canal boat trip derbyshire

Welcome to Boat Street

We are an award winning cafe based on a narrowboat moored at Mercia Marina, Derbyshire.  We also operate a variety of regular canal boat trips on our widebeam, the Mercia Swan.

We're now operating 7 days a week! Look out for our special events too!

Latest News

How to find us.

Boat Street cafe is located along a path that leads behind Midland Chandlers, over a bridge. Spot the troll guarding the canal entrance of the marina!

You can find the Mercia Swan boat trips down from the Boardwalk pub, it is green with a cream roof and usually has fairy lights around it.  Look out for grey signs across the site pointing to "canal boat cafe" and "canal boat trips"

Willington 45min Return

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1 hour 15 mins to Stenson

1 hr 15 min

Bird of Prey Experience

Private Charter

Mini cruises for groups

1 hr 30 min

Canal Boat Trips

A Unique Gift

The Boat Street Gift Card

Give the gift of a lovely canal boat experience including a delicious meal at our award winning narrowboat cafe and a relaxing trip along the canal in our wonderful widebeam boat, the Mercia Swan

“Perfect Lunch... Called in for lunch today whilst walking to Findern. I have visited this cafe lots of times and have never been disappointed. I had a BLT which was cooked just how I like it. I am so lucky to have this on my doorstep. The owners are passionate about their business and lovely people."

Emma, Long Eaton

"My cousin and I visited for the first time today and what a lovely treat it was! The setting is idyllic and definitely right up my 'boat' street being around water and especially on a boat! Food was enjoyable and filling, reasonably priced too. Good selection of drinks and very friendly staff. Highly recommend. Will be visiting again."

Alexander, Ashby

"Brilliant local cafe in a great location.  We visited in September. Very pretty location with views across the water. Ample seating with sun shades. Menu was varied with plenty of choice. We ordered a wrap each and a hot drink. Very tasty food with friendly service. A little gem with great prices for these times."

Quotes have been taken from reviews on tripadvisor

Derby Riverboat Trips

Adults £8, Under 16s £6, Family ticket - £22, Under 3 Free but still require a ticket

Contact details

View on map

01332255800 Email Visit website

Description

Eco-friendly river cruises from april to october 2024.

The 45 minute Mill-to Mill cruise departs from the temporary Causey Bridge Boarding Platform , the opposite side of the river to the Museum of Making. The route will take you through the beautiful Darley Park, alongside the historic Chester Green and up to the picturesque suburb of Darley Abbey before returning to Causey Bridge.

Outram is a zero-emission, solar power, electric boat, designed to preserve this special environmental setting. Choose between our outdoor foredeck or relax in the inside cabin as you cruise along the UK’s most bio-diverse urban river in comfort. Keep a look out for Kingfishers! Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments will be available from our on board café, and sustainable gifts are available from our onboard gift shop.

An onboard audio commentary, full of historical interesting stories, accompanies the cruise read by acting legend, Sir David Suchet. There are activity packs, interactive STEM demos and a toy box to keep children entertained on the trip. Click on the link to view our brochure for more information.

VIEW BROCHURE

Please note that the temporary boarding platform for 2024 is next to Causey Bridge. For more information, please visit our website Website or follow us on Instagram , X and Facebook .

• Suitable for all ages - Children must be supervised and accompanied at all times.
• The boat itself is fully accessible, however until a permanent boarding platform can be installed the boat trips will be only accessible to customers who are able to use a pool style ladder onto the boat.
• Maximum 12 passengers per cruise
• Please ensure you arrive at the boarding platform 10 minutes before departure

Times: 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm

Adults £8

Under 16s £6

Family ticket - £22

Under 3 Free but still require a ticket

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Regular Powered Boat Trip

WE OPERATE PUBLIC CRUISES WEDNESDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS :

PLEASE NOTE our online Booking closes 48 hours before the schedules trip – the calendar below will show the days in green where we have availability. Choose a green date and a green time and then tick T’s&C’s.

• Departs 11am or 2pm: 2 Hour Return Cruise – Cromford Wharf to Leawood Pumphouse and return
• Bespoke automated commentary about the Canal and Birdswood
• Adults (18+) £12.00  Seniors (60+) 10.00  Children (3-17) £7.00, family (2+2) £30.00
• Guided tour of the back cabin and history of the boat explained
• Toilet on Board – although several public toilets are also available
• Small well behaved dogs welcome
• Please arrive 15 minutes before departure for boarding.
• LOCATION: Cromford Wharf, Mill Road, Cromford. DE4 3RQ.

PLEASE NOTE: Dry weather, water leaks and or water supply problems sometimes affect water levels in the canal and this may mean that the boat will not be able to travel through the swing bridge to the Leawood Pump House: in this case it will be the Master of the day’s decision whether the trip to Leawood will be possible. If it is not possible, then for the comfort of both passengers and crew instead Birdswood may moor-up at High Peak Junction (HPJ) for a period of up to 30 minutes. During this time, passengers will be able to disembark and view the historic Cromford and High Peak Railway workshop, reputedly the oldest in the world, get a drink or snack from the kiosk, or simply sit under the umbrellas and relax. The more energetic passengers can take the approximately 10 minute each way walk to view the Pump House and Aqueduct Cottage. After passengers have re-boarded at HPJ, Birdswood will return back to Cromford Wharf: overall we aim to keep to the planned 2 hour round trip time.

Adult (18+): £12.00

Senior (60+): £10.00

Concessions & Children (3-17): £7.00

Children (2 and under): Free

Family, 4 people (2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult + 3 children): £30

Times are in Europe/London

• Choose a date above to see available times.

Description

• Reviews (23)

Please arrive 15mins prior to departure time to allow for boarding and a prompt departure.

LOCATION: Cromford Wharf, Mill Road, Cromford, DE4 3RQ.

We are situated within The Unesco Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and regularly coordinate events along the canal combining the resources available to both groups.

23 reviews for Regular Powered Boat Trip

John Driver – 12th September 2024

Hello , I wish to say a big thank you to all concerned for helping make our ‘family celebration charter ‘ this last Sunday such an enjoyable and special afternoon. The crew created a very relaxed and safe environment enjoyed by all from ages 1-71. It was , to quote one of the younger members of the family ‘superb’ and ‘we would be up for that again.’ Best wishes.

