Waterway Routes

Maps and DVDs for the Waterways of Britain

Waterway Routes Blog

Crick 2018

Once again it’s the late spring Bank Holiday and time for the Crick Boat Show.  All this came in one car and we’ve spent the day setting up our stand. We’re looking forward to...

Waiouru

Waiouru

Some blog readers will remember Tom and Jan, former owners of narrowboat Waiouru who have now returned to Australia. Tom blogged regularly about their travels around the waterways and their use of my Waterway...

Map Updates – Issue 75 – May 2018

I’m pleased to announce the May 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most changes are:- England & Wales...

River Great Ouse and Tributaries DVDs

I am pleased to say our River Great Ouse and Tributaries DVDs have just been released. The River Great Ouse and Tributaries DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a...

Map Updates – Issue 74 – April 2018

I’m pleased to announce the April 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England...

Level Access

The Canal & River Trust (CRT) issued an email this morning saying that the River Severn was now navigable after being in flood for several days. The water levels were very raised when cycled...

Map Updates – Issue 73 – March 2018

I’m pleased to announce the March 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England...

New Crew Member

We are delighted to welcome our latest crew member, Evelyn Balmer, born Friday 16th February. A day trip to Stalybridge (Manchester) enabled two grandparents to take their turn holding Evelyn. How long will it...

Map Updates – Issue 72 – February 2018

I’m pleased to announce the February 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:-...

Middle Level Navigations DVDs

I am pleased to say our Middle Level Navigations DVDs have just been released. The Middle Level Navigations DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the...

Map Updates – Issue 71 – January 2018

I’m pleased to announce the January 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:-...

The Wash Maps

I have recently added a map for The Wash.  Please note this is for general information only and should not be used for navigation.  You should use full charts, an experienced pilot or guide,...

River Nene DVDs

I am pleased to say our River Nene DVDs have just been released. The River Nene DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the highlights of...

Map Updates – Issue 70 – December 2017

I’m pleased to announce the December 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:-...

Bradford Canal

The Bradford Canal once ran from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Shipley to Bradford.  It opened in 1774 and closed in 1922.  There are proposals to re-open it. I have added the Bradford...

Wisbech Canal Maps

The Wisbech Canal once ran between the tidal River Nene at Wisbech and Well Creek at Outwell on the Middle Level Navigations. It was closed in 1926. I have added the Wisbech Canal to...

Map Updates – Issue 68 – November 2017

I’m pleased to announce the November 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:-...

Islip Footbridge

The footbridge just below Islip Lock on the River Nene is one of the lowest on the river and its limited headroom presents difficulties for some boaters. This is how the bridge looked heading...

Christmas

As it’s 25th October, just two months until Christmas , I hope you don’t mind me mentioning that word. DVDs make great presents and may be helpful for those planning next year’s holiday, remembering...

Map Updates – Issue 67 – October 2017

I’m pleased to announce the October 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:-...

Canal Shop Sale

A double sale opportunity. Neil’s Canal Shop has been the largest outlet for my DVDs for many years.  He sells a great range of canal products from many suppliers. Neil is retiring and closing...

Map Updates – Issue 66 – September 2017

I’m pleased to announce the September 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:-...

See us at Fradley Junction

We’ve found a lovely mooring spot at Fradley Junction, just below Junction Lock on the Trent & Mersey Canal. We’re opposite the cafe and services and we expect to be here throughout Friday and...

See us at Braunston

We’ve found a lovely spot at Braunston for the Bank Holiday Weekend.  The toll house and marina are close behind us, with the the junction a little way ahead. It’s signed as a 48...

Map Updates – Issue 65 – August 2017

I’m pleased to announce the August 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:-...

Map Updates – Issue 64 – July 2017

I’m pleased to announce the July 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England &...

Great Ouse Progress

Out travels have continued as we film along the River Great Ouse and its tributaries.  We’re reached the navigable limits of the Relief Channel, the River Wissey, the River Little Ouse and the River...

Great Ouse Bore

There are approximately sixty rivers with tidal bores around the world, with eleven in Great Britain, where the River Severn Bore is probably the best known. The River Great Ouse has a bore, which...

