How Far Can You Travel in One Day?
In one day on a canal boat, you typically travel between 6 and 10 miles, depending on the number of locks, cruising time, and how relaxed you want the day to be. Canal boats move at walking pace, and the experience is about enjoyment rather than distance. At Canal Boat Day Hire at Apsley Marina in Hertfordshire, most guests focus on a gentle out-and-back journey rather than trying to cover as much ground as possible.
Understanding this helps set realistic expectations and ensures the day feels calm, not rushed.
Why Distance on Canals Is Different
Canal boating works very differently from driving a car or taking a train. Speed limits on canals are low, usually around walking pace, and time is shared between cruising, locks, stopping, and relaxing.
Distance depends on:
Cruising speed
Number of locks
Time spent stopping or mooring
Daylight hours
Confidence level of the crew
This is why canal trips are measured more in time and experience than miles.
Typical Canal Boat Speeds
A narrowboat generally travels at 2–3 miles per hour. This slow pace is deliberate — it protects the canal banks, keeps things safe, and creates the relaxed atmosphere canals are known for.
For beginners, this slow speed is reassuring. You have plenty of time to steer, adjust, and enjoy the scenery without pressure.
How Locks Affect Distance
Locks are one of the biggest factors in how far you’ll travel.
On average:
A single lock can take 15–30 minutes, depending on experience
Multiple locks add character and interest, but reduce distance
Fewer locks usually mean more cruising time
From Apsley Marina, there are locks on both routes, and you’ll always be assisted through the first lock so you understand exactly how they work.
Many guests find locks become a highlight rather than an obstacle.
What a Realistic Day Looks Like
A standard day hire lasts around 7 hours, though this can be slightly shorter in winter due to sunset times.
A relaxed and enjoyable day often includes:
Time for a full handover and safety briefing
Gentle cruising at a steady pace
Passing through locks without rushing
Stopping for lunch or a break
Turning around comfortably with time to return
Rather than aiming for a specific mileage, most guests enjoy choosing a natural turning point and retracing their route.
Routes From Apsley Marina
From Apsley Marina, there are two routes available, heading north or south along the Grand Union Canal. The route is discussed with you before or on the day to suit your confidence, interests, and timing.
Both routes offer scenic stretches, wildlife spotting, and a balance of cruising and lock activity. The focus is always on making the journey enjoyable rather than pushing for distance.
Why Less Distance Often Means a Better Day
Many first-time boaters assume travelling further means better value. In reality, the opposite is often true.
A shorter distance allows you to:
Relax into the pace of canal life
Enjoy steering without pressure
Spend time talking and taking in the scenery
Avoid feeling rushed or tired
Most guests tell us their favourite moments aren’t about how far they went — they’re about how the day felt.
Ideal for Beginners, Families and Groups
Because canal boating is slow and flexible, it works well for:
First-time boaters
Families with children
Groups of friends
Corporate days
Everyone can enjoy the experience without worrying about speed, distance, or deadlines.
You can learn more about booking a day on the water here:
Hire Tilly for a day or evening trip
Explore all canal experiences here:
Canal Boat Day Hire
Conclusion
How far you travel on a canal boat in one day matters far less than how much you enjoy the journey. With slow cruising speeds, time spent at locks, and space to stop and relax, most canal days are about immersion rather than mileage. A canal boat day hire offers the freedom to move gently, turn back when it feels right, and enjoy the water at its intended pace — making even a short distance feel deeply rewarding.