The North Oxford Canal is one of the most useful and enjoyable waterways in the Midlands, linking Braunston Junction with Hawkesbury Junction near Coventry. It is a favourite route for narrowboaters heading between the Grand Union Canal, the Coventry Canal and the wider Oxford Canal. This north oxford canal guide covers the key places, cruising…
How to Stop a Narrowboat Safely Learning how to stop a narrowboat is one of the most important skills for relaxed canal cruising. Narrowboats are slow, heavy and do not have brakes, so stopping is all about planning, gentle control and understanding how the boat responds. The good news is that stopping a narrowboat is…
The South Oxford Canal is one of the most rewarding routes on the inland waterways, especially if you enjoy quiet countryside, historic villages and a slower pace of cruising. This south oxford canal guide is written for narrowboaters planning a trip between Napton and Oxford, with practical notes on locks, moorings, services and places worth…
Learning how to slow down a narrowboat is one of the most important skills for relaxed and safe canal cruising. Narrowboats do not have brakes, and they do not stop like a car. They are heavy, slow to respond, and affected by water depth, wind, current and propeller action. The good news is that stopping…
The Erewash Canal is a rewarding waterway for boaters who enjoy a mixture of industrial heritage, quiet green stretches, practical cruising and a satisfying destination at the end. Running between Trent Lock and Langley Mill, it forms a useful and characterful route on the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire border. This Erewash canal guide covers the main…
Learning how to steer a narrowboat around bends is one of the most important skills for confident canal cruising. Narrowboats are long, heavy and slow to respond, so bends can feel awkward at first, especially on narrow canals, near moored boats or on blind corners. The good news is that steering around bends becomes much…
Living on a narrowboat can be a wonderfully rewarding way to simplify life, explore the waterways and feel closer to nature. But before taking the plunge, it is important to understand the ongoing costs involved. Narrowboat living costs vary widely depending on your boat, cruising style, location and expectations. Some people live very simply, while…
Narrowboat cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to explore the UK, but it can feel slightly daunting the first time you step aboard. The pace is slow, the scenery changes gently, and the skills are easy to learn with a little patience. This guide to narrowboat cruising for beginners covers the essentials, from…
The Nottingham Canal is one of the most interesting urban waterways in the East Midlands. It brings narrowboats close to the heart of Nottingham, while also linking with the River Trent, Beeston and the wider inland network. This Nottingham Canal guide is written for boaters, liveaboards, holiday hirers and anyone planning a towpath visit. It…
Learning how to approach a canal lock is one of the most important skills for any narrowboat skipper. Locks are part of the charm of the UK canal network, but they also demand patience, preparation, and good boat control. The good news is that a safe lock approach is usually calm and unhurried. If you…
