The weather has been cold and yet after a short but bracing cruise this afternoon as I write, the most beautiful bands of sunlight are pouring themselves in through my windows, dancing tantalising reflections across my ceiling—a sight unseen when blocked in by other boats. I am in awe. I am content. I am lost in the simple pleasures of boating, of movement, and of changing seasons.

There are also sounds that cannot be expressed through pictures: the haunting lone call of a moorhen, the delightful tumbling song of hedgerow birds, the nasally honking of geese, the gentle slow wingbeats that belie a swan’s size. And then there is my thudding heart; bursting with happiness for the springtime that I know will now unfold at double speed before me.

I am here. I am within it. I am glad.

Fox Blog: Why an April Narrowboat Holiday is the Perfect Spring Getaway

Skies seem endless and filled with promise and I ponder the joy of keeping moving, along these watery roads, never returning to where I started. But alas, this year personal commitments mean we can’t venture too far and that’s okay because after many spells afloat throughout these past 16 years, and having travelled much of the network, I know that whatever stretch we find ourselves on, there will still be magic:

Delightful dawn choruses to wake me in the morning, ducklings darting around after mum in a cacophony of continual yet endearing quacking, grasses and wildflowers billowing along the towpath and finally—a feeling of warmth penetrating the windows. As the season progresses I know I will feel myself steadily thawing, my mind drifting to the promise of local cruises in dappled sunlight, working locks in the still silence of lighter evenings.

Fox Blog: Fearful of Locks? How to work one even if you’ve never done it

Winter has felt long this year, but getting back to my narrowboat and clearing out the debris of this coldest season before untying the ropes and flinging the doors open to spring, has felt as magical as it always does. Because wherever I wander, there is nothing quite like the sights and sounds of England’s waterways in springtime.

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

The post First Cruise of the Year appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

cat in basket narrowboat

Why Cats Make Great Ship-Mates

Cats are independent yet affectionate, and they can comfortably adjust to smaller living spaces, a perfect fit for narrowboat life. They also provide entertainment and emotional comfort, especially during those quiet evenings on-board.

Whenever I visit my friend, Lina, who lives aboard a narrowboat, we enjoy cosy nights of cats, candlelight, and wine. Many years ago, after one such evening, a small white cat followed me along the towpath as I left her boat. The following morning, she appeared again on the back deck at 6:30 a.m., politely insisting she be let in! Thirteen years and hundreds of miles of canal travel later, Molly is still a devoted boat cat. As I said to Lina, “Friends that boat together, stay together.” That could apply to Lina and me… or Lina and her cats.

First Days Onboard: Letting Them Adjust

A new cat should be kept indoors for at least 2–3 weeks (4–6 weeks is better) to allow them to familiarise themselves with the boat as their territory. This helps prevent them from wandering back to a previous home, and ensures they feel safe before exploring outside.

Creating Comfy “Lookout Spots”

Cats love to observe their surroundings. Space is limited on a narrowboat, but a cat will love any furnitre or fittings that will elevate them to be able to see out of the window. Some cats may prefer the dinette, kitchen worktop, or the roof! Whatever the choice, having high vantage points helps cats feel secure and engaged.

Boat Cats Fall In – Here’s Why It’s Okay

It’s a common worry for boaters: what happens if your cat takes an unexpected dip? Many confident cats misjudge a gunwale now and again. The good news is that cats are natural swimmers, and most climb out, shake off the embarrassment, and return to exploring as if nothing happened. Boat owners often note that their cats are far more upset about being towel-dried than the fall itself! Just offer warmth and reassurance, and watch for any signs of illness—a soggy moggy moment usually becomes just another charming chapter in life afloat.

Safety Tips for Cats on Canal Boats       

Microchip and ID: A collar with a phone number and your boat name is a good idea, in case your cat wanders too far.

