Canal cruising is bliss (and don’t forget your dog)
OVER MY lifetime I have watched Britain’s canals change from disastrous to triumphant. My first holiday afloat was back in the 1970s, when our parents took my brothers and me for a week on a narrowboat, the correct term for a canal boat.
But back then, canals were sad, soggy corridors of doom. Unloved and uncared for, they were often no more than ditches of stinky water.
The banks were mostly too overgrown to walk along and, to make matters worse, our hired boat was cold, uncomfortable and spent most of the week breaking down.
But that didn’t matter to us, we had the most amazing family adventure.
We loved it.when we got home, my father and older brother signed up to help with conserving these waterway treasures.
Fast forward a few decades and I have a family of my own, complete with grandkids.
A couple of years ago, my wife and I decided to take a few of them on a canal holiday.the minute we stepped on board, I realised the world of waterway holidays had changed, for ever. And very much for the better.
These days hire boats are more like long, thin, floating apartments with all mod cons, from bathroom to a kitchen to a living room.
Most modern boats have piping hot power showers, microwaves, wifi and central heating as standard. The other good news is that if you have a dog in your life they will be welcome on almost every hire boat you can find.
In the world of canals, almost everything and everywhere is dog friendly.
But when it comes to explaining the rise in popularity of the canal experience, it’s not just about the boats, no matter how cute and cosy they may be. The main attraction is the lifestyle. It is very seductive. The moment you sail off, the cares of the modern world start slipping from your shoulders.troubles fall away, like autumn leaves blown down from the trees.
It is like stepping back in time to the 1950s. Strangers stop to wave and say hello. Passing boaters smile and nod.
When it comes to locks and bridges, friendly advice and helping hands are waiting for you at every turn.along with tempting waterside pubs and cafés. Of course, it helps that boats travel at slightly less than walking speed. It changes the way you see the world.you drive up to the marina in a fast car and chug away on a slow boat.
Suddenly you are surrounded by peace and quiet.your heart rate slows, your breathing calms and you find yourself smiling at the simplest things.
With a tiller in your hand, an engine humming away beneath your feet and a cup of tea on the go, you really do feel like the captain of your very own ship.
It’s a great feeling.addictive too – it had me hooked from the first day, which is why we keep on returning to hire boats every year.
For those who don’t have the time, money or inclination for a life onboard, there is always the joy of the towpath. These days, canals and towpaths are much loved and well-maintained wildlife corridors.
One of my favourite ways to relax and recharge my batteries is to take the dog and head out to the nearest canal.
It’s easy to get to, easy to park, and is a surefire winner for walks.after all, you can’t get lost on a towpath.
Also, you get to enjoy a taste of the countryside. Towpaths are often lined with trees, changing with the seasons, so even if you return to the same walk time and time again, it will never get boring.
At this time of year, the rows of trees form red and gold cathedrals of leaf and branch.then there’s the bird life... kingfishers, herons and buzzards are common sights on the towpath. Once, I even saw an otter slink across the grass ahead.
It’s no wonder that television has noted their popularity, with canal and barging shows regularly on our screens.
Tales from the riverbank go down a storm online too.take a look at Facebook or Twitter and you will see countless videos of canal adventures.though I should admit that’s partially my fault.
Whenever I upload clips of my canal exploits, they regularly get over a hundred thousand views each, along with thousands of likes and countless kind comments.
The Canal and River Trust, a charitable body that looks after 2,000 miles of canals and waterways (with 2,980 bridges, 1,580 locks and 335 aqueducts), has an army of volunteers who help keep our canal system up and running.
However you choose to enjoy our waterways, one thing is sure, you won’t regret it.
And if you happen to see a smiling ex-pop star strolling along with his dog, filming it all on his phone, that might just be me.
Do say hello!
● If you fancy finding out more and even getting involved as a volunteer, check out canalrivertrust.org.uk