Blogs
Keep up to date on the latest adventures and musings from boaters blogs.
2 August 2026
Coventry Canal Hawkesbury to Coventry Basin click to see more
NB Huffler
it is very overcast today. We are having to reverse through the stop lock and try a 'round in 1' in reverse ! Going to be interesting. 11.15 am and 5 miles to Coventry Basin. Oh no, a boat is
1 August 2026
Repaint Week 7 W/C 27th July
NB Oleanna
*Scarboreugh / Redhill Marina* Patience is a virtue, it’s also getting VERY boring now! **Taking the weight off whilst the IT department sort out a problem** Last Sunday we waved goodbye to the Calendar Girls who have been staying with
All Oaks Wood
NB Harnser
Away just before 10 and went over something hard just before bridge 15, that’s a little less 2 pack on the base plate. Round passed Charity Dock and there looked to be a few boats missing so this old wooden
Planning to manage BST – British Shallow Time
Pickingupducks
So two weeks ago, we left you at a point where we had a broken boat and immense frustration at the state of the canals. A family holiday with the invaluable perspective of an eight year-old has helped immensely, as
31 July 2026
Coventry Canal - Charity Dock to Sutton Stop click for more
NB Huffler
Moving off this morning the weather knew exactly what it was doing .. Hot. Hot and Hotter 30 degrees today. Charity Dock cannot be explainedIt has to be seen to be believed The Stig is there to greet you, as
Marston Junction
NB Harnser
About half nine this morning a CRT chap walks by and said the locks are off. They needed to let water down so the boaters waiting may as well make use of it so opened early. We set off and
30 July 2026
The Sumpners Ashore – 2026 Tour
The Sumpners Afloat
**Week 1 – July 21st to 28th** – **setting off and arriving in Europe** **DAY 1 – TUESDAY** – We awoke early on Tuesday morning, eager to get away. Unfortunately something had broken on the cassette toilet and we needed
Lock 5 Atherstone Flight
NB Harnser
Today’s plan was to moor below Atherstone Locks as the last entry was at 1400 hrs. but that changed. Soon after setting off we passed a CRT mooring basin that has no boats moored in it. It did however have
Coventry Canal - to near Charity Dock click to see more
NB Huffler
We moved on towards Nuneaton for some shopping. This single old telegraph pole always amuses me. Why did they leave just one ? The weather seemed unable to make its mind up and its quite a cold start.Passing old cottages,
A quick update..
The Sumpners Afloat
**July 10th to July 20th** **– Electrika and Family time** Well since I last wrote, a lot of water has passed under the bridge and I’ve genuinely had no time to do any writing at all, but here I am
29 July 2026
Fazeley Junction
NB Harnser
It was warm from the word go, clear blue sky and a few gusty puffs of wind. We hadn’t gone far when we met this chap. On the wrong side but well out of the way.[[DSCF2185]][1] This boat was moored
28 July 2026
Fradley Village
NB Harnser
Last night we ate rather more than we should have of an Indian Takeaway from Indian Cottage, the Bengal Chicken was on the warm side, but the beef dish really tender. About 11pm I was getting the tv aerial in
Coventry Canal - somewhere before Nuneaton. click for more
NB Huffler
Lovely quiet spot in the middle of nowhere - well it feels like that. I think we are very close to Nuneaton. Tony preparing the front deck for painting The hand rails being done as well - he is a
27 July 2026
Rugeley
NB Harnser
When we set off this morning it was quite cloudy, but no sign of any rain.[[DSCF2162]][1] One of the narrow gardens between the canal and the railway line has some great kids toys including a zip wire.[[DSCF2163]][2] The canal was
26 July 2026
Baswich
NB Harnser
We were away a little before ten to overcast morning, there were a few spots of wet on the roof but the towpath was dry. we had reasonable luck with all the locks, ether a boat coming up, out, or
25 July 2026
Coventry Canal Mancetter to Nuneaton click for more
NB Huffler
