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About Kwa Heri

MEET KWA HERI
Our 40ft narrowboat, The Purple Boat, is ready to welcome you aboard.

Kwa Heri is a 40ft Springer Narrowboat, built in 1978 and owned by the same family ever since. She has been fully refurbished and modernised to a high standard, while still retaining the character and charm of a traditional narrowboat, and is powered by a Beta Marine diesel engine fitted in 2020.

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Whether you're an experienced boater or completely new to narrow boating, you're welcome aboard. We provide boat-handling tuition before you set off, and at 40ft, Kwa Heri is easy to manoeuvre.

On board you'll find:

  • King-size bed and small double

  • Fully equipped kitchen

  • Bathroom with shower, basin, & toilet

  • Central heating

  • TV & DVD player

  • Bedding & towels

  • Life jackets & dog life jackets

  • Deck chairs & large stern deck

  • Solar panel

  • Fuel included

  • Cleaning products & toilet paper 

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Free on-site parking is also provided, so you can arrive, park up and start enjoying your holiday.

For a peek at our 2026 boat manual, explaining all the workings of the boat, click on the PDF on the right.

PETS
We welcome dogs aboard The Purple Boat

Dogs are welcome on Kwa Heri, with our dog Katie having enjoyed trips throughout the years - we have a new addition to the family, Jenson, who is ready to explore with her.

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  • Dogs welcome

  • Life jackets provided

  • £45 extra fee

  • No climbing on furniture 

  • Advance notice required

FAQs
Some frequently asked questions, with all the information you need before arrival
Do I need a licence?

No, we only ask for a copy of your ID (drivers licence or passport) to fulfil our insurance policy. We do recommend taking out personal insurance.

Where can I park my car?

We have off-road private parking within walking distance of The Purple Boat, including full CCTV coverage.

Do I need pervious experience?

Pervious experience is not needed, full tuition will be given and we will take you through the first lock. We strongly recommend watching this video from Canal and River Trust, explaining how to drive a boat.

How many people and minimum age?

Two people are needed to take the boat out, but she can accommodate up to four. The minimum age is 21 years old.

Do I need to clean the boat before return?

It's always nice to return the boat back clean, there is a small handled hoover to use if you wish. If the boat is particularly dirty cleaning charge of £50 will be taken from the deposit.

Can I charge my phone and is there Wi-Fi?

You can charge you phone and other electronics using the 12v sockets, there is also a USB socket provided. There is no Wi-Fi, however you will be able to pick up 5g as you travel along.

Do I have to fill up with diesel, water, and empty the toilet tank?

You should fill up with water daily from the water points along the canal. The boat will have a full tank of diesel (included in price of hire), this will be enough to last 2 weeks. The toilet tank will be empty on arrival, and depending on use should easily last a week.

Where can I moor, how do I turn around, how far can I go?

You can moor anywhere on the towpath side unless stated otherwise by signage. You can't moor on private moorings, lock landings, or water points unless filling up with water. You can turn around on a winding point which are clearly marked on maps and occur every few miles on the canal - to find out more visit the Canal and River Trust website. The distance you travel is dependant on how many cruising hours you do each day.

Are there and rules for using the canal? Can I fish?

The main rules are: 

  • Travel at walking pace (3mph)

  • Slow past moored boats 

  • Pass oncoming boats on the right

You can fish on the canal if you have an Environment Agency Rod Licence, which you can get from any post office or online. In some instances you may need a day ticket if fishing from club premises. Live bait must not be taken aboard the boat.

What if we break down or have an accident?

Should this happen, call Jennibel on 07877 047108. If you take your time and slow down it dramatically reduces risk of collisions. If someone falls into the canal no not panic, they should be able to stand up and get out onto the towpath. Extra care should be taken through the locks, some can be over 20ft deep when filled so wearing a life jacket is highly recommended. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Overview of terms and conditions
Your responsibility

  • Provide photo ID and a £250 fully refundable deposit the day before arrival.

  • Two responsible adults are required for safe handling of the boat; solo boating is NOT permitted.

  • Wear the life jackets provided.

  • Keep the weed hatch clear and turn the grease gun daily.

  • Return the boat on time and in good, undamaged condition.

Our responsibility

  • Provide a clean boat with fresh laundry.

  • Provide public liability insurance.

  • Provide a full fuel tank, full water tank, life jackets and boat-handling tuition.

  • Please note: personal insurance for loss or damage to your belongings is not provided.

Payment and cancel

  • Full payment is required when booking.

  • Amendments to bookings incur a £50 administration fee.

  • Cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure: 50% refund.

  • Cancellation within 8 weeks of departure: no refund.

  • At our discretion, we may offer a full or partial refund if we are able to re-let the boat for the full hire period.

View our full Terms and Conditions.

The Purple Boat, Shardlow                                                                                                                                                                  07877 047108 - thepurpleboat@outlook.com

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