Coolcanals Guides & Waterways Directory

Canals without narrowboats would be like oceans without waves... and there's room for other boats too

Narrow canals were built for narrowboats, and these aptly named romantic boats are the real reason that over 2,000 miles of canal have remained navigable and virtually unchanged for more than 200 years. Traditional cargo-laden horse-pulled working vessels have now made way for 21st-century plush holiday lets and floating cottages.

The water road has always been about travel, whether for trade or for leisure, and while narrowboats are still the stars of the canals, contemporary leisure boats come in all shapes and colours - canoes, inflatables, cruisers, sailing ships, yachts, wide barges and more.

You don't need special skills to cruise these waterways - just enjoy yourself...