It might be difficult to imagine now, but it won’t be long before spring starts to warm the outlines of hedgerows and daffodils begin to rear their heads. The best way to enjoy this dew-spangled, fresh time of year is to get out and go rambling along Britain’s canals and rivers. From the tranquil river River Witham to the meandering Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, there’s an ideal waterway stroll for spring somewhere near you.
The Peak Forest canal
Perhaps the most pleasingly picturesque waterway in the UK, the Peak Forest canal runs through quintessentially English countryside, its waters wending along William Blake’s “green and pleasant land”. Weeping willows trail their tendrils in the fertile tributaries and a wealth of wildlife populates its banks. Particularly in spring, watch out for water rats collecting food for their newborn pups.
Kennet and Avon Canal
The south of England is perhaps the area of the UK that lends itself most to spring. This part of the world is fervently fervent, with Tolkienesque rolling green hills straight out of Hobbiton, dense, luxurious forests and dappled turquoise waters. The Kennet and Avon Canal flows through much of this dreamy countryside for 87 miles, and given its proximity to urban centres there are loads of things to do along its banks, from popping into charmingly chintzy tearooms or more sophisticated cafes and gastropubs. Or you can just lie back on its banks with a good book and watch the world go by.
The Tarka trail and Taw river
North Devon’s Tarka Trail has a discernible whiff of Game of Thrones about it, with its long, scenically tree-lined highwayman’s paths and impressively untouched countryside. It runs alongside the Taw river, perhaps best known as the location for Henry Williamson’s classic tale, Tarka the Otter, and indeed, otters still populate the waterway. If you’re very lucky, at this time of year you may even spot some painfully cute otter pups.
The Llangollen canal
This beautiful waterway languidly crosses the border between England and Wales. It’s known for the Chirk aqueduct and the striking, 38-metre high Pontcysyllte aqueduct, a feat of engineering awarded world heritage status in 2009. In spring, daffodils carpet the canal banks and it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, particularly for those looking to improve their canoeing ability. Look out for the elusive green woodpecker, known to frequent the canal’s shores.
The river Ure
The river Ure flows through the charming and remotely rural valley of Wensleydale – famous, of course, for Wensleydale cheese. The scenery along this little-known stretch of water is rewarding, to say the least, with everything from rugged hills to crashing waterfalls. Salmon can be spotted leaping from its waters, and just above Westwick lock is the affluent splendour of Newby Hall and its beautiful gardens, resplendent in spring with a fragrant botanical collection.
The river Findhorn
The intrepidly named river Findhorn evokes imagery of fire and flint and flying arrows, and its location in the northern wilds of Scotland suits this preconception. The river springs out of the Highlands and runs 62 miles to the Moray Firth on the north coast, making it one of Scotland’s longest rivers. The Moray Firth is a world-famous destination for whale and dolphin watchers. A pod of bottlenose dolphins is known to frequent the area, and other species spotted off its shores include orcas, minke whales and even sperm whales.
The river Tummel
Situated in central Scotland, on the outskirts of the vast Cairngorms national park, the river Tummel is breathtakingly beautiful and wild. Its crystal-clear waters are tantalisingly drinkable, and the numerous walks along its banks are rewarding and tricky in equal measure. Be sure to invest in a sturdy pair of walking boots, and be prepared for brisk changes of weather. The river is known for its salmon fishing, so if that’s your sport, bring a line and tackle and while away the hours.
Monmouthshire and Brecon canal
One of the most popular attractions in the Brecon Beacons national park, the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal lends itself perfectly to balmy spring walks and long, leisurely afternoon picnics. Its long, flat banks make it perfect for easy walks and cycles, and there are plenty of things to see along the way, from historic lime kilns to beautiful wildlife such as herons, dragonflies and red kites.
The river Witham
In contrast to the rolling, lush hills of Wales and Yorkshire, the river Witham winds through Lincolnshire, where the scenery is flatter and more subdued, but just as beautiful, with wide horizons giving way to breathtaking sunsets (or sunrises, if you get up early enough). It’s a painter’s paradise, with fluffy clouds scudding across panoramic skies. Spring light, still not too garish, is perfect for painting landscapes. This is also a great route for cyclists, with long, flat pathways.
The river Stour
Straddling Essex to the south, Suffolk to the north and Cambridgeshire to the west, the river Stour is 47 miles of hushed, willow-strewn waterways and calm, grassy banks. Its eastern section, Dedham Vale, has been named an area of outstanding natural beauty, and certainly lives up to its title, with kingfishers dipping in and out of green lagoons. There have been human settlements along the river for more than 5,000 years, which makes it a point of historical interest as well as aesthetic.
The Canal & River Trust cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England & Wales. We believe that whatever you do, life is better by water. Discover the special places on your doorstep at canalrivertrust.org.uk
