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Christmas presents for canal lovers


Do you spend hours fretting over what to get your loved ones for Christmas each year? There’s no need to worry this December as we’ve decided to take all of the stress out of Christmas shopping for you. Take a look at our Christmas present ideas for the canal enthusiast in your life and get them something they really want this year.

Buy a book

If your loved one is a boater, cyclist, angler or walker there will be a canal-related book to suit them. From Ordinance Survey maps for walkers to plan their canal-side routes to books about lures or outboard motors there’s something for everyone.

If the person you’re buying for enjoys walking, cycling and boating, the Cool Canals series of books is worth a serious look. With titles including Cool Canals Weekend Walks, Cool Canals Pub Days Out and Britain's Great Waterways Outdoors these books provide plenty of ideas for inspirational days out by the canal.

Book a place on a canal camp

By buying a place on a canal camp, you’re giving your loved one the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and make a difference to the canal network at the same time. The Waterway Recovery Group’s canal camps involve spending a week outdoors restoring the canals. While the accommodation is basic and participants will need their own sleeping bag and air bed, hot showers are always available and all meals are provided.

The activities vary from camp to camp and include cutting back vegetation, restoring bridges and locks and there’s even the chance to learn how to drive a JCB!

For more information visit www.waterways.org.uk.

Join the National Waterways Museum

If you know someone who appreciates a good museum then membership of the National Waterways’ supporter scheme could be the perfect Christmas present. Not only will they get free entry to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, they will also gain free entry to the Gloucester Waterways Museum and The Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne for the year.

In addition supporters will receive a 12-month subscription to NarrowBoat Magazine, updates on the boat restoration work at the Museum and discounts in the shop and café.

For more information visit http://nwm.org.uk/SupportersScheme.html

Helmsman course

Whether your loved one owns a boat or is just thinking hiring a boat for a day, the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman course will make a great Christmas present.

Suitable for everyone from complete beginners to experienced boaters, the course covers a huge range of subjects including speed control and steering to navigating through tunnels and basic engine maintenance. The courses can last for one or two days and are open to ages 12 and up.

For more information visit www.rya.org.uk

Canoeing lessons

Canoeing lessons will make the perfect present for the more adventurous canal enthusiast on your Christmas list. As canoeing is such a low impact sport it can be enjoyed by all ages, making lessons a great option for a family Christmas present. Canals are the perfect place to take a canoeing lesson as the water is relatively calm and you can master the skills in a controlled environment.

Your local canoe club will be able to provide all the equipment needed to get started and arrange lessons.

For more information and to find your local club visit www.bcu.org.uk

Last updated: 05/12/2011

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