Waterways
In Creech St Michael we are lucky enough to have two great waterways for boating purposes.
The Bridgwater & Taunton canal, and the River Tone.
Access to the canal for pedestrians is from the side of the canal road bridge in the village, also Hyde lane canal bridge and Charlton bridge via Creech Heathfield.
The River Tone is accessed from Bull St, the main river bridges and also from the village of Ham.
We have a free Car Park for the canal, just follow the brown canal boat signs from Vicarage Lane, turn left at the end, up the lane over the railway bridge, and it’s on the right.
Licences or Registration.
Before you launch any boat or canoe on the canal or river you will be required to buy a licence. This allows you to cruise on these waterways.
Licences are available for long or short terms, as required.
All fees and details are on the Waterways web site at www.waterscape.com/boating
British Waterways Licenses for small boats or canoes can also be obtained from the Maunsel Canal Centre Banklands, North Newton, Bridgwater, Somerset.TA7 ODH
01823 663160 this is the midway point on the 14 mile canal.
Canoeists will already be covered if they are members of the British Canoe Union.
Boat Safety Scheme.
Just like an MOT certificate, you will need to provide evidence that your boat meets certain safety standards (the Boat Safety Scheme) and has third-party insurance before being issued with a licence.
Details of the Boat Safety Scheme can be found at the environment agency, www.boatsafetyscheme.com
Insurance.
You also need third-party insurance for at least £1,000,000. This is to safeguard the owner or person in charge of the boat from claims made against them for injury or damage. You also have the option to take out a comprehensive policy to cover your own boat and crew.
You can find specialist marine insurers using the directory at www.waterscape.com
Moorings.
There are many free day moorings along the towpath of the Canal, but more long term permanent moorings are usually charged based on the length of your boat. Please note there is sometimes a waiting list.
More information is available on the waterways web site at www.waterscape.com/boating
Facilities on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.
Details of slipways, locks, docks, navigation, bridges, watering points and visitor moorings can be found at www.waterscape.com/boating/guides
For a good stopping off point for all information regarding all Somerset Waterways, tourist information, boat trips, and boat hire information:
Maunsel Canal Centre Banklands, North Newton, Bridgwater, Somerset.TA7 ODH
Phone 01823 663160
The centre is accessible by boat, walking, cycling, from the canal, and towpath, also by car from the Maunsel Lock car park.
Maunsel Lock Tea Gardens are open from Easter to the end of September.
For more information visit www.maunsellock.co.uk
Safety.
The river, canal, and towpath are shared by anglers, boats, cyclists, joggers, walkers and dog walkers, therefore safety, care and consideration should be exercised by everyone.
We would like to thank Derek Garrett of Creech St Michael for his help with this information. Derek can be contacted at derek.garett@tiscali.co.uk