday.  You will be given instructions about brining the Maid back to the Wharf and how to leave her.  If you need any assistance with your departure home please let us know as soon as possible.

We do ask that at all times there is one designated person in command and that person is familiar with and adheres to all health and safety requirements.  To ensure you are prepared for your holiday and enjoy the canal safely we recommend you read the Maid’s handbook and the Canal & River Trust’s boater’s guide.  

Please click here to read the Terms and Conditions for hiring the Shropshire Maid.

Please be aware that although the Maid has a number of adaptations, she is not adapted to cater for every disability and medical condition.  Disabilities and medical conditions must be explained on the booking form.  Electrical life support equipment must NEVER be used on board the Maid.

Below is the layout of the Maid.

Shropshire Maid Canal Boat Plan

 

 


 

 

Click here to book the Shropshire Maid

 

Click on a photo below for a closer look at the Maid.