DAY trippers looking for a float along the water can head to the English/Welsh border from the start of May as canal trips return.

The popular trip boat George Watson Buck is based on the Montgomery Canal in Llanymynech and is due to restart 30-minute trips between England and Wales on Sunday, May 5 following a successful survey of the vessel.

Based at the Llanymynech Wharf Visitor Centre in the Limeworks Heritage Area in Llanymynech, the boat trips are ideal for visitors to the area to get a sense of the heritage and wildlife of the Montgomery Canal.

Roy Mansell, one of the volunteer skippers at the centre, said the boat has been spruced up for its latest seasons of trips and added that there’s plenty to do at the Wharf too.

He said: “Our 30 minute long boat trip is ideal for families who are looking for an inexpensive afternoon out in the local area.

“It’s long enough to be interesting and, at the same time, short enough to keep young enquiring minds active.

“There’s no need to book and you can always enjoy a drink or ice cream while you wait for the next trip boat.

“Our boat is wheelchair accessible, and we cater for visitors of all ages.”

He also thanked those who helped the volunteers give it a fresh look ahead of the summer.

He added: “We have just repainted most of the boat while it was out of the water and we’d like to express our thanks to Lee Hitch and his team at FixAuto Oswestry for their help recently.”

Volunteer run, both the boat and visitor centre offer an interesting insight into the canal and plans for its restoration.

Informative exhibitions in the old stable block highlight the history associated with the Montgomery Canal which was built to carry limestone from local quarries as well as passengers and agricultural goods.

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The visitor centre is open every Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from the spring to the end of September, from 1.30-4.30pm.

No booking is required for the boat trips and the visitor centre has light refreshments available and a picnic area.

Entrance to the visitor centre is free and boat trips cost £5 for adults and £2.50 per child.