How to find a Roving Canal Trader.

Why read their blog of course!
At the bottom of my website is a Google map which I will update with our whereabouts when we set up to trade.
This year we are sadly leaving the lovely Kennet and Avon to travel up the Grand Union Canal (Brentford to Birmingham)

I have some dates for you now that market and festival booking has started in earnest.

We’re in Newbury in the dry dock this week having our bottom blacked, more about that later.

During the next few weeks we will be continuing towards the Reading end of the Kennet and Avon.

Easter
Our intention is to be open for business in Burghfield near The Cunning Man pub.

Approximately a half day cruise from there, the canal joins The Thames. We have approximately a week travelling on the Thames to Brentford, where the Grand Union Canal starts.
It all sounds very easy, which it is, if you know what to do. At the first EA lock, buy a temporary licence, spend a long day motoring then find a mooring, for which there is usually a charge of around £7 a night. Then move on each day until we reach Teddington lock after which the Thames is tidal. The lock keepers advise on the best time to leave in order to make it the 1.5 hour journey to Brentford during slack water. Canal boat engines are not very powerful and we all have flat bottoms so tidal currents are best avoided! Last time we did this journey we nearly missed the Grand Union entrance..it’s here somewhere..oh, was that it??!! On turning, the current pushed us towards the bushes and we thought we were in trouble. However the captain kept his cool and we made it!

Market Bookings so far
5th-7th May Berkhamsted RCTA Floating Market
19th-20th May Near Rickmansworth when the festival is on
4th-5th August Fenny Stratford Canal Festival. Milton Keynes
24th-27th August Milton Keynes RCTA Market (to be confirmed)

I’ll keep you updated as other bookings and dates come in.
Look forward to seeing you.