Canal Ability is a registered UK charity which offers adapted canal boat rentals to individuals or groups. They currently have three boats in their fleet — the Stort Daybreak the Stort Challenge and the Red Watch. Each boat has ramps and lifts so they can accommodate wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

The Stort Daybreak is available for day trips, and it can accommodate 12 passengers, including six wheelchair-users. It’s equipped with an accessible bathroom with a changing bench, shower and an adjustable-height sink. It also has a fully equipped wheelchair-accessible galley.

The Stort Challenger is available for both day and overnight trips. It can accommodate up to 10 people on a day trip, and up to eight people on longer trips. All areas of the boat are wheelchair-accessible, and the boat includes an accessible bathroom, a fully equipped galley and a daybed with a hoist.

Red Watch is only available for overnight trips, and it can accommodate up to 12 people. It includes an accessible bathroom and an adapted bunk for wheelchair-users. It also has a large seating area and a fully equipped galley.

A fully qualified crew is also included with each rental at no extra cost, and everyone aboard is invited to become a part of the crew if they wish. Day cruises typically last for about four hours and travel through at least two locks. These accessible boating holidays are available on waterways in Essex, Hertfordshire and London. For more information visit www.canalability.co.uk.