Scene and Done

Slow adventures on and off the customary path

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Category: Boating on the British Rivers and Canals

  • Boating on the Canals and Rivers of England and Wales

    Part Two, 2004 to 2017 The Shropshire Union Canal, Wales and Chester, a two-boat odyssey In 2004 we planned our next adventure.  We decided to explore the Shropshire Union Canal, taking two weeks and with two boats in convoy.  Mum and Dad would host one boat, while Dick and I would be hosts on the…

  • A Brief History of British Canals and Narrowboats

    Before I continue with part two of our UK boating adventures, I thought I would delve into the history of the canals and give our experiences some context. The canals and river navigation systems of Britain were built to accommodate new trade routes, at a time when roads were virtually non-existent and the Industrial Revolution…

  • Boating on the Canals and Rivers of England and Wales

    Part One, 2000 to 2003. Between our experiences of sailing in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean with my parents, and our Nine Lives Great Loop adventure, we spent time enjoying the English canals. The Big Pigs Our first venture took place in spring 2000.  I had seen houseboats for rent on the Thames River, so…