We did Napton to Banbury return in a week. Easy booking process. Great boat, well designed, immaculately clean. Well equipped galley. This was our first canal boat holiday and we had overestimated how far we could get. The suggested routes on the website would mean cruising most of the day. We are a couple in our 60s and pretty fit but in late May (not many other boats around) we were (I was!)doing most of the locks on my own and it was pretty hard work. If there is a possibility of rain take waterproof overpants! A wonderful way to see the countryside and enjoy nature and villages along the way. An active holiday. For beginners, especially just a couple, I would recommend really researching your route beforehand and choosing one with fewer locks or one with lock keepers. Or take an extra person with you!