Life Jackets: Many cats are fine without one, but nervous or adventurous felines may benefit from a cat-specific buoyancy aid like the Baltic Maja, with secure straps, a lifting handle, and high-visibility colours.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Boat Cats                    

Reboarding Solutions: Canal sides are steep. When working cargo boats were towed by horses, occasional underwater ramps were built in, to allow a horse to climb out, should they take an unexpected dip. A cat could climb out if you have a rope or cylindrical fenders at water level. Carpet tiles or hessian sacks draped over the side are good for claw grip. Some boaters keep a fisherman’s landing net for rescuing a soggy cat.

ginger cat by riverside | ahmed

Outdoor cats may need careful monitoring. Some owners wait hours for their cat to return home, before setting off on a cruise, while others lock cats indoors at night for safety. Boat life allows their natural hunting instincts to thrive and exploring towpaths, hedgerows, and nearby fields keeps cats active and busy. Just remember that cruising schedules may need to adapt to a cat’s wanderings.

Some cats are happiest staying inside, especially those unaccustomed to roaming. Mental stimulation is crucial: scratching posts, cat grass, window hammocks, and interactive toys are lifesavers on wet or rainy days.

Practical Living Solutions for Boaters with Cats

Space may be limited, but there are ways to make life comfortable for both cat and owner:

Litter Tray: A bathroom or shower room works best.

Drying Station: Keep a towel handy beside the door for unexpected splashes.

Famous Boat Cats & Nautical Kitty Lore               

Cats have been companions on boats for centuries. Modern social media celebrates adventurous felines—from Instagram “boat cats” documenting life afloat to historical ship’s cats protecting cargo and keeping rodents at bay.

Take Dolly the Cat, who famously stowed away from the Isle of Wight on a luxury motor cruiser, only to be found via microchip weeks later in Poole—a charming reminder that some cats are born to explore!

Fox Narrowboats Hire

While we don’t recommend bringing a cat on a short holiday narrowboat hire, dogs are most welcome on both holiday and day boats! If you’re considering full-time liveaboard life with a cat, hiring a Fox Narrowboat first gives you a safe way to test the waters. You can see how the lifestyle feels, how you and the cat might adapt to life on the water, and whether this unique way of living suits your family.

Check booking availability

Share Your Cat Stories            

Now we’d like to hear from you. Do you know of any cats on board? Has your cat ever taken an accidental swim? How did they handle it? Would your cat run away to sea like Dolly the Cat? Share your cat-pics and stories with us on Foxboats Facebook or tag us on Instagram.

See how many liveaboard cats you can spot on your next Foxboats holiday.

Photo Credit: Ginger cat by riverside Ahmed on Unsplash Grey cat on stump Anna Keibalo on Unsplash . Cat in basket licenced dreamstime.

The post Puss in Boats: Can Cats Live Afloat On A Narrowboat? appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

passed lock | alice elgie

That winter, with ice cracking around our ears as we slept, we found beauty in simplicity, strength in embracing limited resources, and thrived coming up with ingenious ways to get through, such as ferrying rubbish and waste on our young daughter’s sled down to the nearest towpath facilities station, or working together with neighbours to join up hosepipes so we could each connect to the nearest unfrozen tap. Community is something that always stands out whenever I talk to fellow boaters about life on the water and I can attest that there’s nothing like a harsh winter to bring out the best in people.

Nowadays though I’d like to think I’m a more seasoned winter boater, knowing how to get prepared well in advance for these colder days, how to keep the fire burning through the night, and also how to ensure my boat is safe, especially if it’s being left alone for a cold spell. For a start, you’ll find me stocked up with wood and smokeless coal before there’s even so much as a nip in the air so that when it’s time to bring the coal bucket out of summer storage from the front well-deck, I’m ready to go. Kindling and logs might also be gathered throughout the year and stored on the roof, but be aware that they will need to have dried for approximately one year before you burn them. Wet wood in a small boat does not create the kind of toasty, cosy atmosphere I like to go for in this season!

passing lock in winter | alice elgie

Curious about how warm it is on a narrowboat? https://www.foxboats.co.uk/narrowboats-is-it-cold-in-winter/

It’s also important to remember that the canal freezes so if you’re a continuous cruiser you’ll want to make sure you’re where you’re happy to be for a time—ideally close to a water point and facilities but also with the realisation that water points freeze too so start as you mean to go on with water conservation! I like to channel our industrial past and those bargees who worked historic boats through all conditions, often crammed into a boatman’s cabin with their entire family. You might not agree, but I think there is a romance to sink washes and basic meals cooked on the fire…and if you’re lucky enough to work from your boaty home it can feel like permission to switch off, hunker down and forget about the world ‘out there’.

