Barrow Boating celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Old Mill Basin on Mill Lane this year. The business operated on the Proctors’ site in the 80s and spent five years at the spot now known as The Moorings.

I had a chat with Cath Reeves outside Barrow Boating’s very own Riverside Cafe, who remembers feeling that the new location at the Old Mill Basin seemed more out of the way and isolated than their previous spot on Bridge Street. That said, both familiar faces and new guests continued to visit, and since then, this scenic riverside spot has bustled with activity, especially during the summer months and holidays. Cath recalls June of 2020 being especially busy, what with it being the first time people were allowed out in a while (remember Covid?!); in fact, 2020 was the best year ever!

Cath told of how, for the first year, Barrow Boating occupied one half of the basin. Now, the entire basin is filled with their boats. Lots of other things have changed since first taking up residence on Mill Lane. Up until about twelve years ago, you could hire narrow boats and holiday boats. Due to the demanding upkeep of these boats, however, the decision was made to no longer offer narrow and holiday boats for hire. Cath says it was a difficult decision, but it made room for plenty more fun boats and activities to take place.

I asked Cath what used to be popular but perhaps isn't so much now. Barrow Boating used to have fleets of rowing boats. These days, not so many people come to row, or even possess the skills to row! It appears that using a rowing machine is actually rather different from rowing an actual boat…

Over time, paddleboards have become more popular. In the height of summer, you’re sure to see hordes of paddleboards going down the Soar.

Although the team at Barrow Boating haven’t made any special plans to mark the occasion, it is certain that the second half of the year will bring lots of fun and activity. On top of that, Cath said that she looks forward to many more years of business! She told me how much they value being able to provide what they do at reasonable costs, and that Barrow Boating prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive for all.

Ruth Olivia