Andrew Street – 26th July 2024

Hugh and the team,Just a big thank you for the trip on the Birdswood and the service the team provided for us.My family really enjoyed it, needing a break- a relaxing canal cruise. .Gettting the last tickets and having the dog on board made the day.

Tilly1001 (verified owner) – 23rd July 2024

This was a real highlight of our visit to the Peak District. All went smoothly, both we and our small dog were made very welcome indeed, and we found it a comfortable trip (including my 6ft 4in husband who had a bad knee). There was too much weed in the canal for the boat to go the whole way, so we had a 40min break in the middle – perfect for a walk along the canal and an ice cream. The volunteers were so pleasant and knowledgeable, and the 2 hours passed all too quickly.

Dave H (verified owner) – 23rd July 2024

We took a group of 26 carers on a trip on the Birdswood on a damp July day, the sky as grey as a squirrel. From booking to departure the whole experience was of first-class service, attention to detail, and friendly, helpful staff (all volunteers).

The trip we took was an unqualified success, and enjoyed by all.

The boat was super and really well presented.

The key success, though, was the team of friendly and skilled volunteers. They were really special.

Our group is rather elderly, and some of the group are quite frail, or find walking tricky. The team helped them on and off the boat without fuss, and with plenty of good humour.

Volunteers served us with drinks, chatted to the group, made sure that everyone had information about the boat, pointed out things of interest along the way, and gave everyone a chance to see the living quarters towards the stern with a great commentary, and generally made us feel very welcome indeed.

Because of problems with the canal, the boat was unable to turn around, and we came back to the wharf backwards. The guy at the helm was beyond brilliant and steered effortlessly and smoothly.

The trip was such a positive experience, and the group really did have a great time, thanks entirely to the team of absolutely excellent volunteers.

Peter C (verified owner) – 23rd July 2024

Well worth the trip. Crew were excellent and helpful. Slightly awkward boarding but with their help, boarding was not too difficult. Beautifully restored boat with lovely boat art everywhere. Safety information was by “Shy and Retiring” Brian Blessed and I think the superb commentary was by Arthur Smith. Please correct me if I am wrong. The delightful cruise gave us the sights, sounds and smells of the canal. An excellent 2 hour journey.

jakkirhodes03 (verified owner) – 23rd July 2024

What a brill set up. Loverly 2hrs spent yesterday. Write up states small dogs so sent email because we have a border colley not a problem. Staff BRILL very knowledgeable & attentive . On board prices for tea coffee biscuits etc NOT rip offs well worth the money.

Mike Peat – 4th September 2023

My wife and I have been wanting to get out on the Cromford Canal in Birdswood for a few years now, but things have got in the way. [mostly Covid] Last Monday [a Bank Holiday] I resolved, despite not making a booking to just turn-up and see what happens…

The lovely couple of volunteers at the stall at the Weigh Bridge were only too pleased to help… and in a minute we had paid and were booked on… [no tickets necessary, just our names]

We had a lovely lunch despite the wasps and had a good look round, “being of a certain age” tested the toilets and since my wife uses a mobility scooter, we checked where best to leave it… Good advise was : Put it back in your car, since it was VERY BUSY day…

The main reason for my communication is to PRAISE your VOLUNTEERS who are/were so pleasant and helpful with all the visitors/customers on Birdswood last Monday.. We observed; there were a number of family’s aboard with children, the boat team anticipated many children’s needs for a little more stimulation and information and were able [and willing] to provide that help…[to the relief of many carers, who we thought, were getting a bit fraught]

I even got to see The Pump House in steam and working…and Birdwood’s “Lovely traditional Back Cabin” with the guidance of a knowledgeable volunteer who was happy to answer my points and questions..

A lovely experience, which because of my need to get out of the way and bring-back my wife’s mobility scooter, I missed the chance to :-

THANK ALL THE CREW…. ALL VOLUNTEERS .. for their real CARE…they demonstrated true professionalism and lots of “life skills”…

A truly… GRAND DAY OUT !

Susan W (verified owner) – 9th July 2023

We had a Family Outing on Birdswood yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the weather. Also, we really appreciated the fact our seats had been reserved, so we were all able to sit together. This is a trip I’d been meaning to take for quite a while, but it was lovely to have the family together for the event. So informative too. It’s a pleasure to meet enthusiasts. Thank-you for a memorable trip!

Ken Summerfield – 19th May 2023

We didn’t leave enough time to make an online booking for the trip on 17th May, but Richard advised that we could take our chance and turn up early and try to secure a “pay on the day” seat – which is what we did. Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to your lovely team of volunteers who made our visit so enjoyable today. Special thanks to Bob for adding us to the morning trip, Gaynor for her great customer service and the chap who showed us the cabin which made the trip extra special.

We look forward to returning when we visit the area again.

Chris Thornhill (verified owner) – 31st August 2022

Great trip. We took our Cocker Spaniel and she was made welcome. Decided to walk back and enjoy the canal side by foot. Plenty of good cafes.

Clive winter – 7th August 2022

Been on this trip today August 2022 it was so relaxing and enjoyable and the guide’s are brilliant and there knowledge is so extensive overall it’s been a great relaxing and informative afternoon A++++++

Jane (verified owner) – 11th June 2022

Wonderful afternoon boat trip, have walked along the canal many, many times but this our first time on the Birdswood, what a lovely afternoon , saw lots of wildlife while enjoying the beautiful scenery from the water. Thanks to all the volunteers who make this possible.

James Coope – 17th May 2022

The journey down Cromford Canal offered some great sights, of both scenery and wildlife. We were fortunate to see the lambs in the fields and the young chicks and goslings on the water.

The customer service was fantastic, from booking the experience in, through to the really interesting stories onboard. The narrowboat is electric-powered, which is a big plus for the environment and for not disturbing the peaceful surroundings.

Many thanks to Richard for helping us to navigate booking in our experience in these Covid times – especially for honouring a 2 year old gift voucher. We really appreciated it!

