Author Archives: Paul

The North Walsham & Dilham Canal was opened in 1826 and ran from Antingham to join the River Ant at Smallburgh. Restoration has started with proposals to restore the rest of the route. I have added North Walsham & Dilham    Continue reading North Walsham & Dilham Canal→

The Somersetshire Coal Canal was opened around 1800 and ran from Paulton to join the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath. The Radstock Branch ran from Radstock but was only joined to the main line by a tramway. The canal    Continue reading Somersetshire Coal Canal→

I am pleased to say monthly updates for my maps for January 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you can keep them up to date too. The    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 84 – January 2019→

I am pleased to say monthly updates for my maps for December 2018 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you can keep them up to date too. The    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 83 – December 2018→

I am pleased to say monthly updates for my maps for November 2018 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you can keep them up to date too.    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 82 – November 2018→

You may be trying to ignore the forthcoming event, but doing so won’t change the fact that Christmas is now just two months away. Maps (on disc in the orange boxes) and DVDs (in the red and blue boxes) are    Continue reading Two months to go→

Yes, this really is the 80th monthly update for my maps. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you can keep them up to date too. There are many maps with updates    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 80 – October 2018→

Our Cruising Maps (available on CD as well as by download) and our Waterway DVDs make great ideas for Christmas presents, but please remember to order in time. The Post Office publish latest recommended posting dates for Christmas and you    Continue reading Latest Ordering Dates for Christmas 2018→

I’m pleased to announce the September 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. There are many maps with updates, with these maps having the most significant changes:- England & Wales Waterway Map Avon Ring Birmingham Mini Ring Black Country    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 79 – September 2018→

I’m pleased to announce the August 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. Once again there are many maps with updates.  These maps have the most significant updates:- England & Wales Canal Map Cheshire Ring Map East Midlands    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 78 – August 2018→

We’ve been cruising around the Yorkshire waterways to check the map data is up to date, especially those waterways without towpaths which I can’t cycle to check that way. Now we’re moored in the Basin at Leeds ready to start    Continue reading Leeds (and Liverpool?)→

I’m pleased to announce the July 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. There are lots of updates this month, and those maps with the most significant updates are:- England & Wales Canal Map Avon Ring Black Country    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 77 – July 2018→

We’ve completed the first leg of our cruise and we’re now moored on the visitor moorings just below Fradley Junction. We’ll be here for the rest of today (Friday) and all day Saturday so please say hello if you are    Continue reading Trading at Fradley Junction→

We’re leaving our home mooring at Sherborne Wharf for our summer cruise (not permanently). We’ll be back here around the end of August. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we’re heading for Wolverhampton, hopefully reaching the bottom of the 21 lock flight by late    Continue reading Leaving Sherborne Wharf→

I’m pleased to announce the June 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. Having been busy with the Crick Boat Show there aren’t as many updates this month as normal.  There are many maps with very minor changes    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 76 – June 2018→

Once again it’s the late spring Bank Holiday and time for the Crick Boat Show.  All this came in one car and we’ve spent the day setting up our stand. We’re looking forward to meeting lots of lovely people during    Continue reading Crick 2018→

I’m pleased to announce the May 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Avon Ring Map Black    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 75 – May 2018→

We have three Maps and three DVDs covering the waterways of the Fens.  These are now available in sets of three at discounted prices. They are still available individually as River Nene – Maps or DVDs Middle Level Navigations –    Continue reading Sets of 3 Maps or 3 DVDs→

I am pleased to say our River Great Ouse and Tributaries DVDs have just been released. The River Great Ouse and Tributaries DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the highlights of    Continue reading River Great Ouse and Tributaries DVDs→

I’m pleased to announce the April 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Cheshire Ring    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 74 – April 2018→

The Canal & River Trust (CRT) issued an email this morning saying that the River Severn was now navigable after being in flood for several days. The water levels were very raised when cycled there a few days ago, including    Continue reading Level Access→

I’m pleased to announce the March 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Four Counties    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 73 – March 2018→

We are delighted to welcome our latest crew member, Evelyn Balmer, born Friday 16th February. A day trip to Stalybridge (Manchester) enabled two grandparents to take their turn holding Evelyn. How long will it be before Evelyn is using a    Continue reading New Crew Member→

I’m pleased to announce the February 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Cotswold    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 72 – February 2018→

I am pleased to say our Middle Level Navigations DVDs have just been released. The Middle Level Navigations DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the highlights of the canal Bowcam –    Continue reading Middle Level Navigations DVDs→

I’m pleased to announce the January 2018 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Cheshire    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 71 – January 2018→

I have recently added a map for The Wash.  Please note this is for general information only and should not be used for navigation.  You should use full charts, an experienced pilot or guide, or have your own local knowledge.    Continue reading The Wash Maps→

