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Biggest, straightest and more


Ever wondered if you have cruised on the highest, straightest or quietest waterway?

The highest point on the canal system is the summit of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, which is 656ft above sea level. The Pennine ridge rises higher still, but rather than climb it with any more locks, the canal enters into Standedge Tunnel at this point.

Most people know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice - but few know the exact figure. In fact, the Birmingham Canal Navigations extend to just over 100 miles, including two long tunnels, several aqueducts and even a waterway version of Spaghetti Junction. A further 60 miles were closed in the early and mid-20th century, and volunteers are working to reopen several of these.

The straightest canal on the network is South Yorkshire’s New Junction Canal, which was built in 1907 as a link between two other waterways. It follows a completely straight course for 5 1/2 miles.

A strong contender for the title of ‘quietest waterway’ must be the Old Bedford River / Forty Foot Drain route through the Middle Level Navigations. One of two through-routes between the East Anglian rivers and the main system, it is only open for two weekends every month. Even then, no boats are believed to have made the passage between 1995 and 2002.

Although not in England, the biggest tidal rise had to be mentioned and can be found on the River Wye at Chepstow, which has an incredible tidal range. The difference between low tide and high tide here can be as much as 40ft - the second largest in the world. In the shadow of Chepstow Castle, the river was once a busy trading route but is now more usually frequented by canoes and sailing boats.

Last updated: 22/10/2008