New Horizons Booking Information
Who can book?
The boat is fully accessible. Any individuals needing additional access facilities, organised groups of people or families who would appreciate the facilities we offer can book the boat. Bookings are for the whole boat.
How do I book?
Check date availability first on our on-line availability calendar, please be aware this is not a definitive system and bookings may be waiting to upload, or telephone one of the booking numbers and then follow the instructions on our booking page.
Please also review our Terms and Conditions for Trips.
How much does it cost?
Recommended donations / Hire Charges are detailed on our booking page.
Number of passengers? (including helpers and carers)
Twelve passengers is the maximum number of persons we are allowed to carry and this figure must not be exceeded. This is a legal requirement which must be strictly observed. Any support givers, drivers and children over the age of 1 etc., must be included in the passenger number count.
We recommend that the number of wheelchair users does not exceed four. We can take electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters please discuss your requirements with the Booking Officer.
Helpers and carers
If any person needs assistance or support, they must be accompanied.. The Skipper and crew are not in a position to provide personal assistance to passengers, they are fully occupied looking after the safe navigation of the boat.
Morning, afternoon or full-day trips?
Careful consideration should be given by those booking the boat as to whether the passengers would most enjoy a half day or full day cruise.
Evening trips are also available in May, June, July and August.
Cruising options and normal sailing times:
Normal* sailing times can often be varied by prior arrangement. For example , if a 10-00am departure is too early for your trip, we will try and fit in with your requirements for a later start.
For more details please contact our Bookings Officer. We can be flexible and will do our best to accommodate groups.
[A] Morning cruises
Passengers should arrive at 10.00 a.m. for a 10.15 a.m. cruise returning at approximately 12.30 p.m.*
- Marple to High Lane on the Macclesfield Canal and return.
[B] Afternoon cruises
Passengers should arrive at 1.00 p.m. for a 1.15 p.m. cruise returning at approximately 4.30 p.m.*
- Marple to Higher Poynton on the Macclesfield Canal and return.
- OR : Marple to New Mills on the Peak Forest Canal and return. (Water level dependant)
[C] All day cruises
Passengers should arrive at 10.00 a.m. for a 10.15 a.m. cruise returning at 4.30 p.m.*
- Marple to Adlington on the Macclesfield Canal. Stop at a cafe or pub, where there is good wheelchair access, for lunch if you wish (not included in cruise price), returning to Marple in the afternoon.
- OR : Marple to Whaley Bridge or Buxworth on the Peak Forest Canal. This is the most scenic route, but there are no pubs with easy wheelchair access and time only permits a short stop of about half an hour before returning to Marple in the afternoon.
[D] Evening cruises - Bookings are now closed for Evening trips in 2024.
Passengers should arrive at 5.45 p.m. for a 6.00 p.m. sailing returning at approximately 8.00 p.m.
- Marple to High Lane on the Macclesfield Canal and return.
Accessibility
Parking for the 2024 season is close to the departure point on the land which has been redeveloped. The crew will give full directions and support the transfer of passengers / equipment and anything else required on board. There are 3 dedicted spaces, if you have more than 3 vehicles please contact us for advice on parking options.
The departure point for 2024 will be The Wharf, Church Street, Marple SK6 6BW.
The boat is fully accessible with a boarding ramp and lift. There are NO STAIRS.
There is wheelchair access throughout the length of the boat, a fully equipped , self-catering kitchen and a fully accessible private toilet area.
The boat is heated and has large windows and a raised outside viewing deck at the front.
What should we bring?
- Food (see catering).
- Any special personal equipment required (special cups, cutlery etc.)
- Clothing - the boat is heated but warm clothing is needed if passengers wish to sit on the fore deck. Helpers are advised to bring waterproof clothing and non-slip shoes.
- Personal toiletries and/or medication.
Catering
Full cooking facilities, utensils, crockery; cutlery and fridge are provided on board. On half-day and full-day trips the Trust provides tea, coffee, milk and sugar. Soft drinks and Water are available in our on board shop.
On full day cruises passengers can bring their own food OR make arrangements for a pub lunch
No Smoking
In the interests of health and safety and in line with other forms of transport we operate a No Smoking policy on board 'New Horizons.'
Insurance and damage
The Trust has Public Liability and Employers Liability cover. Passengers are responsible for their own personal possessions and medication, and the Trust cannot be responsible for the loss of or damage to the personal property of passengers. Passengers are also expected to make good any breakages, etc.
