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Take a walking holiday on the canals and rivers


Britain’s canal and river network provides a unique viewpoint of the country and it's not just the boaters who can make the most of the opportunities on offer. Walkers are well catered for by the canals with mile upon mile of canal towpaths, waterside pubs, cafes and leisure facilities within easy reach.

Whether you enjoy walking to keep fit, walking as part of a group, slow saunters through the countryside or longer jaunts the length of the country, there will be a route along the canals and rivers to suit every ability and interest. With over 1,500 miles of walking routes around the country, linking to thousands of miles of footpaths, there's more than enough to keep you occupied for years to come.

Walking can help you lose weight

While many people opt for a day out by the water, spending a little longer opens up so many more possibilities and a walking holiday on the canals is the perfect way to make the most of the British countryside. In addition, the NHS says: “Walking will increase your muscle tone, boost metabolism, ease stress, raise energy levels and improve sleep, which combined can also help you lose weight.” What more of an excuse could you want to book some time out of your usual schedule and make your way down to the water?

The bird life by the canals is unrivalled

It's not just health benefits that make a walking holiday on the canals an attractive option. Where else but by the water would you get to see such a diverse range of wildlife? Whether you are a twitcher at heart or just enjoy feeding the ducks your crusts, the bird life by the canals is unrivalled.

The canals and rivers are also home to cuter creatures with water voles and otters gracing lucky walkers with occasional sightings. If you are walking with children why not keep them focussed throughout the day by compiling a list of butterflies and other flying insects? As it's the International Year of Biodiversity, they could even help out with the British Waterways' Wildlife survey and help log the wildlife along the way.

The canals and rivers provide a huge range of walking options for all abilities. As many canals are relatively flat and accompanied by canal towpaths, they make an excellent option for those new to walking holidays or those who like to have a more firm footing. And as the canals and rivers all follow the water's edge it's almost impossible to get lost making them great for those whose map reading is wanting.

Accommodation is never a problem by the canals

Accommodation is never a problem by the canals with a number of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Hotels and inns can be found the entire length and breadth of the canal and river network, while for those more adventurous types camping is always an option. Hotel boats offer a more unusual alternative for those who want to immerse themselves in a watery experience and there are even companies who will organise your accommodation for you with luggage transfers included. Meanderholidays.co.uk will book your accommodation along a route for every night of your trip, transfer your baggage and take you back to your car at the end of the holiday.

A weekend is long enough to enjoy a couple of days walking and you could perhaps take in a circular route one day and the next set out in the opposite direction and catch public transport back to your starting point. For a longer family holiday why not alternate days between walking and leisure attractions near the canals?

The canals and rivers provide a perfect holiday setting year-round. What could be satisfying than frost covered trees overhanging the canal in winter, spring bulbs and ducklings or summer greenery accompanied by birdsong?

For more information about walking routes around the canals and rivers, 1 waterscape.com has numerous waymarked walks to choose from in all areas of the country.

Last updated: 13/04/2010