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Winter canal activities


The weather has cooled down and the crowds have dispersed, but that’s no reason to turn your back on the canals until spring. Winter waterways have a charm all of their own, which the fair-weather canal-lovers are missing out on. There’s no better time of year to have your local canal all to yourself, so wrap up warm and get out there with waterscape’s guide to winter canal activities.

Boating

A narrowboat might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a winter holiday, but the canals can be magical at this time of year. Many hire boat companies offer winter cruising, and prices are cheaper than in the busy summer months.

Robin Smithett, chairman of Drifters, says: “Winter cruising gives people the chance to crank up the on-board heating, light the stove, stop off at cosy country pubs with roaring log fires and wake up to frosty towpaths and crisp clean air.

“Today’s canals boats are fully equipped with all the essential mod cons, including central heating, hot water, TV, DVD players, showers and flushing toilets, so whatever the weather, it’s always nice and cosy on board.”

Be aware that British Waterways carries out essential maintenance work in winter, and some sections of canal may be closed. Plan your route by checking the planned closures, and stay up to date by signing up for email alerts, on waterscape’s stoppage pages.

Fishing

Fishing on the canals in winter can be even better than in the heat of summer. Tony Keeling, an angling journalist from the West Midlands, says: “Fish can show very heavily at this time of year, especially in places that are sheltered from the wind, for example, near boat yards, near locks or opposite inflows.

“It can be a little hit and miss, but huge catches can be taken at this time of year on the canals. You can catch a lot of silver fish species, roach, skimmers, and, in some areas, chubb. Anglers don’t know what they’re missing by putting their rods away in the winter.”

Always remember to wrap up warm on your winter fishing trip, and children should be accompanied by an adult.

Find out more about fishing on the canals.

Walking

A brisk stroll along the towpath on a crisp winter morning can be an invigorating experience, especially if you have a hot pub meal to look forward to at the end of it. The canal towpaths have the advantage of often being less muddy than other footpaths.

Of course, it is important to take proper precautions against the cold. Maria Castellina from the Rambler advises: “In winter it’s particularly important that you have enough warm clothes, a waterproof coat and footwear and something with you to eat and drink to keep your energy levels up.

“When walking in the snow, try and walk on un-touched snow as it will be less icy underfoot and always wear a pair of gloves so that you can keep your hands warm but out of your pockets, just in case you should fall.”

Try one of waterscape’s suggested winter walking routes. They can all be done in two hours or less, and all feature a pub somewhere along the route.

Kayaking and canoeing

With fewer boats out on the canals and rivers, winter is a good time for canoeing and kayaking. Recent improvements in the equipment available now mean that it’s easier than ever to stay warm while paddling. In an unpowered craft, you will glide almost silently along the water, giving you a great chance of spotting winter wildlife along the way.

Ed Moss, British Waterways’ national volunteering manager, is a keen canoeist. He says: “Despite our dismal opinion of the weather in this country, it doesn’t rain as much as we think. From your kayak you get to see a wonderful change in seasons at first hand.

“You will see a side of the country that most people don’t, a view that’s only accessible by water. Plus, you will end up with some great stories to tell while you are thawing out in the pub afterwards!”

For more information about getting started and finding your local canoe club or centre visit www.canoe-england.org.uk.

Last updated: 25/10/2011

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