Hope to see you again for another great journey soon!

Tracey Kelly – 3rd May 2022

Fantastic little narrow boat trip on the wonderful Cromford Canal with interesting stories of the past with beautiful views.

We book many groups for this cruise experience and is always enjoyed by all.

Customer service is excellent from booking stage, adding extra passengers, invoicing and payments, Richard is always at hand to answer any questions or help when required

Thank you Richard your see our next group soon….

Judith Coombs (verified owner) – 26th September 2019

We had a lovely relaxing trip on Birdswood on Wednesday, friendly informative staff ( all volunteers ) who work so hard on this canal. Would highly recommend a trip on this canal. Only sorry we couldnt travel on a Horse drawn day!. Thank you all involved.

Alan Langford – 12th September 2018

Just spent a very pleasant morning onboard Birdswood Narrow Boat. Most enjoyable and very informative I would definitely recommend this trip.

Helen Jones – 5th September 2018

We brought a group of Sight Impaired visitors and had a lovely time. The staff were fantastic, very helpful and knowledgeable. Special thanks to the office staff who managed our complicated booking that we changed almost daily! We are going to come back to experience the horse-drawn trip as we enjoyed it so much.

richard.slaughter112 (verified owner) – 6th June 2018

A wonderful morning on the Cromford canal, with very informative commentary and a very pleasant and helpful crew. Would definitely recommend taking this boat ride.

M. Pell. – 1st June 2018

Worth a visit. A lovely relaxing afternoon.

Vix – 1st June 2018

Thankyou so very much.

Robyn & faz (verified owner) – 28th May 2018

We had to ring up as was running late so they waitied a extra five min for us (traffick is really busy) was a great day out very interesting , staff very friendly

Vix – 28th May 2018

Happy to help.

Gill Prince (verified owner) – 24th May 2017

Brilliant trip with knowledgeable guide and stunning scenery. Real value for money. Will definitely be returning

Pauline Booker (verified owner) – 10th May 2017

Just spent a wonderful afternoon cruising down Cromford canal. Would recommend this lovely trip to anyone. The crew were very friendly and the commentary was very informative. Look forward to my next trip.

Robin – 13th January 2016

What a great trip this is!

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Cromford Canal

Now a picturesque and relaxing place to go for a countryside walk, Cromford Canal was once a buzzing hub of Derbyshire’s industry.

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The northern stretch of the canal lies within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and is an attractive visitor destination, with five miles to explore along the towpath. Because of the rich diversity of wildlife, the canal is designated as a site of special scientific interest. Work is carried out each year to keep the water open for the plants and insects which live in it, and to manage the banks.

The canal is ideal for walkers of all ages and abilities, and with regular public transport stops along the northern stretch you don’t have to walk back to your starting point if you don’t want to.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

Cromford Canal once provided transport for a broad range of industries. Its construction displayed many feats of engineering and hydraulics.

Even today, within walking distance along the towpath, you can see the canal wharf buildings at Cromford, a well preserved railway workshop, cross a canal swing bridge and see a still-operational pumphouse.

WHAT IS THERE TO SEE AND DO?

Canal-side cottages, two tunnels and bridges can still be found along the canal, and an aqueduct taking the canal over the River Derwent.

A picturesque walk along the towpath will take visitors through woodland where there is a wide range of wildlife, including water voles, ducks and dragonflies.

Take a trip on the newly restored historic Birdswood canal boat, on certain days during the season, sometimes horsedrawn. Regular trips sail on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with prompt departure times of 11am and 2pm from Cromford Wharf. Passengers do have the option to get on or off at Leawood (High Peak Junction Wharf Shed). Standard fare applies and is subject to seat availability. For Horse drawn boat trips on Birdswood, please see the dates on our Events Calendar.

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Birdswood Boat Trips

Birdswood   is the historical narrow boat belonging to  The Friends of Cromford Canal . The boat and the gift shop are run entirely by The Friends’ dedicated team of volunteers.

Scheduled Trips

Birdswood runs scheduled trips throughout the year, open to members of the public.

The full experience is a 2 Hour Cruise departing from Cromford Wharf and returning to Cromford Wharf. During a Regular Powered Boat Trip passengers may opt to take the boat one way and explore the area fully or walk on.  Included is a bespoke commentary detailing the history of the Cromford Canal and Birdswood’s journey up to the charity purchasing her. Every passenger will have the opportunity to have a tour of the back cabin and a brief description of how the families lived on the boat. Whilst the boat is winding (turning around) people are invited to take a short stroll of 300 metres to take in the views of Leawood Pumphouse and the Aqueduct over the River Derwent before embarking for the trip back to Cromford Wharf. This is optional – weather permitting.

Hot and cold drinks are for sale during the trip, as well as sweet and savoury snacks for all ages. There is a toilet on board and we can accommodate small wheelchairs and pushchairs if required. Dogs are very welcome.

Make your booking here.

Horse Drawn Trips

On certain days during the season, there are special horse drawn trips, when Birdswood is pulled by the sturdy Dales cross Clydesdales, Chelsea and Ted owned by Arraslea Shires . They are the stars of the horse-drawn passenger boat trips on the Cromford Canal. They pull the 70-foot heritage narrow boat Birdswood from Cromford Wharf through High Peak Junction to Leawood Pump House at a quicker pace than can be achieved under motor power. After you’ve looked around the Leawood Pumphouse they then haul the 21-tonne boat back again without undue effort.

The return horse drawn trips, include a bespoke commentary tour of the back cabin and history about the families who lived and worked on board. A short walk of 300 metres, allows you to take in the views over the River Derwent and the restored Aqueduct Cottage, before embarking Birdswood again for the return stretch.

There are hot and cold drinks for sale during the trip and sweet and savory snacks for all ages.

There is a toilet on board and we can accommodate small wheelchairs and pushchairs if required.

Find out more about booking a horse drawn trip here

Private Charters

You can also hire Birdswood for an exclusive charter for a special venue for your private function.

Find out more about booking Birdswood for a private charter here

Come and enjoy a peaceful journey along the Cromford Canal and get up close to the fabulous wildlife and take in the amazing scenery.