I am pleased to say our River Nene DVDs have just been released. The River Nene DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the highlights of the canal Bowcam – a forward    Continue reading River Nene DVDs→

I’m pleased to announce the December 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Cheshire    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 70 – December 2017→

The Bradford Canal once ran from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Shipley to Bradford.  It opened in 1774 and closed in 1922.  There are proposals to re-open it. I have added the Bradford Canal to the range of free    Continue reading Bradford Canal→

The Wisbech Canal once ran between the tidal River Nene at Wisbech and Well Creek at Outwell on the Middle Level Navigations. It was closed in 1926. I have added the Wisbech Canal to the range of free canal maps    Continue reading Wisbech Canal Maps→

If you remember reading a similar post yesterday then you are right. No sooner had I published the November 2017 map updates yesterday than I discovered that the Ordnance Survey (OS) had just published a new set of the maps    Continue reading Not a Duplicate Post –
Map Updates – Issue 69 – November 2017→

I’m pleased to announce the November 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map Avon    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 68 – November 2017→

Our Cruising Maps (available on CD as well as by download) and our Canal DVDs make great ideas for Christmas Presents, but please remember to order in time. The Post Office publish latest recommended posting dates for Christmas and you    Continue reading Latest Posting Dates for Christmas 2017→

The footbridge just below Islip Lock on the River Nene is one of the lowest on the river and its limited headroom presents difficulties for some boaters. This is how the bridge looked heading downstream from our Waterway Routes Narrowboat    Continue reading Islip Footbridge→

As it’s 25th October, just two months until Christmas , I hope you don’t mind me mentioning that word. DVDs make great presents and may be helpful for those planning next year’s holiday, remembering past holidays, or seeing places you’re    Continue reading Christmas→

I’m pleased to announce the October 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map Black    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 67 – October 2017→

A double sale opportunity. Neil’s Canal Shop has been the largest outlet for my DVDs for many years.  He sells a great range of canal products from many suppliers. Neil is retiring and closing down the Canal Shop. First Sale    Continue reading Canal Shop Sale→

I’m pleased to announce the September 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map Black    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 66 – September 2017→

We’ve found a lovely mooring spot at Fradley Junction, just below Junction Lock on the Trent & Mersey Canal. We’re opposite the cafe and services and we expect to be here throughout Friday and Saturday so please come and see    Continue reading See us at Fradley Junction→

We’ve found a lovely spot at Braunston for the Bank Holiday Weekend.  The toll house and marina are close behind us, with the the junction a little way ahead. It’s signed as a 48 hour visitor mooring but Roving Traders    Continue reading See us at Braunston→

I’m pleased to announce the August 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have minor changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map Birmingham    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 65 – August 2017→

I’m pleased to announce the July 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map Avon Ring Map    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 64 – July 2017→

Out travels have continued as we film along the River Great Ouse and its tributaries.  We’re reached the navigable limits of the Relief Channel, the River Wissey, the River Little Ouse and the River Lark. We’ve also visited Cambridge, and    Continue reading Great Ouse Progress→

There are approximately sixty rivers with tidal bores around the world, with eleven in Great Britain, where the River Severn Bore is probably the best known. The River Great Ouse has a bore, which travels upstream from the wash, through    Continue reading Great Ouse Bore→

We’ve continued downstream on the River Nene passing many lovely locations along the way. The heatwave slowed us down a little but the blue sky and fluffy white cloud was great for filming. We stopped at Fotheringhay where my brother    Continue reading Cruising Down the River Nene – 3→

Another stunning day of sunshine saw us cruising down the River Nene to Thrapston. One of our first challenges was the Radial Gate on Ditchford Lock.  This is power operated, like most of the guillotine gates, so little effort was    Continue reading Cruising Down the River Nene – 2→

We heading downstream on the River Nene, filming for a forthcoming DVD and checking the data for our River Nene maps. After a couple of days rest in Northampton to polish the boat and top up supplies we’re heading downstream    Continue reading Cruising down the River Nene – 1→

I’m pleased to announce the June 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with the most significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map Avon Ring    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 63 – June 2017→

After waiting for the extremely wet and windy weather to pass at the start of last week we made our way to Braunston where we spent the weekend, using our Roving Trader Licence. Early morning saw a quiet towpath while    Continue reading Braunston→

Having recovered from a very busy Crick Boat Show where we met lots of lovely customers, we were ready to set off for our summer cruise this morning.  We’ve travelled a long distance if you add total the up and    Continue reading Lawton Locks→

We’ve spent a busy day setting up our stand ready for the opening of the Crick Boat Show tomorrow. We’ve transformed a large pile of boxes etc. which we managed to fit into the car, to our completed stand. There’s just    Continue reading Crick Boat Show 2017 – Friday→

