🚧 How a Canal Lock Works: A Simple Guide for First-Time Boaters
Making Sense of the Locks That Lift and Lower Your Narrowboat If you’re new to canal boating, the idea of steering a boat into a big chamber, closing gates behind you, and moving up or down in the water can sound a bit daunting. But don’t worry — canal locks are clever, simple pieces of […]
🚤 How to Drive a Canal Boat: A Beginner’s Guide to Taking the Tiller
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 […]
🛥️ What to Expect During Your Canal Boat Handover
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 […]
🚤 Are Canal Boat Holidays Suitable for First-Timers?
Why a Boat Holiday Might Be Your Next Favourite Escape If you’ve ever dreamed of a relaxing break on the water, you might be wondering:“Are canal boat holidays suitable for first-timers?” The short answer? Absolutely.A boat holiday on the UK’s canals is one of the most beginner-friendly travel experiences you can enjoy — no previous […]
Ainscough Mill – A Steam Powered Flour Mill
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 […]
Pillboxes on the Leeds/Liverpool Canal
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 […]
Ice and the impact on the UK Canal Network
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 […]
Building the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
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 […]
The Leeds / Liverpool Canal
When you sail with us our experienced skippers will try and include a little insight into the history of the Leeds and Liverpool canal whilst you enjoy a relaxing sail along one of the oldest and longest navigation canals in the UK. The concept of a series of navigation canals came as a result of […]
Afternoon Tea Cruise
Afternoon Tea – A Brief History The quintessentially English habit of Afternoon Tea dates back to the 1840’s and was designed tostave off hunger between Lunch and the set Evening Meal. It was indulged in by the upperechelons of society who would declare ‘open at home for tea receptions’ for up to 200 guests toattend […]