Review' A comprehensive and and absorbing survey of the enrie canal network of the British Isles '
--Canals & Rivers (June 2009)

"Anyone with an interest in Britain's canals, as well as those who travel them by boat, will find this an attractive and engaging addition to the coffee-table."
--Yachting & Boating World (April 2009)

A practical, usable guide to getting afloat on Britain's canals and rivers. The authoritative advice and information will inspire confidence and allow everyone to enjoy a successful, relaxing and safe experience on the water.

Contents / Advice on what type of boating holiday. / Where and when to go. / Booking your boat. / The necessary preparation. / Starting your first trip. / Boat handling. / Negotiating locks, bridges, tunnels and aqueducts. / Safety on board. / Problems you may encounter and how to deal with them. / Those extra-special places to see and things to do. / Boating in Ireland and Europe. / Buying a boat and boat ownership. / Appendices cover walking and cycling along the waterways; communication on board (mobiles and laptops); where to get more information; boat shows, events and rallies; waterway guides, magazines and videos; glossary of boating terms; bibliography.

Illustrations clearly explain the practical points, photographs show the special nature of the waterways and their features, and maps illustrate the entire inland waterways system and individual canals and rivers.

A guidebook to the world-famous, Llangollen Canal, Britain's most popular holiday canal for boaters, walkers and cyclists.

The guide provides navigation notes and history for the canal's spectacular aqueducts, embankments, tunnels and lift bridges as it passes through breathtaking scenery.

What the Telegraph says -

"Perhaps, in their paean to canals, these two wacky, counter-cultural women really have captured something of the Zeitgeist. Coolness isn't a fast car any more. It isn't a crowded cocktail bar. It certainly isn't a Caribbean beach, rubber-necking at celebrities. It is knowing when to slow down, take time out, commune with nature, savour pleasures too precious to be rushed.
" (The Daily Telegraph, September 2009) .............................................

Packed with great ideas for quiet getaways and slow adventures, uncovering different, eco and budget-conscious things to do on the inland waterways for a day, weekend or longer: from drifting away in a narrowboat to hiking the length of the Brecon Beacons' canal. 'Cool canals' inspires and gives all the essentials to plan time out on the canals - rural cottage retreats, city chic, quirky waterside festivals, floating B&Bs, even redefining the concept of 'slow' food, eating out at 4mph afloat.

It's the eco-escape hiding under our noses, with untapped ways to slow down and chill out al fresco, from the sands of Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland. This is not a navigational guide, nor a gazeteer - it's an introduction to leisure time on or by the water. An exciting new look at the slow world of canals.