After a couple of days here we say 'good bye' to friends who wave us off and set off towards Nuneaton. We are being warned by passing boats that water levels are low ! The spill weirs confirm this Passing
Penkridge, Cross Keys
NB Harnser
Loads of boats had been passed well before we were out of bed, but it was quiet when we set off, but it wasn’t long before we were meeting boats. A short way before Four Ashes the paint scheme on
Repaint Week 6 W/C 20th July
NB Oleanna
*Redhill Marina / Scarboreugh* **Tilly sun puddling** Living on land now involves creaky staircases, encouraging Tilly to sleep in a different room, making a list of things that need to be done before leaving Scarborough, starting to tick them off,
24 July 2026
Coven, Fox and Anchor
NB Harnser
Yesterday I failed to mention that NB Sarina (hope I have the name right) who said they read my blog said hello. Well you may have notices from the heading, we are still in Coven but we have done over
Coventry Canal - Mancetter
NB Huffler
We stayed here a few days to get some paintwork repaired now we have only 4 more locks before we get back to base. this is one of our favourite moorings on the Coventry Canal Tony starting to repair the
23 July 2026
Coven Lawn
NB Harnser
For some reason we were away before ten, We were soon passing under the first bridge, Today this sign would give the Barristers a field day arguing if a truck was to heavy or not.[[DSCF2131]][1] I am sure this piece
22 July 2026
Gnosall
NB Harnser
Bit of a slow day today, too many old friends, Last night that well known boater Bones called in to say hello, not seen her for about 5 years then this morning we stopped to chat with Jerry and Muriel,we
Coventry Canal - Atherstone to Mancetter
NB Huffler
Well after rushing to get here we can now relax. Relax ? Brass needs cleaning, temperatures have dropped some and its nice English weather now. The chimney needs repainting and the Buckby Can needs a bit of a touch up
21 July 2026
Tyrley Top Lock
NB Harnser
Just as we were off to bed last night the moon was almost setting and just visible above the hedgerow across the canal.[[IMG_20260720_224836]][1] For some reason we set off at nine AM this morning and it worked well, We met
Repaint Week 5 W/C 13th July
NB Oleanna
*Redhill Marina / Scarboreugh* **It could be fuller, but at least it’s a start** We’d been in touch with Tom last week hoping that we’d be able to take a load of things down to the boat, a hire van
20 July 2026
Coxbank
NB Harnser
Last night we had some lovely sky’s with the clouds reflecting on the canal. These were taken around 10 o’clock, the second on on my phone.[[DSCF2092]][1][[IMG_20260719_222355]][2] What a day, we were about to set off with a nice clear canal
Coventry Canal Alvecote to Atherstone ... click to see more
NB Huffler
Away early, just after 7am, and hoping to get up Atherstone before CaRT suddenly decide to close the lock flight there.Old bridges You can still see the slag from the coal mining. Entrance to the old coal mine wharf at
19 July 2026
Coole Pilate
NB Harnser
Last night we enjoyed two good meals and a bottle of red in The Old Barbridge Inn. There were very few people in the restaurant but that said that the whole week had been very busy, lots of people eating
Coventry Canal - Hopwas to Alvercote - click to see more
NB Huffler
Saying goodbye to Hopwas we started to make our way towards Atherstone Tony has his daughter coming over from America with her 3 children, their husbands and children, 12 in all and we hope to meet up at Hawkesbury junction
18 July 2026
Barbridge
NB Harnser
A little late getting away this morning. First thing it was foggy and the morning remained very overcast and no where near as hot as previous days. we even had 5 minutes of drizzle and the sun only popping out
Coventry Canal. Huddlesford Junction to Hopwas - click to see more
NB Huffler
Yesterday was boat cleaning, exterior and interior. Getting rid of the white dust that CaRT had decided was a good idea to cover the footpath with from Rugeley to Fradley Junction. Not only was the dust all over the outside
Life-changing decisions.
