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.

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.