The 'Ethel' is a prestigious purpose-built community barge offering day and residential trips, on the inland waterways, to all groups from the very young to the elderly. Because 'Ethel' is fully accessible she can accommodate people with disabilities. 'Ethel' is licenced to carry a maximum of 12 passengers plus the skipper and crew. These trips are also highly valued by able-bodied community groups.
'The ethel trust community barge' is a registered charity, No: 700389, providing boating trips to community groups. The 'trust' is staffed mainly by volunteers and was established in1988. We pride ourselves as being possibly the best. We work with the community for the community.
A Typical Day Out on 'Ethel'
Arrive at Staniland Marina Thorne at 9.45am for a 10am start. Your crew for the day will be ready and waiting for you. As we pass through Staniland Marina – there is likely to be some activity with boat owners working on their boats in the dry docks or on land. Many people live aboard their boats here and are always ready to give you a wave.
As we leave Thorne behind us, the countryside opens up as we travel along and after a while we see the M18 Motorway that passes over the canal. Winding our way along we can see different wildlife either on the water, in the skies, or in the fields while fishermen idle away the hours on the bankside. We pass by the ancient village of Fishlake with its Norman Church and converted windmill.The time is now around 12 noon and if you have not brought any food with you it is possible to purchase a fish and chip lunch to eat on board, or call in at the New Inn public house alongside the canal at Stainforth where a variety of food can be purchased at reasonable prices.
After lunch we continue towards the waterside hamlet of South Bramwith, pass through the swing bridge and on towards Bramwith Lock. We rest here, before continuing to the New Junction Canal, only opened in 1902. A short distance along is the impressive Don Aquaduct that carries the canal over the tidal River Don.It is soon time to turn around and re-trace our journey slowly back to Thorne arriving at around 4pm.
An alternative day is to immediately descend through Thorne Lock and travel towards Keadby.This journey will take us through Thorne, passing a number of boat yards, before we arrive at Wikewell lift bridge. This is the first of six bridges on the journey to Keadby. The countryside is very flat as we pass through Thorne Moors – and the Isle of Axholme in the distance.
There is often an abundance of wildlife on or near the water, with Herons and Crested Grebes keeping us company.
It should be stressed however that if you choose to travel this route, we are unable to order food to be delivered to the boat, nor is there a waterside pub we can stop at for lunch – so a picnic lunch is a must!!
Please advise your Skipper on the day if you wish to take this alternative route.
As Enable My Trip is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation we rely solely on donations and fund raising to keep our services truly free for users and providers. We are not a travel agent or trip organiser; You will need to contact the provider(s) directly to make reservations.
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