The UK’s Number ONE read for all waterways users
Issue 237, July 2025
One stop shop for maintenance, repairs & refits
01926 492968
See page 34 for details
www.kateboats.com
72 PAGES KENNET & AVON HIDDEN GEM P10
Steam, speed and serenity
CRICK SHOW REPORT P41
Two travel and transport worlds collide as preserved British steam locomotive No 70000 Britannia powers toward Ansty on the West Coast Main Line, belching out plumes of dark smoke, as a narrowboat nestles in the tranquil water. PHOTO: MIKE SPENCER PHOTOS
TOP TEN SUMMER DESTINATIONS P42 2
DAYS OUT: TIVERTON P66
BOATS FOR SALE Starts on
P21
Locks tighten as drought looms
By Lucy Wood
WATERWAY agencies are stepping up efforts to conserve water on the canals after some of the driest months on record. Although the Canal & River Trust says most of its 2000-mile network is currently unaffected, the warm spring weather has led to a temporary stoppage
on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to save water until there is sufficient rainfall – and more stoppages are anticipated. While no area is currently officially in drought, as this issue of Towpath Talk went to press the Environment Agency voiced concerns of a medium drought risk this summer without sustained rainfall.
Deputy director of water Richard Thompson said: “The changing climate means we will see more summer droughts in the coming decades. The last two years were some of the wettest on record for England, but drier conditions at the start of this year mean a drought is a possibility and we must be prepared.”
The EA is stepping up its dry weather preparations and is urging water companies to do more to safeguard water supplies. Other measures affecting boaters include part of the Caldon Canal being closed to general boat traffic, locks on Ripon Canal being closed or reduced to essential use only,
and there are restrictions on the Pocklington Canal. Advisories have been issued for other waterways. As this issue was being prepared, the CRT was expecting to close the 16 locks on the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal to boat traffic from June 16. • Continued on page 2
Calling all hire boaters
Register for RiverBlitz
Wildlife poison plea
THE Canal & River Trust’s boat hire survey is live and the charity wants to hear from you. The online satisfaction survey asks hire boaters about their recent experience on the waterways, which is open to anyone who has been on a hire boat. The purpose of the survey is so that the CRT can learn about the experiences of hiring a boat on the canals and rivers in its care. To take part, visit: https:// utm.io/uigBk
GET hands-on with river conservation this month through the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust annual RiverBlitz. The trust is currently looking for willing volunteers to help monitor the water quality across the Bristol Avon catchment. It said: “Test your local stream or river for nitrates and phosphates and be part of a powerful citizen science movement!” People can sample anytime between July 4 and 11 but they must register by June 28 to take part at: https:// bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz/register
PEOPLE who regularly visit the Walsall Canal are being asked to report any suspected wildlife crime they see after several geese were found dead on a towpath there. The CRT is working with the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme and West Midlands Police to confirm their cause of death, but a preliminary inquiry has identified a suspected poison scattered along the towpath and in the canal. Anyone with information about the incident should contact: 0800 321600, quoting reference 107/963.
With over 150 boats for sale online.
R
T TO SELL YO N U A W
F I N D F I N D
C H O I C E , T H E O N E .
NARROWBOAT? CASH SALE Instant funds in your bank account
Let’s go
aquavista.com/boat-sales
BROKERAGE FROM 5%+VAT (Minimum charge applies)
Call today
PART EXCHANGE Your boat with one from our marinas
FOR YOUR FREE VALUATION
Northamptonshire
Cheshire
01327 842577
01270 528251
Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 2NH
Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DD
www.whiltonmarina.co.uk
www.venetianmarina.co.uk