Mood-boosting tips to beat the winter blues! https://www.foxboats.co.uk/three-foxy-mood-boosting-tips-for-this-winter/

On a practical level, make sure you’ve topped up your engine and heating system with antifreeze otherwise you might end up with a cylinder head cracking or a radiator pipe splitting. Also ensure you’ve paid some attention to any gaps in hatches, portholes and doorframes, and if you’re planning to leave your boat for a time but aren’t confident to winterise it yourself, you could ask a marina to carry out the draining of your water system and radiators and turning off of water pumps to avoid burst pipes and seals.

Whilst my 15 years on the water haven’t been without the odd hiccup, once settled into the rhythm and quirks of boat life you’ll find that winter—whilst sometimes a challenge—can be the thing that sets your life at the helm in stone…although I for one am hoping this winter won’t be quite as bracing as 2010!

Photo credits: Alice Elgie

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

The post Narrowboating Through Winter appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

foraging pot blueberries | natalia marcelewicz

 We’ve had an abundant final foraging month of summer loaded with rich golden and purple Victoria plums along with small yellow Mirabelle plums, which we have eaten fresh and also made into crumbles. But autumn is truly where foraging comes into its own with, it seems, a shiny berry at every turn.

yellow mirabelle plums | gaelle marcel

I think most of us are familiar with blackberries—or brambles as my mum was adamant they were called when she was a child growing up in North Yorkshire. There’s of course nothing better than plucking a handful and scoffing them as you stroll, but this plentiful and versatile fruit is also perfect for jams, crumbles, and syrup that works a treat on top of fluffy pancakes.

Fancy trying your hand at making blackberry syrup? 

/www.wildfooduk.com/wild-food-recipes/blackberry-syrup/ 

But blackberries are really just the tip of the forage-berg at this time of year, especially if you’re looking to load up on a good vitamins, or get ahead with your sustainable Christmas presents. In my opinion, rose hips are a vastly underrated fruit that you’ll find poking out of hedgerows the length of England’s canals. These oval red shiny berries are chock-full of vitamins A, B and D, as well as more vitamin C than an orange or lemon! In fact, this unassuming hedgerow fruit was a staple of wartime Britain when, with produce scarce, they were made into syrup, which was administered to children to keep them healthy.

foraging for blackberries | candace mathers

Even for myself growing up in the 80s, I remember well the sight of crab apples and rose hips squished into a ‘jelly bag’ hanging over a bowl in the kitchen. My mum was a wartime child herself and knew the benefits of our hedgerow plants and thankfully, passed these traditions down to me and also my daughter. Foraging folklore is in the hands of all of us and retaining such knowledge is an important part of retaining autonomy in our lives.

blackberries crumble homemade | duncan kidd

Feeling like you need a boost of Vitamin C? Try this simple River Cottage recipe:

Now I know some of you might be cross at me for mentioning Christmas, but if you’re trying to be more sensitive to sustainability and aiming to make a lesser impact this year, then I encourage you to look out for the first frost and then go in search of the beautiful purple jewels abundant in our hedgerows. Sloe gin makes a wonderful gift, is super satisfying to make, and watching it ferment in the corner for several months provides a gentle reminder of the harvest this season of autumn brings.

Go out, explore, forage, and enjoy!

If you want to be ready for a sustainable Christmas, try this recipe: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/sloe-gin

Note: When foraging, please make sure you use a reliable identification book!

Alice Elgie is a wandering writer with an appreciation for time spent in nature: slowintotheseasons.substack.com

Image credits: Blackberry pot Natalia Marcelewicz on Unsplash. Mirabelle plums Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash Blackberry pot Candace Mathers on Unsplash  Crumble Duncan Kidd on Unsplash

The post Autumnal Foraging on the Towpath appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

milla & daughter narrowboat alice elgie

With endless towpaths that mean miles of walking, cruising time that inspires chilling out, and long summer evenings lounging on the front deck or dark nights cosied up in front of the fire; what’s not to like for our four-legged friends?