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• John Varley ll – Chesterfield

For all public trip bookings, click her e .

The John Varley II runs trips from Tapton Lock , on the Tesco roundabout in Chesterfield.

It was built in 2016 and is a state of the art tripboat with a large wheelchair lift, a foredeck, a hearing loop and lots of other superb features including two stained glass portholes.

Cruising the five miles of waterway from Chesterfield to Staveley, guests are able to see at first hand the high quality of the restoration that has been carried out on this stretch of the canal and experience the local flora and fauna.

You can also buy Gift Vouchers for cruises on John Varley ll by clicking here .

Public trip dates 2024

Booking is essential for all trips unless stated.

All cruises will leave from Tapton Lock (S41 7JB).

Where there are two prices, the concessions are for Under 16s; babes in arms go free.

Please note that all planned cruises are subject to possible late cancellation, e.g. because of a problem with the canal. You can ring 01629 533020 to ensure that all is running smoothly.

Easter Bunny return cruises at 10.30, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 (1 hr, £9) March 30 & April 1. To book, click here .

Easter Bunny return cruises at 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 (1 hr, £9) March 31. To book, click here .

Sunday morning Bluebank return cruises at 10.00 (2 hr, £14/£10) April 7 to end October (except September 8). To book, click here .

Sunday afternoon return cruises at 12.30, 13.30, 14.30 & 15.30 (1 hr, £7/£5) April 7 to end October (except September 8). To book, click here .

Evening Fish & Chips return cruises at 19.00 (2 hr, £25/£17)  May 1, 15 & 29, June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24. To book, click here .

Monday Bank Holiday return cruises at 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 (1 hr, £7/£5) May 6 & 27, August 26 To book, click here .

Afternoon Fish & Chips return cruises at 13.00 (2 hr, £25/£17)  May 8 & 22, June 5 & 19, July 3, 17 & 31, September 4, 11 (departs at 17.00), 18 & 25. To book, click here .

Live Folk Music return cruise at 19.00 (2 hr, £17) June 5. To book, click here .

Afternoon Tea return cruises at 14.00 (2 hr, £22/£17) June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 16 & 30, September 6 & 20. Teas provided by a local supplier. To book, click here .

Summer holiday return cruises at 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 (1 hr, £7/£5) Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Derbyshire school summer holidays. To book, click here .

Tapton Lock mini Festival cruises every half hour from 10.00 (20 mins, free) September 8.

Santa Special cruises (£10) Weekends in December. Bookings open on 1st October.

Charter bookings for 2024

John Varley II is available for charters throughout the year when it is not doing public trips, see above. Charters cost £70 per hour for a maximum of 12 passengers. charters can be from one to five hours in half hour increments.

Private charters are great for celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. Hirers may bring their own food or arrange a buffet from Katey’s Coffee Shop at Hollingwood Hub.

Speciality 2 hour private food charters for up to 12 people cost £140 for the boat + £9 per person for Fish & Chips or £7 per person for Afternoon Tea.

To book your charter email [email protected] .

It is possible to combine John Varley with  Madeline for groups of up to 24 passengers for charters of at least two hours.

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Journey by Boat

Take an incredible underground journey by boat.

Speedwell Cavern is an old - C18th - Lead Mine.

The entrance is down the original mine addit, 106 steps down a 45° slope (with good handrails), to a small jetty form which you board a boat (holding up to 21 passengers).

As you progress through the 250-year-old lead mine tunnel your guide will recount the story of the mine and its fascinating history.

At the Halfway House, the canal tunnel splits in two to allow boats to pass, and you'll continue your journey, winding your way 200 meters below the hill's surface before entering a magnificent cavern resembling a cathedral. Here, you'll witness the awe-inspiring Bottomless Pit, a vast subterranean lake.

The boat will then bring you back to the jetty at the foot of the addit where you disembark before making your way back up the 106 steps to the surface.

Depending on the season your tour will last between 40 and 65 minutes.

Pay & Display car and coach parking is available, with a discount scheme for Cavern Visitors. The charge is £6 for 4 hours with a £2.50 refund voucher redeemable in the Gift Shop for Cavern ticketholders.

— Chargeable toilet facilities are available in the car park for Cavern ticketholders. Access tokens are available to purchase in the Gift Shop for 50p.

Entrance Steps

The Bottomless Pit

On the boat

Heading into the mine

A boat in the tunnel

At the journey’s end.

After your mesmerizing journey into the depths of Speedwell Cavern, stop by the gift shop and take home a piece to remember the eerie splendor of your adventure.

The gift shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs, including exclusive Blue John stone jewelry, a beautiful fluorspar mineral unique to the Peak District Caverns. Cavern craftsmen are often commissioned to make commemorative pieces from this world-famous stone, such as the chalice created for Her Majesty the Queen on her Silver Jubilee.

Don't miss the opportunity to bring home a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry or a unique souvenir crafted from the Blue John stone, a treasured reminder of your journey into the heart of Speedwell Cavern.

21 best canal boat trips in the UK

Watching the world go by from a narrowboat or barge may not be the fastest way to travel, but it’s a wonderful way to discover some of the UK’s most beautiful and interesting landscapes. Rolling countryside, quaint market towns, historic mill villages and UNESCO-listed industrial heritage – along with some truly cutting-edge modern additions to the canal network; you can see it all when you take these canal boat trips on Britain’s amazing inland waterways.

• Northern England
• Central England
• Southern England

Canal boat holidays

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Canal boat trips in northern England

Standedge tunnel, west yorkshire.

Let’s start this list of the best canal trips with something truly extraordinary. Standedge Tunnel, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is the longest, highest, deepest canal tunnel in the UK, and you can take a guided canal boat trip inside its astonishing depths.

Boat trips into the Standedge Tunnel start from Tunnel End near the village of Marsden in West Yorkshire. They’re operated, like a few of the boat tours on this list, by the Canal and River Trust , a charity which looks after 2000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales.

After your 30-minute journey into the tunnel, you can explore a small museum which describes the arduous building of the tunnel in the late 18th century, its decline when the railways came, how it was abandoned for decades and was finally brought back to life in 2001 thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers.

