You gotta love the southern Grand Union: The cosy pubs of Cowley, the views at Harefield, the Aquadrome at Ricky, Cassiobury Park and then onwards and upwards, seeing only the best bits of Hemel, Tring, Leighton Buzzard and beyond.

But Boatshed Grand Union covers more than the Grand Union. We also like to point our bows towards London, The Regents Canal, Limehouse, The River Lea and River Stort. We help boaters to buy and sell boats in all of these areas.

Here are 5 ways to enjoy the South East Canals this August.

1 Fundays at Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum

As canal-side places to visit go, it doesn’t get more boaty than Stoke Bruerne, the picturesque haven of boating history. On Thursdays in August try pond-dipping in the canal, painting a canal plate or going on a wildlife treasure hunt. These free activities are led by volunteers and CRT staff.

2 The ‘I love mammals’ boat

The ‘I love mammals’ boat leaves from Broxbourne Riverside moorings on 7th August, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. This trip is suitable for children and offers the opportunity to learn about the many mammals in Lee Valley Park. The boat trip will be followed by games, quizzes and arts and craft activities on land. If you enjoy it you may head back again on 28th August for the ‘I love minibeasts’ boat!

3 Blisworth Canal Festival

If you follow our blog you’ll know how we at Boatshed Grand Union enjoy a good canal festival. On 10th and 11th August trade boats and stall holders will gather to sell their wares and the ‘Funion Bargee’ will be moored up providing free supervised play sessions for children. In the nearby village visitors can enjoy pony rides, a master blacksmith, a ‘have a go bell-tower!’, wood carving, laser arena, bars, rural craft demonstrations, companion dog show, vintage caravans, WWII re-enactment, children’s fairground, chicken display, Art Gallery and Bistro, free heritage walks, guided rambles, live music and more. Sounds like a good one!

4 Guided wildlife walk around Brent Reservoir

If that sounds too busy for you join ecologist Leela O’Dea for a wildlife-spotting walk around Brent Reservoir on the Grand Union Canal. One session starts at 10am and one starts at 12pm on 13th August. To book your place email great.nature@canalrivertrust.org.uk

5 Buy or sell a boat

Of course we’re biased, but we like to enjoy the canals while standing at the tiller, or moored up somewhere beautiful with a cool drink on deck. However, if you’re thinking of selling your current boat or buying your next boat contact us for some free and friendly advice.

Peggy
www.narrowboatwife.com

You may also like:
Living on a Boat: The Boatshed Guide (free) / Thinking of selling your boat? / Narrowboat interior second to none. / A slideshow of our boat of the moment./More articles.

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