Canal aqueducts are among the most memorable sights on the inland waterways. They carry narrowboats, walkers and cyclists over rivers, roads, valleys and railway lines, often with views that stop you in your tracks. The best aqueducts on UK canals are not just impressive pieces of engineering. They are also beautiful places to pause, take…
Crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct by narrowboat is one of the great moments of the UK canal network. Set high above the River Dee on the Llangollen Canal, it combines dramatic scenery, historic engineering and a real sense of adventure. This Pontcysyllte Aqueduct narrowboat guide explains what to expect, how to plan your crossing, where to moor…
Canal tunnels are among the most memorable features of Britain’s inland waterways. Some are long, echoing passages through hillsides. Others are short, scenic tunnels that add a little drama to a day’s cruising. For walkers, they often mark fascinating points on a towpath route, with historic portals, ventilation shafts and engineering stories to uncover. If…
Blisworth Tunnel is one of the best-known tunnel passages on the Grand Union Canal and a memorable part of cruising through Northamptonshire. Long, dark and atmospheric, it links the village of Blisworth with Stoke Bruerne, passing beneath the surrounding countryside in a near-straight line. This Blisworth Tunnel narrowboat guide explains what to expect, how to…
Standedge Tunnel is one of the most memorable passages on the inland waterways. Cutting through the Pennines between Marsden in West Yorkshire and Diggle in Greater Manchester, it is a true highlight of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. This Standedge Tunnel narrowboat guide explains how the passage works, how to prepare your boat, what to expect…
One of the great joys of narrowboat life is being able to step off the stern and straight into a walk. Whether you want a gentle towpath stroll, a circular countryside route, a lock flight leg-stretcher or an afternoon exploring a historic town, the canal network offers endless choice. The best canal walks from a…
Packing for a narrowboat holiday is a little different from packing for a cottage, hotel or campsite. Space is limited, towpaths can be muddy, and the weather can change quickly, even in summer. The good news is that you do not need to bring everything. Most hire boats are well equipped with kitchen basics, safety…
A narrowboat holiday is all about slowing down, enjoying the water and making the most of life in a small space. Food plays a big part in that. With a little planning, you can eat well without spending your trip washing up, hunting for shops or trying to cook complicated meals in a compact galley….
A narrowboat holiday with children can be a brilliant way to slow down, spend proper time together and explore the waterways at a gentle pace. Instead of rushing between attractions, the journey becomes part of the adventure. Canal holidays suit curious children especially well. There are locks to watch, ducks to spot, bridges to count…
Autumn is a beautiful season in the UK, with the changing colours of the leaves creating a stunning display of natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking a narrowboat trip along one of the many scenic routes available. From the colourful countryside of Oxfordshire to the rugged hills of…
