Robert Largan, MP for the High Peak, will officially launch ABC Boat Hire’s new electric day boat at New Mills Marina at 1.30pm on Friday 3 November, with a short trip along the Peak Forest Canal.
The boat uses products from our Onboard Energy Direct off-grid energy range, including lithium batteries and a Beta Marine 10Kw motor engine. Electric engines are very quiet so day boaters can hear more of the sounds of the surrounding countryside and woodland.
The 36ft ‘Field Day’ narrowboat accommodates up to ten people. The boat is equipped with a toilet, indoor and outdoor seating and a well-equipped kitchen.
Robert Largan, MP for the High Peak, says: “The Peak Forest Canal makes an important contribution to the local economy, generating tourism, boating business and jobs. Nationally there are now more boats on Britain’s canal network than during the Industrial Revolution, including over 1,000 boats for holiday and day hire. I’m delighted to be invited to see this exciting new electrically powered boat that will be available for people to hire here on the Peak Forest Canal, for both local people and visitors to the area.”
Haley Hadley, ABC Leisure Group’s Marketing & Sales Director, says: “One of the most important aspects of Britain’s beautiful network of inland waterways is the biodiversity they support, and the wildlife that you can see is one of the things that makes holidays and days out on the canals so appealing.
“We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our holidays and ‘Field Day’ is the third of nine electric day boats to be added to our fleet over the next 18 months.”
Popular day boat destinations on the Peak Forest Canal from New Mills include:
- Cruising to Whaley Bridge and back, enjoying spectacular views across Goyt Valley and
Kinder Scout, the highest plateau in England. The route passes close by to the Crossings pub
along the way, and there’s a choice of places to eat and drink at Whaley Bridge. - Boating to Marple Junction and back, enjoying fantastic views of the rolling countryside
along the way. At Marple Junction, day boaters can visit the Hatters Arms and walk up along
the Marple Lock flight to see boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain.
For more information about ‘Field Day’ go to www.abcdayboathire.com