Personally, I’ve never been without a dog on the waterways and after fifteen years on the canal, I’d like to think we’ve all found our feet and paws. My dear departed dog, Milla, spent most of her life enjoying all that was on offer and despite buying her a life jacket when we first started out, we found she soon gained her boating wings and would opt instead to lie down on the back with her chin hanging over the gunwale catching the cruising breeze or, sitting on the front with our daughter watching the world go by. There is no doubt that in her nearly eighteen years of life, the waterways brought her much pleasure!

milla & daughter alice elgie

Let the Canal & River Trust teach you about safe boating with your dogs

For our little terrier, Pepper, it’s another story. So tiny that I worry about her easily being knocked off the roof by wind, I opt instead to make her a bed on top of the back hatch, attaching her lead to the boat. However, she still has a lot of savvy and when we’re moored, she’s found her place on the bow of the boat, with an added umbrella to protect her from summer rays!

dog princess pepper umbrella alice elgie

It’s unimaginable to me to not have a four-legged friend by my side for narrowboat adventures and if my husband is at the tiller I like nothing better than jumping off at a bridge and taking a stroll with our pooch. I like to speed up and get ahead, especially on a quiet stretch, as it gives me that feeling of being far from the madding crowd and I’ll make sure I’ve always got a bag with me as sometimes I’ll find things to forage in the hedgerows as we mooch, such as wild Mirabelle plums in summer, or blackberries in autumn—perfect for a sweet evening crumble when we’re moored up.

Fancy a Fox Narrowboat Holiday with your pooch? Then read our ultimate dog guide! [insert link:https://www.foxboats.co.uk/canal-boating-ultimate-dog-guide/]

Having a dog by my side is an important addition to narrowboat life and whilst finding one savvy enough to stroll up and down the roof without fear of falling might be slim, finding one who is happy to slot into a laid-back life on the cut, is not so difficult!

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

The post Boating Adventures with Four-Legged Friends appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

So when a fellow boater comes speeding past with little regard for this picture perfect scene, leaving a wash that sends the moorhens scarpering and trilling at the tops of their voices and your tea spilling as the bow of your boat bangs against the riverside, it can be quite frustrating that not everyone is as sensitive to preserving the beauty of our waterways.

Mindfulness is not just an individual pastime, but also a way of being within the community; both human and animal, and keeping our canals and rivers as a place where we can all be sure of a tranquil environment is perhaps more necessary now than ever. With the speed limit on most canals just 4mph, it’s good to remind ourselves that this is equivalent to a steady walking pace!

Download the Waterways Code for Boaters here:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/go-boating/a-guide-to-boating/waterway-code

canal trust waterways code page 1

There are not many places in life these days where staying at a steady walking pace is encouraged and yet, travelling at this speed opens us up to things we might not otherwise notice, both in what we see, but also how we feel physically.

When a friend came for a day out on my narrowboat a few years ago I was surprised to observe that the person who arrived agitated and stressed after a busy week at work, left floating on a cloud. At first there had been frustration at not being able to go any faster and yet once permission was given to relax into the experience, the physical effects—the gentle relaxation of shoulders, the release of tension in the face—of slowing down was visually apparent and a joy to watch.

If you’re feeling that build-up of energy from a busy lifestyle then perhaps it’s time to book your narrowboat canal holiday near Ely and Cambridge, and experience the downshift yourself.

I’m certain our watery wildlife would agree, in that they too appreciate watching humans adopt a slower pace. The Canal and River Trust report that: “every year we get complaints about water fowl nests, eggs and very young chicks being destroyed by speeding boats.” I’ve seen this myself and have often waved wildly out of my side hatch trying to encourage boaters to slow down! We are, after all, sharing space with these creatures and perhaps we could also learn a thing or two from them.

credit: paul crook

Sitting on the front of my boat there is nothing like being reminded of the essential pastimes in life, such as building a nest one twig at a time, or spending all day seeking out food to feed our babies. We’re told the human world has progressed—saving time with innumerable gadgets and hacks—but if this is the case then why are so many people seemingly so lacking in precious minutes and so fraught with tension? Perhaps getting back to a more agreeable and mindful speed is just the ticket!