Cruising Down the River Nene – 3

We’ve continued downstream on the River Nene passing many lovely locations along the way. The heatwave slowed us down a little but the blue sky and fluffy white cloud was great for filming. We...

Cruising Down the River Nene – 2

Another stunning day of sunshine saw us cruising down the River Nene to Thrapston. One of our first challenges was the Radial Gate on Ditchford Lock.  This is power operated, like most of the...

Cruising down the River Nene – 1

We heading downstream on the River Nene, filming for a forthcoming DVD and checking the data for our River Nene maps. After a couple of days rest in Northampton to polish the boat and...

Map Updates – Issue 63 – June 2017

I’m pleased to announce the June 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England...

Braunston

After waiting for the extremely wet and windy weather to pass at the start of last week we made our way to Braunston where we spent the weekend, using our Roving Trader Licence. Early...

Lawton Locks

Having recovered from a very busy Crick Boat Show where we met lots of lovely customers, we were ready to set off for our summer cruise this morning.  We’ve travelled a long distance if...

Crick Boat Show 2017 – Friday

We’ve spent a busy day setting up our stand ready for the opening of the Crick Boat Show tomorrow. We’ve transformed a large pile of boxes etc. which we managed to fit into the car,...

Crick Boat Show 2017

The 2017 Crick Boat Show opens on Saturday morning and we’ll be there.  We’ve expanded to our largest ever stand – on a corner near the centre of the main marquee, larger than our...

Extract from England & Wales Cruising Map.

Map Updates – Issue 62 – May 2017

I’m pleased to announce the May 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with significant changes are:- England & Wales...

Kennet & Avon Canal DVDs

I am pleased to say our Kennet & Avon Canal DVDs have just been released. The Kennet & Avon Canal DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing...

Green Padlock, HTTPS and SSL

That title is quite a mouthful and it sums up a few days’ work. Modern browsers identify secure web pages in various ways such as turning part of the address green, showing a padlock...

Map Updates – Issue 61 – April 2017

I’m pleased to announce the April 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with significant changes are:- England & Wales...

Wey & Arun Canal – FREE Maps

I’m pleased to announce the release of the next in my series of free canal maps for restoration projects. This covers the Wey & Arun Canal, the River Arun, the River Rother, and the Portsmouth &...

Melton Mowbray Navigation and Oakham Canal – FREE Maps

I’m pleased to announce the latest release in my series of free maps supporting waterway restoration projects. The Melton Mowbray Navigation runs from the junction with the Grand Union Canal’s Leicester Section at Syston,...

Map Updates – Issue 60 – March 2017

Yes, I do mean Issue 60.  That’s more map updates than you’ll get from anywhere else. I’m pleased to announce the March 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. Many of the maps...

River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal DVDs

I am pleased to say our River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal DVDs have just been released. The River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular –...

Map Updates – Issue 59 – February 2017

I’m pleased to announce the February 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. Many of the maps have changes this month – those with significant changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Daventry...

Map Updates – January 2017 – Issue 58

I’m pleased to announce the January 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. I’ve imported new OS background maps this month, so all the maps have been re-issued. A few have no...

Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Maps

I am pleased to announce the December release of my maps includes Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Maps and, like all my maps for restoration projects, these are FREE to download. The canal once...

Canal Shop is for sale

Just in case you hadn’t spotted the advert on Daltons, Neil’s Canal Shop Mail Order Business is for sale. As a mail order business you could run this from anywhere, so if you would...

Map Updates – December 2016 – Issue 57

I’m pleased to announce the December 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this...

River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs

I am pleased to say our River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs have just been released and they will make great Christmas presents. The River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs are available in our usual...

Map Updates – November 2016 – Issue 56

I’m pleased to announce the November 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this...

Map Updates – October 2016 – Issue 55

I’m pleased to announce the October 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this...

Map Updates – September 2016 – Issue 54

I’m pleased to announce the September 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this...

IWA Festival of Water – Pelsall

The IWA Festival of Water 2016 takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.  This year it’s at Pelsall at the junction of the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Cannock Extension Canal, towards the...

