January 2025 issue
On the cover of the January issue… Our feature boat, Speedy Whippet II, cruising the Trent & Mersey Canal near Barton Marina.
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A Bigger Bespoke Boat
Boat Review
After choosing to upgrade their narrowboat for more space and hybrid propulsion, Richard and Alison Gardiner turned once again to Aqua Narrowboats. Mark Langley looks at their new craft
In Tom Rolt's Wake - part 2
Explore The Canals of the South Midlands
Heading up the GU Leicester Line, Paul Miles continues his recreation of the extended cruise documented in Tom Rolt’s Narrow Boat
A Cadbury's Boatman
Looking Back
Following on from our feature on the chocolate-makers canal connections in the last issue, Richard Hill tells us of his late grandfather’s carrying work for the company
WW Guide to the Avon Ring
Cruising Guide
Two canals, two rivers, a sprinkling of historic towns and the myriad attractions of Stratford-upon-Avon. This is one of the fi nest cruising circuits in the land, says Steve Elliot
Canal Christmas Quiz
Quiz
Put your waterways knowledge to the test and win one of £350-plus worth of prizes
Springer into Action
Reader's Boat
Could renovating a tired 1978 narrowboat prove a cost-effective way of living afloat? Josie Adnitt was determined to find out…
From Diesel to Electric
Hire-boating Holiday
Neil Barnett swaps his diesel-powered floating home for an all-electric hire- boat on a Mon & Brec Canal holiday
Starting Again Afloat
Reader's Story
Continuous cruisers Rach and James Annandale began new lives and businesses afloat in 2024. They tell Amelia Saxena about their first few months aboard
Boat Holidays with Pay
Looking Back
We look back on a short-lived 1950s scheme that saw hire-boat holidaymakers paid for carrying cargo
Christmas Gift Guide
Christmas Gifts
Stocking fillers and present ideas inspired by our inland waterways network
Keeping Canal Art Alive
Around the Waterways
Josie Adnitt speaks to four professional boat painters about the future of traditional signwriting and narrowboat decoration
Derby's Deadly Canal Lock
Last Word
Bobby Cowling explores the history of a particularly hazardous part of the lost Derby Canal
