There are many advantages to life aboard a narrowboat. Here are just a few to consider that might enhance your life.

1. Beat The Traffic

   No need to worry about being stuck in traffic when living on a narrowboat. Even at the busiest times of the year such as the summer months or bank holidays, when narrowboat traffic increases due to holiday cruisers, it is rarely bad enough to delay your journey. If you do get stuck, while waiting for the locks to clear, you can always take in the beautiful scenery. You won’t find that on the M25!

   No need to find a parking spot either if you are off to the shops. Check out the canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices website to get advanced notice of any closures or stoppages. Plan your route boat trip in the fens waterways; middle level, river nene or the river ouse with the Fox river map.

2. Hidden Scenery

   Talking of scenery, there are some amazing sights and hidden gems you wouldn’t see from your car or on dry land. Alys Fowler, in her book ‘Hidden Nature – A voyage of discovery’, captures beautifully the joy of encountering the array of wildlife, on her trips along the canals. Too many to name, but here are just a few to consider. The Guardian lists the Middle Level Waterways as one of the five best canal waterway holidays.

   https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/mar/14/five-best-british-canal-and-waterway-holidays-wow-factor

3. The Community

   You will soon realise what a diverse and interesting community occupy narrowboats on Britain’s waterways. There is almost certain to be someone around to give you advice or help if you get into difficulties. More often than not, they’ll have an interesting story to tell or a valuable tip to offer too.

4. Mobile Lifestyle

   However, another advantage, as opposed to living in a house is you can move quite quickly, if you have landed in a noisy spot. You can opt for peace and quiet, or a more lively area, and there is always something new to see in this mobile lifestyle.

5. Simple Life

   There is much to be gained from the simpler life on a narrowboat. Having less trappings and often fewer material possessions can be very freeing.

6. Mental Health Boost

   You may notice an improvement in mental health, with the slower pace of life and the connection with nature. Check out the evidence to support this theory at Mental Health Org website.

   https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/nature-how-connecting-nature-benefits-our-mental-health

7. Stay Fit

   The physical exercise taken to manage life aboard, such as working the locks, will improve your physical strength and has an impact on your health generally. Checkout out an article on staying fit on a canal boat

   https://www.foxboats.co.uk/narrowboat-healthy-life-cooking-gardening-staying-fit-peace-of-mind/

8. Greener Life

   Depending on your boat, there is a good indication that narrowboat living can be more environmentally friendly. The Canal and River Trust gives tips on how to live a greener life on board.

   https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/go-boating/a-guide-to-boating/living-on-a-boat/greener-cleaner-boating

9. Saving Money

   Saving money can be a huge benefit of canalboat life. There are of course still bills to be paid, such as mooring fees, but these vary enormously as to where you are living and by taking this into account, it could be a much cheaper lifestyle choice that living in a house. Get an idea of the costs of living aboard in our blog.

10. Fishing

    And finally, if fishing is your thing – with a rich diversity of fish, you are in the right place on UK waterways. You may need a ‘Waterway Wanderers Scheme permit, which The Canal and River Trust can advise on. See fishing on the Middle Level.

Before starting this great adventure Paula advises that you think of an exit strategy.  As life moves on boating might not be a thing for you any more.  When you are young it might be a growing family or as we get older your health may deteriorate. Will you still be able to lift gas cylinders and coal onto your boat?  Perhaps if you are able, rent out your land based accommodation so  you have something to return to or consider building a pot to cover a rental deposit to return to dry land.

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