Shrewsbury and Newport Canals

The Shrewsbury Canal once ran from Shrewsbury to Wappenshall Junction where it met the Newport Canal which ran to meet the Shropshire Union Canal at Norbury Junction. Branches included the Donnington Wood Canal and...

Map Updates – August 2016 – Issue 53

I’m pleased to announce the August 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this...

Free Central Heating

We may be hoping it stays too hot to need the central heating on our boat for a while but, sooner or later, we will need it working. For the last two winters we have...

Susan’s Graduation

Our daughter and crew member, Susan’s graduation ceremony was this afternoon, in the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Susan graduated as Bachelor of Science in Dimensions in Health Care (Paediatric Intensive Care) with First Class...

Map Updates – July 2016 – Issue 52

I’m pleased to announce the July 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month...

Happy customers

I am always pleased to receive feedback, and lots of my customers sent lovely feedback during June. Here’s a few of their comments:- Thank you Paul. Much appreciated. From MS, Kent – after I...

River Wey

We’re on the River Wey, filming for the planned River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs.  With the recent wet weather it’s been a nightmare finding opportunities to film when the River Wey wasn’t in...

Map Updates – June 2016 – Issue 51

I’m pleased to announce the June 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month...

Crick Boat Show

We’ve just finished a busy day setting up our stand at the Crick Boat Show. We’ve moved location, a little, to get a bigger stand this year to celebrate our anniversaries, but we are...

Grand Union Canal – Leicester Section DVDs

I am pleased to say our Grand Union Canal – Leicester Section DVDs have just been released. The Grand Union Canal – Leicester Section DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television...

Standedge Tunnel

In 2013 we passed through Standedge Tunnel as we were filming for our South Pennine Ring DVDs.  I was steering the boat and didn’t have much chance to appreciate the inside of the tunnel. Here we...

Map Updates – May 2016 – Issue 50

I’m pleased to announce the May 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. All of the maps have been updated this month, to include the latest Ordnance Survey (OS) background maps. Most have...

Map Updates – April 2016 – Issue 49

I’m pleased to announce the April 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month...

Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust

We’ve just returned from our first cruise of the season over the past two days, from our home mooring at Sherborne Wharf to Wolverhampton and back.  It’s always nice to be cruising again, and...

Helping Seyella

It was early yesterday morning when I arrived in Wigan by train.  I was on the way to help Geoff and Mags on Seyella come down the Wigan Flight. I paused to say hello...

10th Anniversary

Ten years ago today I sold the first Waterway Routes DVD. After many hours of careful editing, I added the Leeds & Liverpool Canal DVD to my website and crossed my fingers to see how it would...

Bridgewater Canal Stop Gates – 2

I recently blogged about the new stop gates being installed on the Leigh Arm of the Bridgewater Canal. Tom & Jan on Waiouru have cruised through the re-opened canal today and been kind enough...

Map Updates – March 2016 – Issue 48

I’m pleased to announce the March 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. Those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal Map Bridgewater Canal Map Grand Union Canal Map...

Hulme Locks Branch

The Hulme Locks Branch of the Bridgewater Canal was opened in 1838 to provide a link from the main line of the Bridgewater Canal to the River Irwell, then the Mersey and Irwell Navigation....

Precision Timing

While cycling along the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal recently to check my map data I encountered new signs, intended for cyclists. This was the first sign I found, at Leigh....

Hollinwood and Stockport Canals Map

My February map updates included an increase in the routes covered, with the addition of a map covering the Hollinwood Canal and the Stockport Canal. Some might consider these to be called the Hollinwood...

Bridgewater Canal Stop Gates

The Bridgewater Canal has been closed since 2nd November 2015, just to the west of Worsley, for the installation of stop gates. Large warning signs at each end, like this one at Leigh, handily...

Map Updates – February 2016 – Issue 47

The February 2016 monthly updates for my maps are now available on my website. You can see a full list of the issued maps and those with significant changes are: England & Wales Canal Map...