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

Image credits: Moorhen Paul Crook on Unsplash

The post Mindfulness on the Waterways appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

narrowboat garden – katherine carlyon | unsplash

It can be easy to think that there’s no way you can have a garden on a narrowboat and for many, this can be a source of frustration and compromise. But the truth is, it’s entirely possible to grow at least a few items by cleverly utilising space. Think potatoes in buckets on the back deck, salad leaves and radishes in roof-mounted planters, even raspberry canes or cherry tomatoes planted into pots on the bow.

growing potatoes – javier albuja | unsplash

When I first moved onto a narrowboat 15 years ago I enlisted my husband to whip up some planters for the roof that I painted pink for a hint of colour! Filling them with a mix of soil, compost and gravel, I was able to create a healthy environment where our summer salad leaves flourished. Not to mention, I also flourished on sunny evenings sat on the roof surrounded by the bounty.

If you’re looking for tips on how to accompany your homegrown food with a tipple, check out this post:

A Guide to Drinking on your Narrowboat Adventure

Get all the family involved

The great thing about gardening on your boat is that everyone can get involved, even little kids. Let them have their own planter or a few flowers in a tray to tend, give them a tiny watering can and you’re away. Allowing children time to nurture their own plants develops patience, not to mention fills them with a sense of awe when they get to see the magic of the earth in action.

Make your own natural, organic, liquid plant feed

nettles – paul morley | unsplash

When my daughter was small we’d head off into the fields together — armed with gloves — to collect nettles. We’d put them in a bucket with water and my daughter loved the job of stirring every few days until, at around 3-4 weeks, this nitrogen, calcium and magnesium-rich ‘tea’ was ready to add to the garden. Mix one part tea to ten parts water and your greens will be thriving in no time at all…just remember to use a sealed container because this stuff pongs!

Want to know more about why gardening can be good for kids?

RHS website: Wellbeing benefits of gardening for children

If you’re inspired to get started then have a think about what you like to eat and see how you can incorporate these ingredients into your mini garden. Home grown rocket for your pesto will certainly jazz up your pasta, or why not truly savour a small harvest of potatoes by throwing them into a MediterraneanPotato Salad, not to mention nurturing a One Pot Herb Garden will ensure you’ll have all the trimmings like fresh mint, rosemary, and basil.

organic strawberry & potato salad dish – rocky scotty | unsplash

So what’s stopping you? There’s no time like the present to start your garden and who knows, by next year you might find yourself buying a butty boat for a garden extension!

pot plants | alice elgie

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

Credits: Potatoes javier albuja on Unsplash, Narrowboat garden Katherine Carlyon on Unsplash, Nettles Paul Morley on Unsplash, Potato strawberry salad Rocky Scotty on Unsplash

The post Narrowboat Roof Gardening (with or without children!) appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

canal boat quaint village – fenland waterways | fox

So here’s your unofficial, no-nonsense guide to your first canal boat adventure—compiled from seasoned boaters and Reddit wisdom, and brought to you by us at Fox Narrowboats.

1. Pack and Plan for Off-Grid Moments

One common tip? Stock up on food before you set off. You won’t always be moored near a shop, and that riverside country pub may not appear when you’re actually hungry. Think easy meal plans, snacks, and tea and coffee.

You can either visit the supermarket when you arrive in March, or have a full grocery shop delivered to your boat. There will be opportunities for shopping along the way as you travel, but you don’t want to be moored in an idyllic rural location and find there’s no milk for your tea! There is no freezer on board, but our boats come with fully equipped galleys; crockery, cutlery, oven, hob, microwave and a fridge.

Board games, playing cards, and books are a great idea—especially if you’re planning on avoiding screen-time. And if you’re bringing children, bring more entertainment than you think you’ll need.

2. Locks: Friend, Foe, or Fitness Plan?

If you’ve heard of famous lock flights, like the Caen Hill flight, you will be pleased to discover that boating on the Middle Level is a lot less work. For example, there are only two locks between March Marina and Denver Junction.

canal lock fenland waterways | fox

Any boater will tell you, that when doing locks, always watch out for the cill (the ledge inside the lock chamber). Boats can get caught on it when descending, which may not only cause damage, but can even sink a boat surprisingly quickly. Don’t use the bow to open a lock gate, get a crew member on the bank to prepare the lock for you.

3. Keep Calm and Cruise Slowly

March to Denver Junction will take about five hours cruising, but that’s the charm. If you can walk faster than your boat, you’re doing it right.

green canal boat cruising – david edkins | unsplash

As for other boaters: slow down to tickover when passing moored boats, and hope that others will do you the same courtesy for you, when you are moored up. A passing boat in a hurry can spill your drinks or even knock objects off shelves! (Some people will moan at hire boats no matter what. Don’t take it personally if you know you’re going slow enough. Smile and wave.)

