WOULD-BE skippers are being given the chance to take control of a traditional narrowboat on Sunday, April 19.

The Canal & River Trust, the charity that looks after the nation’s waterways, has teamed up with Drifters Waterway Holidays to offer people the chance to get out onto the water and find out more about canal boating.

The events in Cheshire are part of 21 open days taking place on the canals and rivers across England and Wales, offering boat tours, holiday discounts and, in many cases, free trips on skippered boats.

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, adds: “For many people, a boating holiday is the start of a lifelong passion, with thousands of people first inspired by family holidays afloat. I am sure these free taster sessions will enthuse a whole new wave of canal and river enthusiasts.”

Tim Parker, chairman of Drifters Waterway Holidays, explains: “Britain’s beautiful 2,000-mile canal and river network is a haven for wildlife and travelling at just 4mph, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’.

“Over 370,000 people go canal boating each year and we hope our free taster sessions will introduce many more people to the joys of a holiday afloat on our wonderful inland waterways.”

The open day will take place at Bunbury Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, Wrenbury Mill on the Llangollen Canal near Nantwich and at the junction of the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal near Northwich from 11am to 4pm.

For more information visit www.drifters.co.uk/openday. No booking is required.