Ever found yourself waiting in a long queue at a lock flight, dreaming of a quieter alternative? While the sense of community can feel exciting, waiting for passage can also be wearying.
Without a doubt, our waterways are more popular than ever before as people discover that life's better by water. With around 35,000 boats on the network, it's going to get busy in places – particularly in peak holiday time. Some locks, like those at Hillmorton on the Oxford Canal and New Marton on the Llangollen Canal, see thousands go up and down each year. And Anderton Boat Lift or Foxton Locks are "must dos", especially for first-time boaters.
But if you’re looking for something different – whether that’s exploring nature or having your choice of mooring spots – here are our suggestions for quieter boating routes.
