September 2026 issue
On the cover of the September issue... Straight and Narrowboats' latest build, a 58ft stock boat, at Aqueduct Marina.
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A Boat with Purpose
Boat Review
Building quality boats is only part of Straight and Narrowboats’ mission, with the company helping people rebuild their lives through skilled employment. Mark Langley finds out more while looking at its latest narrowboat
Limehouse Basin
Waterways Hotspot
This striking aerial photograph captures two centuries of waterways history, from London’s oldest canal to the modern skyline of Canary Wharf.
North Shropshire Union Canal
WW Cruising Guide
North Cheshire’s scenery is best appreciated by boat. Steve Elliott explores the quieter reaches of the Shropshire Union Canal
Long Live the Queen
Looking Back
After one of the oldest surviving motor boats sank on the Grand Union in 1993, a remarkable rescue operation saved it from destruction. Chris Leah recalls the recovery and rehoming of narrowboat Queen
Boston or Bust
Explore
From gin distilleries and historic cinemas to remote navigations and windmills, Andy Tidy uncovers much of interest on the lower Witham
Sub-£50k Narrowboats
Buying Used
James Francis Fox looks at four very different narrowboats priced below £50,000
Thames Traffic of the 19th Century
Looking Back
Chris M. Jones examines the craft depicted in a Victorian-era painting
Crossing the Severn Estuary
Tidal Cruising
From insurance and pilots to fuel cleaning and lock bookings, Tim Holden explains what is involved in making the passage from Bristol to Sharpness
Following the Cuckoo
Around the Waterways
Andy Tidy explores the history of the Chesterfield Canal’s distinctive Cuckoo boats and experiences a horse-drawn journey aboard the replica Dawn Rose
24 Hours in Hemel Hempstead
Explore Hemel Hempstead
Although often overlooked by passing boats, Adam Porter discovers there’s more to this Hertfordshire town than first meets the eye
My Best Day's Boating
Looking Back
Commercial carrying, new waterways and the freedom of boating without parents combined to create an unforgettable day for Chris Clegg on the BCN in 1964
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Boater
Last Word
John Hollins reflects on the emotional highs and lows of living and cruising alone