Read more about visiting Standedge Tunnel

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Skipton is a gorgeous market town at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The Leeds and Liverpool canal arrived in Skipton in 1773, carrying coal, cloth and other cargo across the country from the ports at Liverpool and Hull (via the Aire and Calder Navigation).

Skipton is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, and gliding through it on a canal boat trip is the perfect way to see it. From Skipton’s pretty marina in the centre of town, you can take a 1 hour trip to discover the canal, or 2 hour trips to enjoy an afternoon tea on the water.

If you’re thinking you might like to skipper your own boat for a canal boat holiday, a day cruise on the wide, lock-free stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal south of Skipton is a good place to perfect your skills. There’s even a handily-placed canalside pub for lunch.

The team at Skipton Boat Trips will give you all the tuition you need to take the helm of your hire boat with confidence, even if you’re a complete novice. If you love it, you can hire a boat for a short break canal holiday or a full week or more, depending on how many miles of waterways you want to explore.

Saltaire, West Yorkshire

15 miles south east of Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you’ll find Saltaire. Saltaire is a picturesque model village built by Sir Titus Salt to house the workers from his enormous mill in hygienic, morally sound and intellectually improving surroundings.

Salts Mill and the village surrounding it are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of my favourite places to visit; the mill now holds an art gallery, interesting shops (including the most amazing bookshop) and cafes. Across the river, there’s a lovely park, and down on the canal you can buy ice creams from a barge and take 30-minute boat trips on the narrowboat Titus . Trips run from the end of March to the end of October.

Read more: visiting Salts Mill and Saltaire

Manchester owes a lot of its existence to canals. Canals allowed Manchester’s industrialists to bring raw materials into the city, along with coal to power the machines that would turn raw cotton into finished cloth.

At first, products were transported out of Manchester by barge on the Bridgewater Canal or later by rail, but this didn’t provide enough capacity for Manchester’s factories and mills.

This all changed when the Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, providing a wide channel all the way to the sea at Liverpool. Manchester became Britain’s 3rd busiest port, despite being 40 miles from the sea.

Taking a guided canal boat trip is a great way to understand the history of Manchester. Boat trips run along the Manchester Ship Canal and the navigable parts of the River Irwell, passing Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry, plus the old Pomona docks. You can book your Manchester river and canal tour here .

Burscough, Lancashire

After the drama of the route across the Pennines, the Leeds and Liverpool canal spends its last few miles before arriving in Liverpool meandering across the west Lancashire landscape. This part of northern England is full of small towns and huge skies, and spending a couple of hours on the water is the perfect way to see it.

Lancashire Canal Cruises operate two cruises from Burscough, a small town near Ormskirk and Southport.

Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester

Ashton under Lyne is just to the east of Manchester, and the town’s Portland canal basin marks the point where the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Peak Forest Canal meet and the Ashton Canal begins its journey to Manchester city centre.

The 1800s canal warehouse at Portland Basin has been turned into a lively family museum with recreations of a 1920s street and the interior of a normal family home. There are also exhibitions on the history of Ashton’s three canals. Outside the museum, the Tameside Canal Boat Trust operate seasonal trips on the Ashton Canal on their narrowboat Still Waters .

Northwich, Cheshire

Together with the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, the Anderton Boat Lift is one of the most impressive sights on Britain’s canal network and is the world’s oldest working boat lift. The boat lift was built in 1875 to lift cargo boats 15 metres up in the air from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal and is still operational today.

You can experience the “cathedral of the canals” for yourself with a canal boat trip on the Edwin Clark , named after the engineer who built this amazing structure. The Anderton Boat Lift is having some refurbishment work done at the moment but boat trips are expected to resume after Easter 2023.

Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

The transhipment dock at Ellesmere Port, where the River Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and Shropshire Union Canal all meet, used to be a noisy, bustling spot at the height of the Industrial Revolution, but it’s now a peaceful spot for a family day out. The warehouse is now home to one of the Canal and River Trust’s three museums. The museum is a fascinating place to visit, with regularly-changing exhibitions, special events and themed “Canal Sundays” during the summer months.

Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust run occasional canal boat trips from the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. If there’s a group of you, you might want to hire one of their barges and skippers for a longer trip – they have a range of full day and short day options from £125, some of which stop off at canalside pubs for lunch.

Canal boat trips in central England

Cromford, derbyshire.

Cromford is a village on the edge of the Peak District and home to one of the great wonders of the industrial revolution, the huge Cromford Mills complex. Built in 1771 by the inventor and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mills was the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill.

Like Sir Titus Salt in Saltaire, Arkwright built a village to house his workers, and today Cromford is a lovely place to visit, with shops, cafes, a large mill pond and quaint streets. The UNESCO-listed mill has a museum about the mills, plus craft workshops and more shops and cafes.

The 14.5 mile long Cromford Canal was critical to the success of Arkwright’s mills, but it also carried people! An enterprising man named Nathaniel Wheatcroft started the first “fly” boat service from here, carrying passengers to Nottingham twice a week.

Boat trips from Cromford Basin run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and take a 2 hour route from Cromford Wharf to Leawood Pumphouse and back on board the narrowboat Birdswood . There’s also an occasional option for a premium cruise which includes refreshments and a guided tour of the historic places to visit along the route, including Leawood Pumphouse and High Peak Junction, where you can see the oldest extant railway workshop in the world. You can book both the regular and the premium tour on the Friends of Cromford Canal’s website .

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The oldest canal in Britain is the Fosse Dyke Canal, which was built by the Romans to link Lincoln to the River Trent, and from there to the North Sea. Lincoln is a beautiful cathedral city, and spending a relaxing hour on this historic canal is a lovely way to see the wider area.

You can take a guided boat trip along the Fosse Dyke on the Brayford Belle which operates between Easter and October each year. The Brayford Belle has two decks, the lower one with central heating and the upper one with outside seating and a fantastic view.

Birmingham famously has more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam – over 35 miles of them. The canals arrived in Birmingham in 1768, and grew to a peak of 160 miles of canal across the city. Canals were essential to fuel Birmingham’s growth during the industrial revolution, bringing in raw materials and coal, and sending out finished goods.