Pickingupducks
What a week. Broken boat. Clouds of black smoke. Repairs underway. Canals are being closed around us and a feeling of despair settling around. Canal and River Trust say reservoir levels are higher than when they closed routes last year
17 July 2026
Wimboldsley
NB Harnser
It was quite hazy when we set off at 10 this morning but things soon brightened up. When we came the other way last week I didn’t appreciate it was Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men with Weed floating
How to use a tripping line to protect your anchor
Insure4Boats
Anchoring might seem straightforward, but it can sometimes be difficult to know what’s beneath the surface of the water. Uneven terrain, hidden debris, and shifting conditions can all turn a routine anchor drop into a risky retrieval. A tripping line
Prop damage: Repair and prevention tips
Insure4Boats
A damaged boat propeller can cause all sorts of issues while out on the water. Knowing how to prevent prop damage and repair minor dings can reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring. Here, we share how to tell when
Barnacles on boats: How to remove them and why
Insure4Boats
Barnacles may just be small, underwater crustaceans. But they can be extremely problematic for boat owners and cause costly damage when left untreated. If you own a boat, understanding these marine organisms and how they can ruin your vessel is
16 July 2026
Marston
NB Harnser
Bit of a late start, we had the dawn chorus about midnight when something upset all the roosting birds so didn’t wake up too early. It was almost 11am before we set off. I knew it was going to be
Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley & Coventry Canal to Huddlesford Junction. Click to read more
NB Huffler
No need to go early as we are only going to Huddlesford Junction about 5 miles or so and 3 locks This cruiser passed us as we were getting ready to leave. Note gates open and he is now thinking
15 July 2026
Dutton
NB Harnser
Our original plan for this morning was to leave the mooring at 10 and go through Preston Brook tunnel at 1030am. But then we thought now we are here we may as well go to the end of the Runcorn
Trent & Mersey Canal - Rugeley to Woodend Lock click to see more
NB Huffler
Setting off just after 9am this morning as the forecast was only for temps of 27 by 4pm and we will be at our destination by about midday Rugeley strangely devoid of boats behind us and even stranger for England
14 July 2026
Preston Brook
NB Harnser
Last night we ate at [Elmas][1] the Mediterranean restaurant, this was not our first visit and very enjoyable. This morning the first job was a visit to Sainsburys, its only a small one but we got everything we need. The
Staffs and Worcester Canal- Tixall to Trent and Mersey then to Rugeley. click to see more
NB Huffler
A beautiful couple of days in Tixall. Lots of house keeping done, bed changed and washing done. Those who know me well will know it is NOT "one of my favourite things" Not that many boats passing but those that
13 July 2026
Lymm
NB Harnser
Quite a cool breeze this morning making steering quite pleasant. We passed this converted lifeboat, I think its the first time I have seen one with a wheelhouse grafted onto it.[[DSCF2000]][1] Then we came to the fishing match, the time
12 July 2026
Middle Levels
NB Huffler
The Middle Levels are the system that drain the fens. Some are navigable and you can get across to the River Great Ouse The Middle Levels are nothing to do with CaRT or the EA and are maintained and run
Staffs and Worscester canal Penkridge to Tixall click to read more
NB Huffler
After an early night and with no cooling fan in the bedroom, - it had ceased to work sometime during the previous night, it was yet another early morning. Up at 5am away by 6am. Margaret cannot take the heat
Grappenhall
NB Harnser
Bit of a lazy start today that turned into a rush. We didn’t need to be at Preston Brook tunnel until 11 o’clock so we were just sort of milling around and suddenly noticed the time getting away. It turned
Repaint Week 4, W/C 6th July
NB Oleanna
*Redhill Marina / Scarboreugh* We were busy returning from the Dales on Monday, so having no news about Oleanna didn’t bother us. But when Tuesday arrived we started to jump to look at our phones as photos started to come
11 July 2026
Staffs and Worscester canal- Gailey to Penkridge. click to see more
NB Huffler
Going to be 32 degrees today. So up at 5am and away by 6am. A lovely cool 17 degrees.The sun is just rising behind the trees to the right as we leave the Gailey moorings Still quite misty The round
Dutton Hollow
NB Harnser
This was our mooring last night, tucked in under the trees for shade it was so nice I sat out on the[[DSCF1979]][1] deck watching the TV, I was hoping that the sun was going to go down over the canal
White gold
Pickingupducks
> I am born in water. I live in water and I die when water touches me. What am I? The answer to this old riddle has been adding flavour to our days and dishes, fascinating, exfoliating and also relaxing