4. Mind the Dogs (and the Ducks)

Dogs are welcome on our boats; just let us know at the time of booking. Small dogs may need a life jacket, and all dogs should be kept on a lead, or inside, when mooring up or operating a lock. More than one Redditor has experienced a dog jumping ship—sometimes into a very deep lock. You may see liveaboard boaters with dogs happily living afloat, but your own dog may not be so aware of the dangers.

Lead your dog carefully, and never leave enough slack for them to leap in after a duck.

5. Other Pro Tips You Might Not Expect

Gloves are your friend. Steering all day can get chilly—even in summer. The British weather is famously unpredictable.

Don’t leave stuff on the roof. Low bridges and branches will knock it right off.

Use toilets at pubs or water points when you can, therefore leaving more room in your on-board toilet tank.

Reverse, don’t rev, if you get stuck on an underwater obstacle. Trying to move forward when aground will only dig you in deeper.

Wave at everyone—especially grumpy fisherman. Some of them have forgotten the waterways were built for boats. Always remain respectful to other navigation users.

And Finally: Enjoy the Ride

Whether you’re cruising to Peterborough or Ely, the point of a narrowboat holiday isn’t how far you go—it’s how much you enjoy the journey. Unplug, unwind, and maybe even strike up a canal-side conversation or two. The best tips often come from fellow boaters you meet along the way.

Ready for your first adventure? At Fox Narrowboats, we’re here to help make your first-time cruise as smooth and memorable as possible. There’s still time to book for this summer season!

Don’t miss more articles about what to see and do when narrowboating in the Fens: Sign up to follow this blog in the sidebar on the right.

Credits: Narrowboat quaint village Fox, green canal boat cruising David Edkins on Unsplash, canal lock Andrew Hall on Unsplash, Dog Trev Morris on Unsplash

The post First-Time Narrowboat Holiday? Here’s What the Internet Wants You to Know appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

cambridge fens sky

Boating through Cambridgeshire is ideal for anyone who enjoys photography, whether you’re a talented professional, or just someone who can’t resist sharing beautiful moments on Instagram. From flora and fauna, to ancient architecture, here are some ideas to help you savour the scenery and take home more than just memories from your holiday.

What Makes the Fens So Photogenic?

The Fenland waterways have a special kind of beauty. Think endless skies reflecting in still waters, sunrise mist over quiet fields, and flocks of birds skimming the reeds. The landscape is flat, which means big skies and long, golden sunsets. Plus, the ever-changing light creates a moody atmosphere that you’ll want to photograph.

ely cathedral fens

Add to that the historic charm of riverside towns and villages, like Ely’s medieval cathedral or St Ives’ stunning chapel bridge, and you’ve got a pretty cool backdrop for every kind of shot.

st ives bridge

Photography Tips From the Towpath

You don’t even need an expensive camera to get good photos these days. Most smartphones can capture something pretty decent, and you can always tweak things in an app later.

fenland waterways

Golden Hour magic: Early mornings and late afternoons – known to photographers as the golden hour, offer soft, warm lighting that’s flattering for landscapes, and people.

Tell a story: Try capturing more than just the view. A candid photo of a family member making tea in the galley, or your dog watching ducks float by, make meaningful holiday memories. Get some pics of your crew operating a lock, or the skipper, steering the boat.

Snap with respect: The canals are home to colourful liveaboard boats, often beautifully painted. Feel free to photograph the boats, but avoid taking photos of people without asking first.

Keep it steady: On a moving boat, things can get a bit wobbly. Depending on the shot you want, you may need to moor up for a bit.

Use reflections: The calm surface of the waterways make brilliant mirrors. Look for moments when the water is still for stunning symmetrical shots.

Picture-Perfect Stops along the Way

There are some places along the Fenland waterways that are practically begging to be photographed. We like to think of them as the wonders of the waterways:

cambridge university bridge of sighs

St Ives Chapel Bridge: One of the last remaining bridges with a chapel, it looks like something from a fairy tale, especially at sunset. The chapel is still used as a place of worship today.