You can explore Birmingham’s history by taking a canal boat trip with Brindley Cruises or Sherborne Wharf . Routes cover part of the original James Brindley Canal, a section of Telford’s New Main Line (revolutionary for its time) and Gas Street Basin. If you’re visiting Birmingham at Christmas, you can even take a “Search for Santa” canal trip.

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

The Stratford-upon-Avon canal runs from the outskirts of Birmingham to the heart of historic Stratford, Shakespeare’s home town. The canal was built to transport coal from the Midlands down to Oxford and London, without needing to use the network through Birmingham. The route was near-derelict by the 1930s, but was rescued thanks to the efforts of the Inland Waterways Association, the National Trust and local volunteers.

Today, the 25 miles of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal is navigable again and visitors to Stratford can take 40 minute canal boat tours along the canal and the River Avon . Stratford’s resident swans often follow the boat, and there’s a good chance you’ll also see tufted ducks, herons, coots and perhaps a kingfisher too.

Dudley, West Midlands

Just as at Standedge, the main attraction for canal boat trips in Dudley is going underground. The Dudley Tunnel is the UK’s second-longest tunnel, but unlike Standedge, it isn’t continuous and instead emerges at points into canal basins.

The rock in this area is particularly rich in fossils and other geological features. The area was once heavily mined for its limestone, creating amazing caverns that the boat trip passes through. One of these, named the Singing Cavern, is even available for weddings!

Canal boat trips into Dudley Tunnel are run by the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust . You can just turn up for the regular 45 minute trips or book online for longer trips. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Black Country Living Museum , which has a canal area featuring a collection of historic boats.

Banbury, Oxfordshire

The Oxford Canal meanders 78 miles from just north of Coventry, down through Rugby and Banbury and on until it meets the River Thames at Oxford.

While there are lots of river cruises on offer in Oxford itself, you’ll need to go to Banbury for canal boat trips on the Oxford Canal, unless you want a self-drive boat. Tooleys Boatyard Trust in Banbury offer regular, 40-minute canal boat trips on their day boat the Dancing Duck . Their Facebook page is the best place to check for boat trip times and dates.

Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds are more famous these days for picturesque villages and trickling streams in a rolling, rural landscape, but there are canals here too. The Stroudwater Navigation opened in 1779 to link Stroud to the River Severn and from there to the sea. Ten years later, the Thames and Severn Canal opened, extending the route to the River Thames at Lechlade and providing a cross-country route.

Both the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal fell into decline, with sections being filled in, but the Cotswolds Canal Trust have worked tirelessly to bring parts back into use. It’s expected that the Stroudwater Navigation will join up with the national waterways network again in 2025.

The Cotswolds Canal Trust run canal boat trips on the navigable parts of the Stroudwater Navigation at the Saul visitor centre, Ebley Wharf and the Wallbridge Lock visitor centre. At Lechlade, you can take a boat trip on the River Thames from St John’s Lock to see the start of the old Thames and Severn Canal.

Canal boat trips in southern England

The Regent’s Canal in London is an 8.6-mile link between the Grand Union Canal near Paddington Station to the Limehouse Basin and River Thames near Canary Wharf.

The canal weaves its way prettily through some of North London’s most attractive and interesting areas, including Little Venice, Regent’s Park, Camden Town and the Coal Drops Yard area of Kings Cross.

Canal boat trips on the Regent’s Canal tend to run between Little Venice and Camden Town. On a tour with the London Waterbus Company you’ll be entertained by a commentary, which points out key sights along the route, including London Zoo, Maida Hill Tunnel and the homes of the rich and famous.

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

The Kennet and Avon Canal is one of the UK canal network’s most popular waterways. Stretching from the Bristol channel, through the beautiful city of Bath then on through Devizes, Hungerford, Newbury to the Thames at Reading, it’s an outstanding route, passing through quintessentially English countryside.

One of the most beautiful towns on the Kennet and Avon is Bradford-on-Avon. Bradford-on-Avon is 10 miles from Bath and the tow paths are a popular walk between the two. At Bradford-on-Avon you can take a canal boat trip on the impressively large Barbara McLellan , a 65ft wide-beam boat that seats 40 and is operated by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

From Bradford-on-Avon, the Barbara McLellan sails west to Avoncliff Aqueduct and east to Widbrook winding hole. There are also a range of themed cruises throughout the season.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust have four other boats along the canal and also offer canal boat trips in Devizes , Hungerford , Newbury and Reading .

Canal boat trips in Wales

Llangollen, denbighshire.

The Llangollen Canal in North Wales is one of the most scenic canal trips in the UK, but you’ll need a good head for heights! The amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct soars over the valley of the River Dee and is the longest and highest canal aqueduct in the world. It was designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford, who was also involved in building Standedge Tunnel.

You can walk along the tow path to see the view from the aqueduct, but for the full Pontcysyllte experience, complete with checking out the sheer drop from the side of the boat on the canal side, Llangollen Wharf offer both motor and horse-drawn canal trips over the aqueduct.

The 5 mile route can be done in either direction, starting at Llangollen or Froncysyllte (near the aqueduct). The journey takes two hours; for an extra cost you can enjoy afternoon tea onboard. At the end of the trip, a courtesy bus will take you back to where you started.

Brecon, Powys

The peaceful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (also known as the Mon and Brec) is one of the UK’s most scenic routes. 35 miles are currently navigable, and many of those are within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Things weren’t always so quiet and serene around here though; the canal transported coal, stone and iron ore from the Welsh hillsides down to the iron works at Blaenavon (now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage site ) and other industrial sites in the area. Cruising along the canal today you can still see traces of its heritage including wharves and lime kilns.

If you’re visiting this lovely part of Wales, Dragonfly Cruises have public canal boat trips departing from Brecon canal basin and including a journey over the Brynich Aqueduct which takes the Mon and Brec over the River Usk. They can also provide a skipper and guide for a canal trip through the area’s picturesque villages.

Canal boat trips in Scotland

Inverness, highlands.

The Caledonian Canal runs for 60 miles across Scotland, from Inverness to Corpach near Fort William, connecting the lochs of the Great Glen; Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. The man-made connections between the lochs were built by Thomas Telford and opened in the early 19th century.

You can take a combined cruise of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness by joining a boat trip at Dochgarroch Lock. The trip will take you through the locks and on to Loch Douchfour, past the old Bona Lighthouse and into Loch Ness as far as Urquhart Castle. You can book online through online ticket seller Get Your Guide .

The Falkirk Wheel is one of the most impressive feats of engineering on the whole UK canal network. Opened in 2002, the Wheel is a rotating boat lift, the only one of its kind in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

The best way to see the Falkirk Wheel is to take a spin on it. Canal boat trips on the Falkirk Wheel take around 50 minutes. First you’ll go into the canal basin, then enter the Wheel’s gondola, ready to be lifted into the air as the Wheel rotates.

At the top, you’ll sail along the aqueduct, through the Roughcastle Tunnel and to the start of the Union Canal. The boat will turn round and take you back to the Wheel for another spin, this time back down to the canal basin.

If day trips aren’t enough for you, there are lots of companies offering canal boat hire, either to stay put and use the boat as a base, or to explore the UK’s miles of navigable waterways at your own pace on a narrow boat holiday.

VRBO has narrow boats, house boats and barges for rent with all the comforts of home, while specialist hire firms like Waterways Holidays have canal boat hire across the country. There are lots of local companies as well; if you’re interested in a particular starting point, you might like to talk to a local specialist who can advise you on canal routes and the best places of interest to see along the way.

Have you taken one of these canal boat trips, or have I missed out your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

Related posts

If you enjoyed this post, you might find these other posts interesting:

• Visiting Jodrell Bank, the UNESCO-listed radio telescope near Manchester
• 5 of my favourite heritage railways you can take a ride on
• Things to do in Whitby, a historic fishing town on the Yorkshire coast
• Visiting Thermae Bath Spa, the UK’s only naturally-heated thermal bath

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2 thoughts on “21 best canal boat trips in the UK”

A Great shame you did not include The Horse-Drawn Barge in Tiverton Devon as it is now one of the last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain and operates Trips along the very beautiful Grand Western Canal.

Thanks Philip, that sounds amazing, I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the south west 🙂

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Balcões de Ribeiro Frio: the best easy levada walk near Funchal, Madeira

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Tapton Lock Visitor Centre

Visit Tapton Lock visitor centre on the Chesterfield Canal, a countryside oasis close to the centre of Chesterfield.

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Barbecues are not permitted at any of our sites.

Park information

Come and visit us the only visitor centre on the Chesterfield Canal, a countryside oasis close to the centre of Chesterfield.

Opening times

Opening times are:

• Monday from 10am to 4pm (closed from 1pm to 1.45pm for lunch)
• Tuesday from 10am to 4pm (closed from 1pm to 1.45pm for lunch)
• Wednesday closed
• Thursday closed
• Friday from 10am to 4pm (closed from 1pm to 1.45pm for lunch)
• Saturday from 10am to 4pm
• Sunday from 10am to 4pm

The visitor centre, its gardens and its facilities are fully accessible and we now have a 'tramper' mobility scooter available to help you explore further. The towpath is accessible for everyone from Tapton Lock to Staveley. The visitor centre is a great place to start exploring the Chesterfield Canal and Trans Pennine Trail southern link.

We have a small shop with a good selection of gifts, maps and books. We have a display about the canal and its history, plus free self-guided walking, cycling and horse riding leaflets and information about places to visit in the area. If you've been to visit us, please take a little time to complete our survey .

Chesterfield Canal Trust volunteers run regular boat trips from the visitor centre on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays through the summer months. Look out for the summer evening specials and Santa trips at weekends in December.

The canal is a great place for spotting all sorts of wildlife. Spring wild flowers, birds and small mammals are all seen close the visitor centre.

The Bluebank Pools section of the canal is a local nature reserve and is one of the best places to look. Call in at the visitor centre and let us know what you've seen.

On-street parking is available outside the visitor centre.

Education visits

Do you want your class or group to learn more about the Chesterfield Canal and Tapton Lock? Please see our free self-guided learning resources pack attached to this page.

Activities include:

• exploring the canal
• classification, habitats and food chains
• design and engineering

Rangers from the visitor centre are happy to advise on the best times to visit, just give us a call, telephone: 01629 533020 .

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• Tapton Lock Visitor Centre leaflet - 2MB
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Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust presents

Derby River Boat Trips

Cruise down the River Derwent

Sat 21 Sep plus 30 other dates

Causey Bridge - Phoenix Green

Prices: £8

More price information --> More information

Running Time: 45 minutes - approximate, including any interval(s).

About the Event

The 45 minute cruise will depart from the temporary boarding platform next to Causey Bridge and make its way north to Darley Abbey and back again.

Sailings will commence in April and finish in October.  Dates are added as the year progresses.

Learn about the river, the wildlife, Derby’s place in history and our exciting plans for its future via our on board audio commentary. There will also be activities and challenges for children of all ages. 

Or simply sit back on the open air foredeck and enjoy the sun and sights of the Museum of Making, Darley Park and the Derwent Valley. There will be hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available on the on board café.

How to find us

The boat leaves from Phoenix Green which can be accessed from the Museum of Making.  From the Museum of Making cross the bridge and turn left.  you will see the boat located under the next bridge.  The nearest car park is the Phoenix Street Car Park ( DE1 2ER) .   To access the boarding platform from this location you will need to use the pedestrian gate onto Stuart Street.  Cross over and turn right.  You will see a footpath on your left that cuts through to the river, take this path and turn right.  You will see the boat located under the next bridge. 

• Suitable for all ages - Children must be supervised and accompanied at all times.
• the boat itself is fully accessible, however until a permanent boarding platform can be installed the boat trips will be only accessible to customers who are able to use a pool style ladder onto the boat.
• Maximum 12 passengers per cruise
• Please ensure you arrive at the boarding platform 10 minutes before departure
• No dogs allowed

Please note: The Derby Riverboat cannot operate in high water conditions.  In the event we need to cancel trips, possibly with little notice, we will endeavour to rebook customers at a later date.  If that is not possible, a full refund will be provided.    We recommend that you visit the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Facebook Page before leaving home.  We will endeavor to provide as much notice as possible if a trip can not go ahead.   

