Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Thursday 8th January 2009

topical features

Top tips for winter boating

Ice on the canal, freezing pipes and slippery surfaces, boating in winter is a whole new ball game. Stay safe with these top ten tips for boating in colder weather.

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Free days out by canals and rivers

Everyone’s purse strings are a little tight around this time of year – but it’s still possible to get out and enjoy the winter scenery without spending a small fortune. Simply head for the canals and take to the towpaths for a family outing that’s free, fun and quite possibly educational as well.

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Top waterside attractions to visit in 2009

With so many waterway destinations around Britain, it’s hard to find time to visit them all, but to make things easier we’ve compiled a list of the top waterside attractions to visit in 2009.

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A day in the life of a patrol officer

I’m Jo Hatch - a customer service advisor for British Waterways in Watford. Since I started, I’ve been fascinated with the role of BW’s patrol officers and Andy Beal, patrol officer for the Lee and Stort, invited me to join him for the day. I had no idea what the day would have in store for me, but I was excited, and a little nervous...

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The River Stort Sculpture Trail

Four freestanding sculptures and a metal and glass walkway form the three-and-a-half mile waterside trail along the River Stort linking Parndon Mill to the Gibberd Garden in Harlow.

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Top children’s attractions by the canals and rivers

If you’re struggling for ideas on how to keep the children entertained, you need look no further for inspiration than Britain’s fantastic array of canals and rivers.

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40 years of memories

Life continues at 40: How messing about on boats saved Britain’s waterways.

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Your favourite places to visit by the water

Have you had a great day out a canal museum this year? Perhaps you enjoyed a cruise along one of the network’s unforgettable aqueducts? Or maybe you walked along your local canal or river to explore a famous heritage attraction?

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Cost-conscious boating in the credit crunch

Times are tough, but there are simple ways to save money behind the tiller. Careful and considerate boating can lead to cost-savings for boaters and help to keep the waterways in a good condition. A win win situation for all!

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Get fit after Christmas

Christmas is over for another year, but do you find that all that rich food has left you with a nagging reminder of the festive season?

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