Waterway Routes

Maps and DVDs for the Waterways of Britain

Author: Paul

More painting

We were back at Rose Narrowboats yesterday to see the progress that Paul (the painter, not me) had made with repainting our narrowboat. Paul had finished the two layers of primer and applied the...

50 Free Maps

Actually 53 free maps covering the restoration projects. These mostly have a large volunteer involvement and providing the maps free of charge for these projects helps them a little. Here’s the long list of...

Walton Summit Branch Maps

Ths south end of the Lancaster Canal was once linked to what we now call the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at the foot of Johnson’s Hillock Locks. The link was by means of a...

Map Updates – Issue 117 – September 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for September 2021 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 116 – August 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for August 2021 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 115 – July 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for July 2021 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 114 – June 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for June 2021 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 113 – May 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for May 2021 are now available. Observant readers may notice the issue number has jumped from 111 to 113. Just after I had...

Map Updates – Issue 111 – April 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for April 2021 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 110 – March 2021

All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you can keep them up to date too. I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my...

Map Updates – Issue 109 – February 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for February 2021 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 108 – January 2021

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for january 2021 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but …

Postage Increases

Royal Mail are increasing their postage rates from 1st January 2021. I’ve absorbed their annual increases since 2017 but I can’t absord this fourth increase as well. The postage charges vary depending on where...

Map Updates – Issue 107 – December 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for December 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 106 – November 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for November 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Christmas Ideas

As it’s now November, less than 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,...

Latest Posting Dates for Christmas 2020

Our Cruising Maps (available on DVD or CD as well as by download) and our Canal DVDs make great ideas for Christmas Presents, but please remember to order in time. …..

Map Updates – Issue 105 – October 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for October 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 104 – September 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for September 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Leeds & Liverpool Canal DVDs just released

I am pleased to say our Leeds & Liverpool Canal DVDs have just been released. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal DVDs are available in our usual three formats:- Popular – like a television programme...

Map Updates – Issue 103 – August 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for August 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 102 – July 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for July 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 101 – June 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for June 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 100 – May 2020

Yes, this is Issue 100 I have been producing monthly updates for a long time and, on rare occasions, when something important turned up, more than once a month. I am pleased to say...

Map Updates – Issue 99 – April 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for April 2020 are now available. Yes, we have the 99th monthly issue. Keep watching this blog for news about next months’ update....

Map Updates – Issue 98 – March 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for March 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 97 – February 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for February 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 96 – January 2020

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for January 2020 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 95 – December 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for December 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Latest Posting Dates for Christmas 2019

Our Cruising Maps (available on DVD or 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...

Map Updates – Issue 94 – November 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for November 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 93 – October 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for October 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 89 – June 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for June 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.

There is an updated Ordnance Survey (OS) Background Map this time so every map has changed this month, even those without any specific changes to the waterway information. Those with changes to the waterway information are:-

Map Updates – Issue 92 – September 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for September 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 91 – August 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for August 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Map Updates – Issue 90 – July 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for July 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Knowle Hall Wharf

We stopped at Knowle Hall Wharf last night so the engine and hot water tank could cool down overnight ready for Ian Taylor to fit a new immersion heater. The old one had stopped...

Interesting Journey to Knowle Hall Wharf

We left Birmingham today, heading for Knowle Hall Wharf. The descent of Farmers Bridge Locks went as planned and we turned right onto the Digbeth Branch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. We went...

Ready to go

We’re on board our Waterway Routes narrowboat ready to go tomorrow. We are heading south, towards London, down the Grand Union Canal. We’ll be starting down Farmers Bridge Locks around 09:00 tomorrow (Monday) morning...

1,000 Pages of Maps

Actually 1,006 different pages of A4 mapping make up my England & Wales maps in Acrobat (pdf) format. And the same 1,006 different pages joined into one large continuously scrollable and zoomable map for use...

100 Maps

Actually 102 maps to choose from in my extensive range covering all the connected waterways, and a few more too. Over 1,000 pages of maps are available in different ways:- England & Wales. One...

Crick Boat Show 2019

For the first time ever, we’ve been setting up our stand for the Crick Boat Show on a Thursday. This year there is a “Trade and Preview” day on Friday so we’ve all set...

Newcastle-under-Lyme Canal Maps

I’ve recently added maps for another abandoned canal to the range of free maps for restoration projects and abandoned canals. The canal once linked to the Trent and Mersey Canal below Stoke Locks, near...

Map Updates – Issue 88 – May 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for May 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Sir Nigel Gresley’s Canal Maps

Yet another free map added to my website. This one covers Sir Nigel Gresley’s Canal. That’s just to the north of Newcastle-under-Lyme and it’s not connected to any other canals, although it comes within...

Map Updates – Issue 87 – April 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for April 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Blue Bridge Signs

Sarah, owner of historic narrowboat Chertsey (No 130), blogged last week about the curious numbering of the bridges along the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal with new blue signs. This canal was reaching the top of my list of waterways to be walked or cycled to re-check the map data so an exchange of emails resulted in us walking together from …

Map Updates – Issue 86 – March 2019

I am pleased to say the monthly updates for my maps for March 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you...

Bridgwater & Taunton Canal and Grand Western Canal Maps

The latest maps in the Waterway Routes series of maps cover a group of waterways in the South West. The first two are canals, at least part navigable, with several more waterways included too:...

Map Updates – Issue 85 – February 2019

I am pleased to say monthly updates for my maps for February 2019 are now available. All these monthly updates mean you not only start with an up to date map but you can...

Somersetshire Coal 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...

Map Updates – Issue 84 – January 2019

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...

Map Updates – Issue 83 – December 2018

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...

Map Updates – Issue 82 – November 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...

Two months to go

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...

Map Updates – Issue 80 – October 2018

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....

Latest Ordering Dates for Christmas 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...

Map Updates – Issue 79 – September 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...

Map Updates – Issue 78 – August 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 Updates – Issue 77 – July 2018

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...

Leeds (and Liverpool?)

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...

Trading at Fradley Junction

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...

Leaving Sherborne Wharf

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...

Map Updates – Issue 76 – June 2018

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...

Crick 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...

Waiouru

Some blog readers will remember Tom and Jan, former owners of narrowboat Waiouru who have now returned to Australia. Tom blogged regularly about their travels around the waterways and their use of my Waterway...

Map Updates – Issue 75 – May 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...

River Great Ouse and Tributaries 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...

Map Updates – Issue 74 – April 2018

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...

Level Access

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...

Map Updates – Issue 73 – March 2018

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...

New Crew Member

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...

Map Updates – Issue 72 – February 2018

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:-...

Middle Level Navigations DVDs

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...

Map Updates – Issue 71 – January 2018

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:-...

The Wash Maps

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,...

River Nene DVDs

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...

Map Updates – Issue 70 – December 2017

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:-...

Bradford Canal

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...

Wisbech Canal Maps

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...

Map Updates – Issue 68 – 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:-...

Latest Posting Dates for Christmas 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...

Islip Footbridge

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...

Christmas

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...

Map Updates – Issue 67 – October 2017

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:-...

Canal Shop Sale

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...

Map Updates – Issue 66 – September 2017

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:-...

See us at Fradley Junction

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...

See us at Braunston

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...

Map Updates – Issue 65 – August 2017

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:-...

Map Updates – Issue 64 – July 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 &...

Great Ouse Progress

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...

Great Ouse Bore

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...

Cruising Down the River Nene – 3

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...

Cruising Down the River Nene – 2

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...

Cruising down the River Nene – 1

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...

Map Updates – Issue 63 – June 2017

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...

Braunston

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...