The canal system in the UK is unique and extensive. Originally started in the 1760’s to transport coal, textiles and other goods, the system at its height was a 3000 mile network of canals. Combined with the natural river system, the canals linked London to the Midlands of England and beyond. 2000 miles of canals are still navigable today and are used recreationally.
Travellers navigate through the canals and their locks on narrowboats much like we might tour around American in RVs. Narrowboats have straight sides and flat bottoms and are pointed at both ends. In order to ‘go anywhere on the network’, modern narrowboats are 60′ long and 6’10” wide. In Stratford we watched at these two boats went through a lock in the middle of town.
cool, had no idea there was a canal system still operating.