Eco-friendly horse-power Cruises

Fancy a cruise with a difference? A Welsh tourist company that relies on eco-friendly horse-power has seen its bookings soar after appearing on TV.

Stephen Rees-Jones, who runs Bywater Holiday Cruises on the Montgomery Canal near Welshpool, began getting calls within hours of viewers seeing his horse-drawn narrow boat Sian on television recently.

The boat travels a section of the Montgomery Canal which volunteers recently re-opened to navigation, carrying a crew of three and being pulled by Buddy, a nine-year-old Clydesdale horse. It is a totally pollution free holiday, as there are no diesel fumes from an engine, just pure horse power. At night, when Buddy is stabled to recover from his labours, the passengers are accommodated ashore in small hotels or farm guest houses to try local cuisine and enjoy the scenery. Sian operates from April to October so if this is a holiday that appeals to you, book now or be prepared to wait for next year’s slots.