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Everything You Need to Know to Cruise with Confidence Driving a canal boat (also called “steering” or “helming”) might seem daunting at first — especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry — it’s much easier than it looks. With a little patience, some basic technique, and a steady hand, you’ll be confidently cruising […]

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started on the Water If you’ve never hired a canal boat before, one of the most common questions is:“What happens when we arrive — do we just get handed the keys and set off?” Absolutely not! A proper canal boat handover is a key part of the holiday — it […]

Looking for a peaceful break full of waterside pubs, countryside charm, and easy cruising? A 3-day canal boat holiday from Burscough heading westbound offers just that — no locks, no rush, just the freedom of the water and the beauty of Lancashire’s rural canal landscape. Perfect for beginners, couples, or families, this short itinerary along […]

If you’re short on time but craving a relaxing getaway, a 3-day canal boat holiday from Burscough is the ideal escape. Nestled on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Lancashire, Burscough offers easy access to scenic cruising, charming villages, and peaceful moorings — all at a gentle, slow-travel pace. Whether you’re new to boating […]

If you’re dreaming of a unique getaway filled with scenic cruising, heritage canal routes, and a mix of countryside and urban charm, a canal boat holiday from Burscough to Manchester might be just the trip you’re looking for. This route along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal (and connecting waterways) is a brilliant mix of peaceful […]

If you’re looking for a slow-paced, scenic adventure that winds its way through countryside, villages, and into one of the UK’s most vibrant cities — a canal cruise from Burscough to Liverpool is the perfect journey. Whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned narrowboat fan, this route offers a fantastic mix of nature, heritage, […]

If you have ever sailed with us it is highly likely you will have noticed the very imposing ‘Ainscough Mill’ as we travel east after passing through ‘The Wharf’. It’s been the home of luxury apartments for the last ten years but it has an interesting history with strong links to the Leeds and Liverpool […]

Following the British Expeditionary Force’s chaotic evacuation from the Dunkirk beaches in 1940 there was a very real threat of invasion by the rampant German military. Their plan for invasion was code named ‘Operation Sea Lion’ and they planned to sail by August 15th. The aptly named General Sir Edmund Ironside was tasked by Sir […]

This spell of very cold weather has led to stretches of the canal network icing up and has us remembering the devastating winter of 1962/3 which effectively killed the canal network as a commercial proposition. From December 1962 through to March 1963 the canal network was completely frozen and unpassable despite the efforts of icebreaker […]

It’s easy to take our local canal for granted if you are a frequent walker or a cyclist. We have some beautiful countryside alongside the canal including the 7 mile Rufford Branch which boaters can use to access The Ribble Linkand onto the Lancaster Canal and 42 miles of lock free cruising. This post looks […]