A former railway engineer has turned his hands to a slower form of transport on part of the UK’s 2,000 miles of rivers and inland waterways.

Richard Froud, 52, has set up a new water taxi service on the Kennet & Avon Canal between Semington and the top lock in Bath.

He is offering trips for up to 12 passengers that could take up to three hours to reach their destination while they enjoy the company and the canal scenery.

Richard Froud's Champagne Jenny water taxi on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Richard Froud's Champagne Jenny water taxi on the Kennet & Avon Canal. (Image: Richard Froud)
Richard, who used to drive excavation machines on the UK’s rail network, has lived on a 57-feet wide beam canal boat, Lady Elsa, for the past two years.

He said: “I launched the water taxi service on Monday and am focusing on staying downstream of the canal lock at Bradford on Avon.

“The trip between Bradford on Avon and Bath takes two and a half hours but I am also offering shorter one-hour trips.”

Richard Froud with his Champagne Jenny water taxi.Richard Froud with his Champagne Jenny water taxi. (Image: Janis Mogie)

His water taxi Champagne Jenny will also take passengers on a one-hour trip from Bradford on Avon to the Cross Guns at Avoncliff and back, with rail links available from Avoncliff Halt station.

Based at the Marsh Farm campsite at Hilperton, Richard will also run one- hour return trips from the top lock in Bath to the George Inn pub at Bathampton.

Mr Froud plans to charge each person £15 for a three-hour trip from Bradford on Avon to Bath, based on eight passengers sharing, or £10 for a one-hour trip, based on four passengers sharing.

He says the service will appeal to people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and to hen/stag party organisers.

Richard Froud's Champagne Jenny water taxi can seat up to 12 passengers.Richard Froud's Champagne Jenny water taxi can seat up to 12 passengers. (Image: Richard Froud)

He is also offering all-day trips at £35 per person, saying: “The boat and skipper will be available to you all day. You choose the route and stops.

“The skipper will wait for you at any location along the route and return you to your final destination safely at the end of the day.”

Richard added: “We have had lots of interest. I have had 1,000 likes already on social media.”

“Everybody I have spoken to thinks it’s a good idea. We are just waiting for the bookings to come in. I am sure that bookings will pick up in the summer when the sun comes out.”

To use Richard’s water taxi service, call 07427 122307 or click here.