Under 16s £7

Family ticket - £22

Under 3 Free but still require a ticket

The boat can be hired for private afternoon trips from May, subject to availability. Please contact the boat operater on  [email protected]  

This event is promoted by Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust, Derby LIVE are pleased to act as a ticket agent.

Online ticket sales stop at 7pm the evening before the trip.  Tickets can be purchased on arrival subject to availaility.

Website Derby and Sandiace Canal Facebook Page

Thank you for helping me to organise our two cruises. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed sailing on the Derwent and the weather was brilliant, the sun shone for each trip.  Chris and the crew were so helpful and friendly, we were really taken with Outram.  My WI pals will be recommending it to their family and friends and we all felt so calm as we took in the pretty scenery. I wish you all lots of success and hope you have a busy summer.  Thank you again.

What a perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly efficient staff and excellent tea and coffee.

Exactly right this afternoon.

Thank you to all and every success in the future.

Dates & Tickets

Sat 21 Sep 2024, 12:30pm

Sat 21 Sep 2024, 1:45pm

Sat 21 Sep 2024, 3pm

Sun 22 Sep 2024, 12:30pm

Sun 22 Sep 2024, 1:45pm

Sun 22 Sep 2024, 3pm

Wed 25 Sep 2024, 12:30pm

Wed 25 Sep 2024, 1:45pm

Wed 25 Sep 2024, 3pm

Show all dates

Sat 28 Sep 2024, 12:30pm

Sat 28 Sep 2024, 1:45pm

Sat 28 Sep 2024, 3pm

Sun 29 Sep 2024, 12:30pm

Sun 29 Sep 2024, 1:45pm

Sun 29 Sep 2024, 3pm

Sat 5 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sat 5 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Sun 6 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sun 6 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Sat 12 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sat 12 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Sun 13 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sun 13 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Sat 19 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sat 19 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Sun 20 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sun 20 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Sat 26 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sat 26 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Sun 27 Oct 2024, 12:30pm

Sun 27 Oct 2024, 1:45pm

Prices & Offers

Concessions: £6 - £0.

Click Buy Tickets to see what concessions are available for this event, and for more price information and availability. Children 12 months and over require a ticket, unless otherwise stated. Proof of entitlement to concession may be required on collection of tickets or on entry to the event.

Concessions are typically available to over 60s, under 16s, students, unemployed and disabled people. Click Buy Tickets to see what concessions are available for this event, and for more price information and availability. Children 12 months and over require a ticket, unless otherwise stated. Proof of entitlement to concession may be required on collection of tickets or on entry to the event.

Under 16s £6

Take advantage of one of the following great offers for this event.

Family Ticket River Boat

If you hold a membership subscription you may be eligible for discounts. Log in and these will be applied to your order automatically.

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Cromford Canal

You can still walk along the remains of the Cromford Canal that once brought narrowboats from the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill to Cromford, with a branch to Pixton.

The Cromford Canal used to run for 14.5 miles from Cromford to Langley Mill where it met the Erewash Canal with a branch to Pinxton. Built by William Jessop with help from Benjamin Outram, it's mostly derelict but still makes for a beautiful Derbyshire canal walk .

Cromford Canal walk

Explore this tranquil space on foot. Parts of its route are still visible, including the first mile or so where it joins the Erewash Canal. There's a second section near Ironville. The third and final section is near lower Hartshay. But Butterley Tunnel, between sections 2 and 3 also still exists. Take a walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

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History of Cromford Canal

Opened in 1794, it originally included four tunnels and 14 locks. But in 1889, subsidence closed the 3,063 yards (2,801 meters) Butterley Tunnel. And further subsidence in 1900 closed the Tunnel permanently. Most of the canal was abandoned by 1944 except the last half-mile (800m) stretch to Langley Mill, though it too was abandoned in 1962. The Bullbridge Aqueduct was removed in 1968 when the Ripley Road was widened. In 1985 the Codnor Park Reservoir was lowered by six feet (1.8 m) and a lock was removed as part of a flood prevention scheme.

Butterley Tunnel

At 2.7km long, when it was opened it was the third longest canal tunnel in the world. It included an underground wharf where coal could be loaded directly into the narrow boats via a horizontal tunnel from Butterley Carr Pit. It was the mining that led to the end of the tunnel. Subsidence closed the tunnel to traffic in 1900.

Fisheries and nature reserves

William Jessop also built three reservoirs to feed his new canal. Butterley Reservoir is the largest, the others being the Codnor Park Reservoir and Butterley Park Reservoir, which was dismantled in the 1930s. The remaining reservoirs are still very much in use as local fisheries.

The Ripley and District Angling Club lease the fishing rights for Butterley Reservoir and provide valuable volunteering time for the Trust.

Codnor Park Fisheries lease the fishing rights for Codnor Park Reservoir.

Today, the Cromford Canal and the reservoirs provide a haven for wildlife including some important and rare species. The Ironville section in particular is an important stronghold for the endangered white-clawed crayfish . With water voles increasing in numbers there too.

A further six mile (9.7 km) long section between Cromford and Ambergate is listed as a Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Friends of Cromford Canal

Supporting the ongoing restoration of the canal are the Friends of Cromford Canal . In 2014, the group adopted two sections of the Canal - the Lower Hartshay section and the stretch from Codnor Park Reservoir through Ironville to Lock 5.

They run regular work parties on the canal and around Codnor Park Reservoir, which include litter management, scrub/vegetation control, fence repair and painting canal features. The group also runs a short boat trip onbaord 'Birdswood', between Cromford Wharf and Leawood Pump House.

Boaters and paddlers

We are responsible for the stretch of the Cromford Canal between Bridge 4 and Bridge 9 at Ironville, as well as the reservoirs at Ironville and Butterley.

The rest of it is owned and managed by Derbyshire County Council, who require boaters (largely paddlers) to book in advance and buy a visitor permit.

For more information visit the Derbyshire County Council web page .

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