Ely Cathedral: Towering above the town, the “Ship of the Fens” can be seen for miles. Moor nearby and take a stroll through the charming ancient streets, to find your perfect angle.

Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs: This covered bridge with a romantic name and beautiful details wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter movie. Best viewed from the water, so you may like to hire a punt; a small boat propelled by pushing a pole against the river bed.

The Middle Level Navigation: Remote, peaceful, and full of wildlife. Perfect for capturing that feeling of being far away from it all. Our marina is located on the Middle Level.

Capturing the Local Wildlife

Obviously, photographing animals requires some patience, but the Fens are full of good opportunities:

Look out for swans gliding past your boat, or herons lurking in the shallows. If you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher; a rare flash of blue darting over the water.

In the fields and skies, hares, kestrels, and owls all make appearances, especially if you’re travelling quietly.

fenland barn owl

Keeping the Memories Alive

Once you’re home, those photos will become some of your favourite souvenirs. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• Make a travel photo book with your favourite shots.
• Print and frame a standout picture from the trip.
• Share your best snaps on social media, and tag us @FoxNarrowboats! (Links to our socials are at the bottom of this page.)

Final Thoughts

A boating holiday is more than just a getaway, it’s a chance to really slow down and see things. To notice the curve of a bridge, the ripple of water, and the way light falls through the trees. Mindfully taking photos helps you to be in the moment, and appreciate the beauty of your journey.

So pack your camera (or just your phone), get on board, and discover just how photogenic a Fox Narrowboats holiday can be. Because the best views in Cambridgeshire are just waiting to be seen (and snapped) from the water.

For more tips and inspiration for your next boating holiday, pop your email in the box on the right-hand side of this page (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send our latest posts straight to your inbox. (We never share your email address, it’s just for the blog.)

Image credits: All – Deposit photos

The post Savouring the Scenery: Photographing Your Fox Narrowboats Adventure appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

melody narrowboat alice elgie

This season is my favourite, and for me, on the canals of England is the only place to be when it begins to take hold. Blackthorn blossom floating like confetti, hawthorn leaves, shiny and green, bursting their buds in quick succession, and goslings, ducklings, baby moorhens (which I like to affectionally call ‘pom poms’!)…there is a sense of life in the air and in my opinion, there really is nowhere like it anywhere else on earth.

goslings – alice elgie

If you’re looking to experience wildlife and nature at its best whilst on your narrowboat holiday on the fens, try Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve which can be accessed from the canal:

Fox Blog – Wicken Fen

wicken fen visitors centre – credit: fox narrowboats

I moved onto my very first narrowboat in the spring of 2010. See more about buying my first narrowboat on this blog. Those weeks spent watching the wintry world come to life through numerous windows, have stayed with me. I thought I’d hit the jackpot to be sharing my daily life with such an abundance of wildlife and as the season unfurled in all her glory, I also found myself spending far more time outside than usual.

Wicken Mill

There’s something about narrowboats being nestled so within nature that you can’t help but be drawn outside. In a house, you never know what the weather is doing and it’s easy to get complacent and comfortable, staying glued to a favourite TV show, or endlessly scrolling on a screen. But nature through a narrowboat window sucks you in—and ultimately out!—like no YouTube show ever can.

Do you long to make time for more walking?

Being on the canals also encourages us to exercise more, with a plethora of opportunities to don your walking boots and go out exploring on relatively flat and easy ground. Even BBC are extolling the benefits of walking (article on BBC website) and if you’re on a narrowboat holiday, you can take the opportunity to let inspiration lead you.

holme fen credit wiki wehh

Whether the sun is shining, or there’s a shower on the horizon, stepping outside never fails to lift the mood, as well as give us a boost of vitamin D. With a number of picturesque places to visit on the Fens—including pubs, restaurants, or perhaps even a gentle stroll to the local shop—there’s no excuse to not indulge.

Looking for Inspiration? Then check out this interactive Fens Waterways Map for Narrowboaters: 

So if you’re looking for a boost and need to be reminded of the simple joys in life, or you’re perhaps just craving respite from the busyness, spring on the waterways might be just the ticket—even with those noisy geese!

What is the cut?

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

Credits: Narrowboat – Alice Elgie, Goslings, Wicken Fen Visitors Centre – Fox Wicken Mill, Holme Fen – wiki wehh

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