Boat trips resume at the Wey & Arun Canal Trust in Loxwood

Volunteers welcomed passengers back to Loxwood at the weekend as boat trips from the wharf resumed.

The Trust’s large electric boat, Wiggonholt, has been adapted to take a maximum of 14 passengers instead of 48 to allow for 2m social distancing, and crew will be following strict safety procedures to allow passengers to cruise in confidence.

Trips will be running on Sundays and Wednesdays at 11.30am and 2pm throughout August, with each trip lasting either 35 or 50 minutes and passing through one lock and under a bridge before returning back to the wharf.

The 60ft Wiggonholt has double-sliding windows and an access lift to accommodate wheelchairs and passengers with mobility issues.

The postponement of boat trips and cancellation of fundraising events due to coronavirus has meant a big loss in revenue for the Trust and chairman Sally Schupke said she was pleased the boat trip season could now begin.

She said: “We’ve been working hard to ensure the safety of passengers and crew and can’t wait to see Wiggonholt back in action after many months.

“We hope the public will take the opportunity to cruise the stunning Wey & Arun Canal and support us in our efforts to continue restoring this historic canal.”

Tickets start at £6 for adults and £3 for children. To book visit www.weyarun.org.uk

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