THE BEST UK CANAL JOURNEYS TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER

Messing about on the water is a wonderful way to spend the summer and with over 2000 miles of British canals and rivers to navigate you’ll be spoilt for choice. From glorious countryside to market towns and bustling waterfront pubs to tranquil towpaths you’ll find each one as unique as they are breathtaking.

But with so many wistful waterways to choose from, navigating your way around the best ones can be overwhelming, so we’ve created a short list to help you. These are our favourite canal journeys up, down and across our beautiful Isle for you to explore.

NO. 1 THE MOST BEAUTIFUL: KENNET AND AVON CANAL

This stunning waterway between Bristol and Reading has something special for everyone and features some of Britain’s most breathtaking countryside. Highlights include Bath’s Georgian architecture, Bristol’s floating dock and the Dundas Aqueduct. Plus there are plenty of canal-side pubs to enjoy along the way.

NO. 2 THE COOLEST: MONMOUTHSHIRE AND BRECON CANAL, WALES

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track then you won’t find a more spectacular canal than this. Secluded within the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park you’ll be amazed by the spectacular backdrop of the Black Mountains - a real sight to behold.

NO. 3 THE LONGEST: THE GRAND UNION CANAL

Stretching 137 miles from London to Birmingham this mammoth of a canal boasts 166 locks as you pass through glorious countryside, industrial towns and sleepy villages. Choosing where to begin and end may be tricky but highlights include the 2795m Blisworth tunnel, the Iron Trunk Aqueduct and Warwickshire’s Hatton flight of 21 locks.

NO. 5 THE MOST PEACEFUL: WEDGEWOOD’S CALDON CANAL

Quiet and picturesque this stretch of canal is one of the less travelled waterways. Originally built to transport porcelain, it’s ideal for the novice to find their sea legs, hone their navigational skills and practice their boating etiquette.

NO. 4 THE MOST AMAZING LANDMARK: THE FALKIRK WHEEL

A truly incredible spectacle The Falkirk Wheel is a large rotating boat lift designed to connect The Union Canal and The Forth and Clyde Canal. Travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most stunning Scottish landscapes you’ll never forget. But don’t forget to book your passage if you want to experience the wheel!

NO. 6 THE MOST DARING THE PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT, CLYWD

You’ll think you’re flying rather than boating as you travel along this 126ft high aqueduct! This incredible feat of engineering is the highest and longest in Britain and with no handrail you’ll experience uninterrupted and awesome views of the stunning Dee Valley below. Truly an experience unequalled.