Cold nights, damp mornings and snow, lots of snow. Come on, let's get real. Living on a canal boat in winter is a challenge. Along with it brings extra clothing, mud, slippery surfaces and careful planning down to the smallest details. Have you ordered enough fuel for the solid fuel burner? Have you checked that the gas bottle is full? Do you have warm clothing on hand? What happens if you get frozen in? How full is the diesel tank? See! Winter on a boat is a chore, right? Wrong! And let me explain why. Enjoy the Canal's Seasons What do I mean by that? Well, winter should be enjoyed as much as any other season. There are things about winter that are priceless. For starters, you get to wrap up warm, and I don't know anyone who doesn't love a scarf or a thick winter coat. Then there's the scenery. Living on a canal boat during the winter makes you feel closer to the elements and nature. And there's the snowfall. Christmas card scenes of rolling hills covered in white frosting as smoke curls upwards from the boat's stove chimney. Doesn't it make you feel all warm inside? Call it what you want, but we boaters like a bit of adversity. Partly, it's why we chose this life. It builds character and makes you feel like you could take on anything and win. Enjoy the Canal Boat Community I'm not saying the community spirit vanishes during other seasons, but in winter, you need friends more than ever. Let me demonstrate a sense of our canal community: I recently met a couple of boaters on my travels and we struck up a friendship. After meeting for the third time, I was invited to a gathering along a towpath to celebrate someone's birthday (and eat delicious curry). I didn't know the birthday boy, nor did I know anyone else that well, but I went anyway. By the end of the evening, we were the best of friends. Okay, I admit that several alcoholic beverages had passed my lips, but we had to keep warm somehow. Now that's what I mean by
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FEATURE (Category: summer | Country England | water | boating | rivers | scenic drives)..................REGISTER for LIGHTBOXTwo centuries ago England's canals were designed as the highways of the Industrial Revolution. Now these turning and twisting waterways are a haven of tranquility. For those with time to spend they form a superb way to explore the hidden corners of Britain's landscape.
Narrow Boat Greeting Card Celebrate life on the water with our beautifully crafted Narrow Boat Greeting Card. Perfect for any boating enthusiast! Direct from the Artist Size 158 x 158 mm FSC Certified - Recyclable Printed in the UK Individually wrapped Blank Inside
The best canal boat holiday ideas - for the most relaxing holiday you'll ever take. Canal boat holiday ideas in Britain, France, Sweden and Canada.
Britain is still basking in bright sunshine and above-average temperatures today with hundreds flocking to beaches and parks across the country to make the most of the warm weather.
We spent 3 epic days on board luxury canal boat, MollyMoo. Thanks to Bearboating canal boat hire in Yorkshire. Here's what we thought!
Canal holiday routes cruising rings with Drifters canal boating holidays in the UK. Holiday canal boats and narrowboats for hire in the UK.
Shaun was transfixed by canal boats, and after 10 years he's managed to save up enough to buy one. Here's what life's really like in a narrow boat
Imagine experiencing the freedom of a caravan/RV holiday/vacation but on the water. Across Europe, and in Ireland and Britain, canal boat getaways are very popular…
Dominique is a freelance 3D and Spacial Designer who wanted to create the ultimate floating home. Her aim is to tell the world that the canals of the UK can be a happy, fun loving and even designer chic alternative living space.
Canal views and scenes in Wales. Narrowboat holidays with Drifters.
This month's great read, selected by our editors: Going fast isn't an option on the Oxford Canal—to the delight of all who merrily, merrily cruise this British waterway.
One very leisurely way of enjoying the beautiful English countryside is by taking a boat down one of England's canals.
How slow can you go? If you are Chris Anderson, 4mph is about right, as he takes his wife and daughters on a calm-paced narrowboat holiday through pristine Welsh scenery.
Imagine experiencing the freedom of a caravan/RV holiday/vacation but on the water. Across Europe, and in Ireland and Britain, canal boat getaways are very popular…
Wondering what to do with the Bank Holiday weekend? Here's the Country Living pick of the top ten British canal boat holidays to inspire you.
FEATURE (Category: summer | Country England | water | boating | rivers | scenic drives)..................REGISTER for LIGHTBOXTwo centuries ago England's canals were designed as the highways of the Industrial Revolution. Now these turning and twisting waterways are a haven of tranquility. For those with time to spend they form a superb way to explore the hidden corners of Britain's landscape.
Find all the latest news on the environment and climate change from the Telegraph. Including daily emissions and pollution data.
A more local shot taken at Marple locks.
Olive has architect-designed interiors and is listed for £125k
Inspiring travel tips from the Cool Places team about the best places to stay in the UK and Europe - from family-friendly hotels to luxury pubs
One very leisurely way of enjoying the beautiful English countryside is by taking a boat down one of England's canals.
Napton Locks and the old lock-keeper's house on the Oxford Canal, seen from the village of Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire, The canal system, covering 4,000 kms, was the highway network for the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, and...
Featured at Londonist Extra Extra today. Just a few more "seasonals" from me - i cannot pass the autumn;-)
Imagine experiencing the freedom of a caravan/RV holiday/vacation but on the water. Across Europe, and in Ireland and Britain, canal boat getaways are very popular…
Did you know there are more than 3,000 miles of canals and rivers to explore across Britain? Here are six of the best of them.
If I lived in Britain or France, I would want to live aboard a narrowboat. Like the name suggests, these small ships are long and narrow, designed to navigate the extensive canal system throughout…
I never told you about my long walk on Wednesday. I walked west along the Grand Union Canal, which I've mentioned before and along which I often run. I went farther in that direction than I ever have -- about five miles -- through the industrial grit and cranes and tanks and faceless block buildings of North Acton. Along the way I saw lots of narrow boats, the ubiquitous canal boats that are built for plying the man-made waterways of the British Isles. I always love seeing how people decorate their narrow boats. There seems to be an unspoken agreement that quirky is the way to go. You gotta admire someone who uses an old hiking shoe as a planter. But why not? People live on board their narrow boats, or at least use them as vacation retreats. I've often told Dave we should buy a narrow boat if we ever have to leave our rented flat. I'm kidding -- I think -- but it seems like it would be a cheaper alternative to London housing! (Dave hates the idea, insisting that a narrow boat would be small and damp. Which is probably true.) Still, they are picturesque, aren't they?
The UK is criss-crossed with incredible canals and waterways that meander through stunning countryside and skirt past quaint towns and villages and they now make for a calm, quiet and relaxing way to explore Britain’s varied landscapes. Here are 8 amazing ways to enjoy Britain’s waterways:
