Britain's waterways belong to all of us
Over 2,000 miles of canals and rivers thread through our cities, towns and open countryside. Built to carry the Industrial Revolution, today they carry something just as valuable — a place to slow down, get outside, and feel part of something bigger.
Our aim is simple. We want more people to discover, enjoy and care for these waterways — and we want the canals and rivers themselves to stay healthy, open and thriving for generations to come.
We share stories from along the water, celebrate the people and volunteers who look after the network, point you towards places worth exploring, and get behind the canal and river campaigns and restoration projects working to protect them.
There's a place here for everyone
Whether you're steering a narrowboat, casting a line, paddling a board, cycling the towpath or simply out for a walk — if you love the waterways, you're one of us.
Boating
Cycling
Paddleboarding
Fishing
WalkingHow love canals helps
Celebrate the waterways
Share the stories, places and people that make Britain's canals and rivers so special.
Support restoration
Get behind the projects bringing lost and neglected canals and rivers back to life.
Back canal & river campaigns
Stand with the canal and river campaigns fighting for the network's future. Right now we're proud to back Fund Britain's Waterways in the push for long-term funding.
Keep you informed
Round up what's happening across the waterways so you never miss the news that matters.
The waterways need us
Our canals are 250 years old, and they cost money to maintain every single year. But from 2027, the government is cutting its funding to the Canal & River Trust — the charity that keeps the network open.
By coming together — enjoying the network, championing it, and adding our voices when it counts — we help make the case for the long-term funding Britain's canals and rivers so badly need.
Sources: Canal & River Trust; Inland Waterways Association (2025)
Become an ambassador
love canals is a brand-new site, and we're just setting out — so we're looking for founding ambassadors to help us share the love for Britain's waterways, canals and rivers alike. Whether you're a boater, angler, paddler, cyclist or walker, if the towpath is your happy place and you love bringing others along for the journey, we'd love to hear from you.
Share your adventures
Photos, stories and tips from your corner of the network — however you get out on the water.
Grow the community
Help us build a warm, welcoming crowd both online and along the towpath.
Champion the waterways
Speak up for the canals and rivers, and the case for protecting and funding them.
Represent love canals
Fly the flag at meet-ups, events and paddle, boat and walk days near you.
You don't need a big following or fancy kit — just a genuine love for the water and a story worth sharing. Sound like you? Drop us a line.
