Jane Hyde

2 weeks ago | canalboat.co.uk | Jane Hyde

In the first part of our guide to the great southern circuit of waterways, we follow the windings of the narrow Oxford Canal north from Banbury, before taking the contrasting broad Grand Union Canal south east through Braunston to Stoke Bruerne. Words and pictures by Martin LudgateThree contrasting waterways – one wide canal, one narrow canal, one river – make up a 246-mile circuit which we call the Thames Ring.

2 weeks ago | canalboat.co.uk | Jane Hyde

River Canal Rescue has extended the deadline for its story-telling competition to 31 May, giving boaters more time to submit an entry about ‘life on the cut’. The story – a maximum of 700 words and three photos – must relate to boating over the past 25 years and can be funny, dramatic etc, as long as it reflects a ‘real life’ experience. The competition, launched in March, is to celebrate 25 years of River Canal Rescue supporting the boating community.

2 weeks ago | canalboat.co.uk | Jane Hyde

Only a few weeks to go until River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary celebration! The free family-friendly party is from 1-7pm on Sunday 8 June, at the Stafford Riverway Link Grounds, Baswich, Stafford, ST17 4FR. Near RCR HQ (br 101 on the Staffs &Worcs canal). Bringing together the local community, boaters, past and current RCR members, staff and families, everyone is welcome to this fun day out.

2 weeks ago | canalboat.co.uk | Jane Hyde

By Monday 26th May 72-year-old Kate Ainslie Williams, originally from Stanton in Gloucestershire, will have completed walking along all the major long canals in England, finishing with the Thames and Severn Canal  at Lechlade but starting in Stratford-upon-Avon. Over the years she has walked over 1,000 miles along the canals raising money for charity. This final walk is for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, to raise vital funds for people living with MND – a cause that is deeply personal.

2 weeks ago | canalboat.co.uk | Jane Hyde

As the days start to lengthen and thoughts turn to holiday boating, we’ve got a selection of suggestions for routes to cruise this summer. So where is it to be in 2025? Are you new to the waterways, looking forward to your first hireboat holiday, and trying to make your mind up where to go? Or are you a boat owner or regular holiday hirer looking for somewhere different to cruise this year?