October 2025 issue
On the cover of the October issue... Cruising the Grand Union Canal at Braunston, Northamptonshire.
See in online readerBuy this issue
A Top-Drawer Narrowboat
Boat Review
Fram is a new 60ft electric narrowboat with a vast solar array and exceptional joinery – including lots of drawers! Mark Langley takes it cruising on the Gloucester & Sharpness
Into the Green Unknown
Explore Basingstoke Canal
From military manoeuvres to emerald damselflies, Fiona Burt discovers the quirks and beauty of the Basingstoke Canal on a two-week cruise
Anderton Boat Lift
Waterways Hotspots
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in August and soon to be closed for refurbishment, we pay homage to this Wonder of the Waterways
Central Grand Union Canal
WW Cruising Guide
So much more than an A-to-B waterway, the central Grand Union offers its own brand of characterful cruising. Steve Elliott boats from Napton Junction to Milton Keynes
Cargo Carrying in the 1980s
Looking Back
John Tarry shares a collection of images showing the carriage of pottery on the Caldon Canal in 1983
24 Hours in Droitwich
Explore Droitwich
Andy Tidy spends time in the Worcestershire spa town
From Constable to the Canals
Reader's Story
Artist Andy Hamblin speaks to Amelia Saxena about his career, continuous cruising and cat companion
A Dundas Miracle
Around the Waterways
How do you bring an abandoned canal back to life and create a boating hub in its place? Andrew Denny relates the fascinating story of Brassknocker Basin
Tug-style Narrowboats
Second-hand Boats
James Francis Fox explores three very different examples on the second-hand market
The School Cruise of '83
Looking Back
A lost crew, broken tiller, sinking boat and late-night intruders, this 1983 school trip had drama aplenty – plus a visit to Alton Towers! Former teacher James Adams recalls a hire holiday that drove him to cigarettes
Five Go Boating
Reader's Story
Flora and partner Faraz moved their young family onto a narrowboat after just one short hire holiday. Amelia Saxena finds out about their first year afloat
Stoppage Dilemmas
Last Word
Andy Tidy describes the challenges facing roving traders this season amid widespread infrastructure repairs and water shortages
