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The Aire and Calder navigation runs from Leeds to Goole, and its towpath forms part of the Transpennine Trail. For several miles the canal runs alongside the river Aire, to Thwaites Mill in the suburb of Hunslet. Strange to think that the 21st-century office and factory workers walking its banks are treading the same towpath as their Victorian forebears. Lads from Hunslet, all tattoos and LUFC shirts, fish from the banks. The waterways are home to kingfishers, otters, herons, and me. Without this peaceful retreat from factory life, I would go insane.
Thwaites Mill, Hunslet, LS10 1RP
Picture Solihull and you think of new housing, not canals, or indeed Africa! But walk along the peaceful Stratford-Upon Avon Canal from the Drawbridge Inn to Bridge 10, enjoying the wildlife. Then saunter along Tythe Barn Lane in Shirley to Akamba (akamba.co.uk), a very unusual garden centre, to enjoy a glass of wine or a coffee as you listen to African music in a secluded seating area surrounded by towering palms and banana plants - and even a lifesize gorilla and a (smaller) giraffe. Its Solihull but not as we know it!
MikeMcG
Tythe Barn Lane, Shirley B90 1PH
Nearest station is Whitlocks End
One of Stoke-on-Trent's (very few) redeeming features is its canal network. Walks along the Trent and Mersey to Stone or the Caldon to Leek both feature a wealth of interest in terms of industrial heritage, attractive countryside, canal-side pubs and regular bus services for the return journey.
Last summer as I was walking west along the Devizes-Newbury stretch of the Kennet and Avon canal, I came across quite a peculiar pub perched on the bank. Situated in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, overlooked by the White Horse of Alton Barnes, is the Barge Inn: the ‘crop circle centre of the universe’. The walls and ceilings were crammed with an array of pictures and murals of recent crop circles, all appearing within a 10-mile radius of the pub.
The pub is as old as the canal itself and offered a fascinating and charming rest stop with a refreshing pint and an interesting conversation.
The Barge Inn, Honeystreet, Pewsey, Wiltshire
01672 851 705, the-barge-inn.com
A nature lovers walk or cycle that quietly winds through the heart of London's East End. See heron, geese, kingfishers and reed warblers, cows ducks and moorhens. Starting at Springfield Marina in Clapton, view the colourful canal boats or take tea in the Spark Cafe at the top of Springfield Park - then wander along past the Hackney marshes for spectaluar views of the 2012 Olympic site being constructed, plus graffiti on the sides of old industrial sites. Head off along to Victoria Park in Hackney to Lauriston "village" for fish and chips, pubs and cafes. Then hop on the bus home.
Springfield, E5
Google map: tinyurl.com/36lcq7l
For a scenic canal walk the Caldon canal from Froghall to Cheddleton is hard to beat. Following the river Churnet through a charming valley, hidden and heavily wooded but with an industrial heritage.
The Black Lion at Consall is a great place for a stop on a sunny afternoon with the added bonus of steam trains passing by at weekends.
+44 (0) 1782 550294
www.blacklionpub.co.uk/
Google map: tinyurl.com/37shtgs
A barging holiday through Burgundy tasting the top wines and I mean top wines of the region. Prices are not for the faint hearted, but I have never tasted wines of this Calibre for six days in a row ever.
Vierhuizen: miles of cycle paths radiating from a comfortable camp site, and six small towns in range.
See bird hides, eat seafood, view art galleries, a tea factory, ex-pirates' houses, windmills, old churches, wild flowers, calm canals and a national park island, Schiermonnikoog, where no cars are welcome and the North Sea beaches stretch for miles. The best food in Holland at campsite Herberg.
Bert Jan and Saskia Harens
Hoofdstraat 49
9975 VR Vierhuizen
De Marne, Netherlands.
Tel: 0595-401657
www.camping-lauwerszee.nl
Groningen is the nearest railhead.
This is a wonderful way of seeing Bruges from - literally - a different level. You cruise along some extremely beautiful stretches of canal overlooked by some extremely pretty buildings, especially the houses right by the water. Many have stone jetties leading into the canals, some have overhanging windows and others small courtyards overlooking the water.
The trip takes about 30 minutes and there are many views that will have you reaching for your camera.
One, small criticism is that the boat driver/guide can differ in quality. Some can be a little lack-lustre in their commentary – ours always seemed to have gone past the building, point of interest etc by the time he got round to talking about it and so I felt I didn’t get as much information about what we were seeing as I would have liked. However I would still recommend a canal trip for anyone visiting Bruges. Sit back, relax and enjoy seeing the city from a different viewpoint
The trip cost approx 5 euros.
George STAEL Katelijnestraat 4.
This is a canal trip with a difference. The club are a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic boats on the Amsterdam canals. The club will take your group on a trip round the lesser known canals and sights, with the knowledgeable captains gauging and tailoring the trip to your particular needs. It's free, although giving the captain a gratuity is polite (around 10 euros is normal). Best of all, you can take your take own supplies, be that food, drink, or smokes.
Inside Boom Chicago, Leidseplein 12, Amsterdam;
A canal tour is perhaps a bit touristy, but I enjoy them despite living in the Netherlands. A one-hour trip is a nice way to see a few sights when you are tired of walking.
In the summer I prefer to rent a paddleboat with a friend. There is a rental place near Rijksmuseum. It is not as warm on the canals and you can go at your own pace.
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