2. News and views

Your stories

Enjoy the stories of people that live, visit or work on our canals and rivers.

Fran in her shop, Bradford on Avon

Fran, Near Bradford Lock

I've had my canalside shop for fifteen years. A lot of people who come into the shop say, “I bet you don't get busy tucked down here on the quiet canal, hidden away from the town centre.” and I say, “You'd be surprised.”
Couple walking on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Malcolm & Sue in Bathampton

I'm ex-Merchant Navy so I'm drawn to the water. I get a 'pull' all the time! Wherever I am, and whatever I'm doing, I have to ask myself, “Do I want to be at a top of a mountain?” and the answer is, “No I want to be down by the water.”
Cycling in Bath

Abi & Sophie at Pulteney Lock, Bath

I’m making the most of the school holidays with my daughter. We live in Keynsham so we've cycled from there, which is about seven miles I think.
Friends walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal

Suaad, Mohammed, Zeinab & Esraa on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath

Mohammed and I are from Sudan, we're visiting England and we all decided to walk along the canal from the city of Bath this morning.
Denis, eating lunch at Bradford Lock

Denis at Bradford Lock

I've already lost about two and a half stone since I've been slimming and exercising. I've cycled off and on throughout my life, but nothing like the long distances I do now. By the time I get back home, I'll have cycled around 50 miles today.
Macik & Tosia on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Macik & Tosia at Bradford Lock

This is my little girl, Tosia. She's three. We're boating together, with just the two of us on board today, so I'm asking people along the canalside if they can help us when we're working through the lock.
Alex & Betsey, winter walk along the canal

Alex & Betsy at Bradford on Avon

We’ve only recently moved to Bradford on Avon. We wanted to be somewhere with less traffic and more access to lovely walks. We love walking along the canal and we've got access to all of this now - it's fabulous - we love it here.
Barry, volunteer at the National Waterways Museum

Barry, volunteer at the National Waterways Museum

I’m a volunteer at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port. What keeps me coming back is I can see how we’re making progress and improving the museum.
Sledging on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Lorraine at Bradford on Avon

It doesn't seem to matter if it's sunny or snowing, we use the canals whatever the weather. Oh yes, I've had my turn on the sledge as well... of course!