Canals:

The Canals of England and Wales

The Canals of England and Wales were built starting over 200 years ago at the peak of the Industrial Revolution.

They form a network linking the 4 main estuaries of the Mersey, Thames, Humber and Severn with the main industrial towns and cities from Yorkshire and Lancashire southwards through the Midlands and the South of England with links into Wales. In connecting the industrial areas, the canals pass through some of the most beautiful unspoilt countryside and in modern times often bring a green finger of the countryside into the towns.

Canals were used purely for commercial traffic, and the coming of the railways started the long decline of the canals. In the 1950's and 60's, when there was insufficient canal carrying of goods for the canals to be maintained, campaigns were started for canal restoration for leisure purposes (with commercial carrying where appropriate).

Since that time the main canal network has been restored and the number of campaigns increased. Canals which have been out of use longer are being added to the list for attention and even new canals are being proposed - such as the Bedford Link - where a social and economic case can be established.

Since journeys are taken at less than 4 miles per hour. There is lots of the canal network to explore.