The 2017 Crick Boat Show opens on Saturday morning and we’ll be there.  We’ve expanded to our largest ever stand – on a corner near the centre of the main marquee, larger than our 2015 corner stand.  Please come and    Continue reading Crick Boat Show 2017→

I’m pleased to announce the May 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map East Midlands (Leicester) Ring    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 62 – May 2017→

I am pleased to say our Kennet & Avon Canal DVDs have just been released. The Kennet & Avon Canal DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the highlights of the canal Bowcam    Continue reading Kennet & Avon Canal DVDs→

That title is quite a mouthful and it sums up a few days’ work. Modern browsers identify secure web pages in various ways such as turning part of the address green, showing a padlock and/or showing the https (rather than    Continue reading Green Padlock, HTTPS and SSL→

I’m pleased to announce the April 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. As usual, many of the maps have changes this month – those with significant changes are:- England & Wales Waterway Map Black Country Ring Canal    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 61 – April 2017→

I’m pleased to announce the release of the next in my series of free canal maps for restoration projects. This covers the Wey & Arun Canal, the River Arun, the River Rother, and the Portsmouth & Arundel Canal, all in one map.    Continue reading Wey & Arun Canal – FREE Maps→

I’m pleased to announce the latest release in my series of free maps supporting waterway restoration projects. The Melton Mowbray Navigation runs from the junction with the Grand Union Canal’s Leicester Section at Syston, just North of Leicester, to Melton    Continue reading Melton Mowbray Navigation and Oakham Canal – FREE Maps→

Yes, I do mean Issue 60.  That’s more map updates than you’ll get from anywhere else. I’m pleased to announce the March 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. Many of the maps have changes this month – those    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 60 – March 2017→

I am pleased to say our River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal DVDs have just been released. The River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the    Continue reading River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal DVDs→

I’m pleased to announce the February 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. Many of the maps have changes this month – those with significant changes are:- England & Wales Canal Map Daventry Canal Grand Union Canal Huddersfield Canals    Continue reading Map Updates – Issue 59 – February 2017→

I’m pleased to announce the January 2017 updates to my cruising maps are now available. I’ve imported new OS background maps this month, so all the maps have been re-issued. A few have no other changes but most have some    Continue reading Map Updates – January 2017 – Issue 58→

I am pleased to announce the December release of my maps includes Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Maps and, like all my maps for restoration projects, these are FREE to download. The canal once ran from Salford (not Manchester!) to    Continue reading Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Maps→

Just in case you hadn’t spotted the advert on Daltons, Neil’s Canal Shop Mail Order Business is for sale. As a mail order business you could run this from anywhere, so if you would like a part-time occupation which you    Continue reading Canal Shop is for sale→

I’m pleased to announce the December 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal    Continue reading Map Updates – December 2016 – Issue 57→

I am pleased to say our River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs have just been released and they will make great Christmas presents. The River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a    Continue reading River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs→

I’m pleased to announce the November 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal    Continue reading Map Updates – November 2016 – Issue 56→

I’m pleased to announce the October 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal    Continue reading Map Updates – October 2016 – Issue 55→

Our Cruising Maps (available on CD as well as by download) and our Canal DVDs make great ideas for Christmas Presents, but please remember to order in time. The Post Office publish latest recommended posting dates for Christmas and you    Continue reading Christmas Posting Dates – 2016→

I’m pleased to announce the September 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal    Continue reading Map Updates – September 2016 – Issue 54→

The IWA Festival of Water 2016 takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.  This year it’s at Pelsall at the junction of the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Cannock Extension Canal, towards the northern edge of the Birmingham Canal    Continue reading IWA Festival of Water – Pelsall→

The Shrewsbury Canal once ran from Shrewsbury to Wappenshall Junction where it met the Newport Canal which ran to meet the Shropshire Union Canal at Norbury Junction. Branches included the Donnington Wood Canal and the Shropshire Canal ran south to    Continue reading Shrewsbury and Newport Canals→

I’m pleased to announce the August 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal    Continue reading Map Updates – August 2016 – Issue 53→

We may be hoping it stays too hot to need the central heating on our boat for a while but, sooner or later, we will need it working. For the last two winters we have had free central heating on our    Continue reading Free Central Heating→

Our daughter and crew member, Susan’s graduation ceremony was this afternoon, in the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Susan graduated as Bachelor of Science in Dimensions in Health Care (Paediatric Intensive Care) with First Class Honours. Watch Susan’s graduation moments. Well    Continue reading Susan’s Graduation→

I’m pleased to announce the July 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal Map    Continue reading Map Updates – July 2016 – Issue 52→