Barton Lift Bridge

In my previous post about the Mersey Gateway I described a new bridge being constructed across the Manchester Ship Canal near Runcorn. There’s another new bridge being constructed across the ship canal nearer Manchester....

Mersey Gateway

The Mersey Gateway project will provide a new road link to relive pressure on the existing road bridge at Runcorn. It’s being constructed to the east of the existing bridge, and scheduled for completion in...

How Big Is Your Bridge?

On the way back from seeing progress with repainting our boat in the autumn I took up an invitation to visit Willow Wren Training. They are excavating the arm at their training centre which...

Runcorn Locks

Runcorn Locks once linked the Bridgewater Canal to the Runcorn & Weston Canal, the Manchester Ship Canal and, previously, the River Mersey. History Opened in 1776, the Bridgewater Canal was linked to the River...

Runcorn & Weston Canal

The Runcorn & Weston Canal ran parallel to the River Mersey, through the outskirts of Runcorn, for 2.4km (1.5 miles).  At the southern end it joined the Weston Canal of the River Weaver Navigation through...

Ravenhead Canal

I hadn’t heard of the Ravenhead Canal until recently.  I discovered it while researching the St Helens Canal. The St Helens Canal has a Ravenhead Branch and Googling for that threw up references to the Ravenhead...

St Helens Canal

History The St Helens Canal ran from the River Mersey near Warrington to reach the outskirts of St Helens.  It’s sometimes known as the Sankey Canal as it used the line of the Sankey Brook in...

Map Updates – January 2016 – Issue 46

The January 2016 monthly updates for my maps are now available on my website. You can see a full list of the issued maps and those with significant changes are: England & Wales Canal...

Lapal Canal

The Lapal Canal is the name now associated with the restoration of the Dudley No 2 Canal using an alternative route in places. History The Dudley No 2 Canal once ran from Parkhead Junction...

Bradley Canal

The Bradley Canal is the name being given to the waterway created by the proposed restoration of closed canals within the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN).  The Bradley Canal will provide a new route between the BCN Walsall...

Uttoxeter Canal Map

The Uttoxeter Canal once ran from Froghall Junction at the end of the Caldon Canal to Uttoxeter.  The canal opened in 1811 and closed in 1849, except for the first lock and basin which...

Map Updates – December 2015 – Issue 45

I’ve just released the December batch of map updates, bringing them up to issue 45.  Over forty maps have been updated, although many of the changes are very minor but I like to keep...

Into Birmingham

We continued along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal into Birmingham. The winter sunshine wasn’t producing much warmth and we were glad of the locks to work to keep us warm. We weren’t the only...

Homewards along the Coventry Canal

We’re heading home with our repainted Waterway Routes Narrowboat. The sunshine looks nice but it was bitterly cold. There was a sprinkling of snow on the boat this morning and it took until nearly lunchtime...

Repainted Waterway Routes Narrowboat

We left Rose Narrowboats this morning with our newly repainted Waterway Routes Narrowboat. A few days ago it was behind those green doors in the paint shed.  Paul (the painter) has finished his hard...

Chesterfield Canal DVDs

I am pleased to say our Chesterfield Canal DVDs have just been released and they will make great Christmas presents. The Chesterfield Canal DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television...

Map Updates – November 2015 – Issue 44

I’ve just published the monthly update to my maps for November 2015 and the England & Wales map is now as Issue 44. Many of the changes are small, but important to those involved. ...

More Gloss Coats

Further progress with repainting our boat, visible during two recent visits. Last week I saw the first gloss coat rubbed down and the second gloss coat being applied.  The name panel looks shiny with...

First Top Coat

I was back at Rose Narrowboats again yesterday, to see even more progress with repainting our narrowboat. The bows, which looked shiny in my last post because the undercoat was wet have been sanded...

Barnsley and Dearne & Dove Canals

The Barnsley and Dearne & Dove Canals are derelict, with plans for restoration.  Together they will form a through route between the Aire & Calder Navigation and the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation. There are...

More painting

While our boat is out of the water the hull is being blacked, with parts of it already done.  The anodes are approaching the end of their life and won’t last until the next...