Towpath Talk

ULTRAMARATHON challenge inspired by salmon migration set to raise vital funds

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Web Editor

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August 29, 2025

To raise awareness of the plight of salmon and raise funds for the vital work of The Rivers Trust, the organisation’s CEO, Mark Lloyd, is taking part in the Salmon Run this September – a 43-mile ultramarathon challenge along the River Exe, following the species’ migration route upstream – and will be joined by Olympian…
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FUTURE SECURED for old Cornish lugger

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Web Editor

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August 28, 2025

A historic Cornish lugger has been saved from destruction following a complex rescue and 12-month search for a new owner. Lucy Wood reports… WHITE Heather, a wooden-hulled sailboat, was originally built in 1926 for fishing off the Cornish coast and later became a popular passenger boat in Fowey during the 1980s and 1990s. In 2003 it…
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RESTORATION WORK DONE on historic lifting bridge

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Web Editor

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August 27, 2025

A LIFTING bridge designed by Robert Stephenson and built in 1834 to carry a railway line over the Grand Union Canal has been restored. Robin Jones reports… The bridge is one of the few remaining examples of Victorian engineer Stephenson’s early work near the dawn of the steam age so is of immense historic importance.…
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BOATER SATISFACTION UP but still work to do

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Web Editor

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August 26, 2025

The results of the Canal & River Trust’s Annual Boaters’ Survey have been released. CARRIED out in November and March, the survey showed that boater satisfaction has increased to 55%, up from 46% in 2024. The charity said this follows the introduction of its Better Boating Plan, which was developed in partnership with boaters and…
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MON & BREC: Brighter Future?

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Web Editor

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August 25, 2025

THE Welsh Government’s commitment to finding a solution for the future of the threatened Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal has been welcomed by waterways bodies. Lucy Wood reports… The Mon & Brec, as previously reported, has suffered from water supply issues due to legislative changes imposed on the Canal & River Trust, which manages the canal,…
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THE FORTH & CLYDE canal

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Web Editor

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August 23, 2025

SOMETHING remarkable has been quietly unfolding north of the border, and the vital player at its centre? The Forth & Clyde Canal. Once a throbbing artery of trade and profit before its decline and closure in 1963, it is once again helping to shape the future of Glasgow. Helen Gazeley reports… The Forth & Clyde is…
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OUTDOOR EXERCISE classes in heart of the capital

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Web Editor

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August 22, 2025

This summer, the much-loved morning classes on the canalside steps at King’s Cross, London, are back, so fitness fans can take in some vitamin D while they exercise. The classes run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until August 28. Londoners are celebrating the warmer months by starting their day on the grassy steps in Granary…
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EXPLORE the magical world of dragonflies

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Web Editor

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August 21, 2025

There’s plenty of time to get involved in the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s summer Dragonfly Festival. It’s taking place until September 22 at all 10 of the WWT’s wetland sites in the UK. “Dragonflies are some of nature’s most dazzling creatures, with their shimmering wings, acrobatic flight, and vibrant colours,” said the trust. “A living…
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September 2025

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Alex Bestwick

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August 21, 2025

Towpath Talk features everything you need to know about boats, marinas, wildlife, conservation, heritage and superb days out.
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LOW WATER LEVELS: some thoughts from CRT

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Web Editor

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August 20, 2025

There have been a few videos launched via The Canal & River Trust YouTube channel, offering some insight into low water levels, etc: Daniel Greenhalgh – the impact of scarce water: Matthew Symonds – the impact of low water levels: Dr. Adam Comerford – water resources update:
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SURVEY YOUR RIVER with the Big River Watch app

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Web Editor

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August 19, 2025

Twice a year, The Rivers Trust runs Big River Watch, and the next one is on September 19-25. Anyone can take part in these week-long citizen science surveys that help to build an important picture of river health in the UK and Ireland. The trust said: “Our rivers are far from healthy. They are polluted…
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ICONIC PADDLE STEAMER returns to the water

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Web Editor

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August 18, 2025

The historic steam-powered Kingswear Castle – the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK – has set sail on its summer cruises on the River Dart. The circular route takes in the lower part of the river, viewing the castles at the estuary, the Britannia Royal Naval College, and towards famous crime novelist Dame…
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FIRE in nature reserve

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Web Editor

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August 17, 2025

A wildfire broke out in a popular nature reserve in Essex on August 5. About 10 hectares of field were alight in Creeksea Ferry Road on Wallasea Island. By 5pm, firefighters had extinguished the blaze and dampened down hotspots. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service did not state the cause, but said it was working…
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FLOCK to Foxton Locks for family fun

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Web Editor

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August 15, 2025

Families are being encouraged to explore a 200-year-old marvel of engineering this summer as the Canal & River Trust launches a programme of summer activities at Foxton Locks, Leicestershire. The charity is holding a series of activities helping people to discover the wildlife and historic features at the site, the UK’s longest, steepest flight of…
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