I am always pleased to receive feedback, and lots of my customers sent lovely feedback during June. Here’s a few of their comments:- Thank you Paul. Much appreciated. From MS, Kent – after I organised an update for his England    Continue reading Happy customers→

We’re on the River Wey, filming for the planned River Wey and Basingstoke Canal DVDs.  With the recent wet weather it’s been a nightmare finding opportunities to film when the River Wey wasn’t in flood.  In the end, Monday and    Continue reading River Wey→

I’m pleased to announce the June 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal Map    Continue reading Map Updates – June 2016 – Issue 51→

We’ve just finished a busy day setting up our stand at the Crick Boat Show. We’ve moved location, a little, to get a bigger stand this year to celebrate our anniversaries, but we are still on the back row of    Continue reading Crick Boat Show→

I am pleased to say our Grand Union Canal – Leicester Section DVDs have just been released. The Grand Union Canal – Leicester Section DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme showing the highlights of the    Continue reading Grand Union Canal – Leicester Section DVDs→

In 2013 we passed through Standedge Tunnel as we were filming for our South Pennine Ring DVDs.  I was steering the boat and didn’t have much chance to appreciate the inside of the tunnel. Here we are queuing in the early morning    Continue reading Standedge Tunnel→

I’m pleased to announce the May 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. All of the maps have been updated this month, to include the latest Ordnance Survey (OS) background maps. Most have updates to the waterway features too. I    Continue reading Map Updates – May 2016 – Issue 50→

I’m pleased to announce the April 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal Map    Continue reading Map Updates – April 2016 – Issue 49→

We’ve just returned from our first cruise of the season over the past two days, from our home mooring at Sherborne Wharf to Wolverhampton and back.  It’s always nice to be cruising again, and we identified a few items that    Continue reading Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust→

It was early yesterday morning when I arrived in Wigan by train.  I was on the way to help Geoff and Mags on Seyella come down the Wigan Flight. I paused to say hello to Jan on Waiouru as I    Continue reading Helping Seyella→

Ten years ago today I sold the first Waterway Routes DVD. After many hours of careful editing, I added the Leeds & Liverpool Canal DVD to my website and crossed my fingers to see how it would sell. The answer was very well and    Continue reading 10th Anniversary→

I recently blogged about the new stop gates being installed on the Leigh Arm of the Bridgewater Canal. Tom & Jan on Waiouru have cruised through the re-opened canal today and been kind enough let me have photos of the    Continue reading Bridgewater Canal Stop Gates – 2→

I’m pleased to announce the March 2016 updates to my cruising maps are now available. You can see a full list of the latest issue of the maps, but those with significant changes this month are:- England & Wales Canal    Continue reading Map Updates – March 2016 – Issue 48→

While cycling along the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal recently to check my map data I encountered new signs, intended for cyclists. This was the first sign I found, at Leigh. I was intrigued by the precision    Continue reading Precision Timing→

My February map updates included an increase in the routes covered, with the addition of a map covering the Hollinwood Canal and the Stockport Canal. Some might consider these to be called the Hollinwood Branch Canal and the Stockport Branch    Continue reading Hollinwood and Stockport Canals Map→

The Bridgewater Canal has been closed since 2nd November 2015, just to the west of Worsley, for the installation of stop gates. Large warning signs at each end, like this one at Leigh, handily positioned on the stop planks for    Continue reading Bridgewater Canal Stop Gates→

The February 2016 monthly updates for my maps are now available on my website. You can see a full list of the issued maps and those with significant changes are: England & Wales Canal Map Ashton and Peak Forest Canal Map    Continue reading Map Updates – February 2016 – Issue 47→

In my previous post about the Mersey Gateway I described a new bridge being constructed across the Manchester Ship Canal near Runcorn. There’s another new bridge being constructed across the ship canal nearer Manchester.  It’s next to Barton High Level    Continue reading Barton Lift Bridge→

The Mersey Gateway project will provide a new road link to relive pressure on the existing road bridge at Runcorn. It’s being constructed to the east of the existing bridge, and scheduled for completion in late 2017. Can you identify the    Continue reading Mersey Gateway→

Runcorn Locks once linked the Bridgewater Canal to the Runcorn & Weston Canal, the Manchester Ship Canal and, previously, the River Mersey. History Opened in 1776, the Bridgewater Canal was linked to the River Mersey at Runcorn by a flight    Continue reading Runcorn Locks→

The Runcorn & Weston Canal ran parallel to the River Mersey, through the outskirts of Runcorn, for 2.4km (1.5 miles).  At the southern end it joined the Weston Canal of the River Weaver Navigation through one lock.  At the northern end    Continue reading Runcorn & Weston Canal→