Canals of Britain is a comprehensive and absorbing survey of the entire canal network of the British Isles - the first of its kind. It provides a fascinating insight into the linked up waterways as well as the isolated cuts and quiet waters which may not be fully navigable by larger craft. Infinitely varied, it passes picturesque open countryside, wild moorland, coastal harbours, historic industrial buildings, modern city centres, canalside public houses and abundant wildlife. Stuart Fisher looks at every aspect of the canals - their construction, rich history, stunning scenery, heritage, incredible engineering, impressive architecture and even their associated folklore, wildlife and art. Enticing photographs give a flavour of each place and places of interest close to the canals are included. For those who are keen to explore that little bit further, taking smaller boats to points beyond which others usually turn back, there is information on little-known parts of the system, offering a new insight into this country's unique, surprising and beautiful canal network. Attractive, inspiring and foremost a practical guide, this has proved very popular with canal enthusiasts and boaters wanting to get the most out of Britain's canals. This third edition has been revised to reflect the ever-changing landscape of Britain's canals, and includes many new colour photographs to help bring it to life.
This attractive guidebook shows off just how rich our waterways heritage is. Picking out Britain's 50 most beautiful and interesting canals, Stuart Fisher gives a lively background to the history, wildlife, pubs and nearby attractions of each waterway. Each of the 50 chapters also features a map, colour photographs and a handy info box. Through the beautiful cities of London, Bath and Oxford, traversing stunning countryside and national parks, and exploring some of the best Victorian engineering and industry, this book is an inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable read, as well as a perfect resource for anyone thinking about a day out or holiday along Britain's wonderful canals.
The Forth and Clyde Canal, completed in 1790, was by far the largest engineering project that had ever been seen in Scotland. It allowed coal and machinery to travel East and grain to travel West. Passengers could travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh in greater comfort than by stagecoach, and it produced employment along its entire route. But it required capital on a scale previously unknown; it required the collaboration of Edinburgh, Glasgow and London; it required new technology; and it encountered its full measure of constructional problems. It took 22 years to build. eclipsed by the railways. Although the passenger trade was lost, and much of the freight also, the canal struggled on for another century before the rise of road transport resulted in its decline. Now, after a long period of neglect, and sporting the spectacular Falkirk Wheel, it enjoys new life as an imaginative leisure resource.
Water control and management have been fundamental to the building of human civilisation. In Europe, the regulation of major rivers, the digging of canals and the wetland reclamation schemes from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, generated new typologies of waterscapes with significant implications for the people who resided within them. This book explores the role of waterways as a form of heritage, culture and sense of place and the potential of this to underpin the development of cultural tourism. With a multidisciplinary approach across the social sciences and humanities, chapters explore how the control and management of water flows are among some of the most significant human activities to transform the natural environment. Based upon a wealth and breadth of European case studies, the book uncovers the complex relationships we have with waterways, the ways that they have been represented over recent centuries and the ways in which they continue to be redefined in different cultural contexts. Contributions recognise not only valuable assets of hydrology that are at the core of landscape management, but also more intangible aspects that matter to people, such as their familiarity, affecting what is understood as the fluvial sense of place. This highly original collection will be of interest to those working in cultural tourism, cultural geography, heritage studies, cultural history, landscape studies and leisure studies.
A charming and characterful guidebook to the best of Britain's diverse and fascinating canal network for all waterway enthusiasts. Beautifully illustrated, this compendium uncovers the many extraordinary, notable and surprising places to be found on Britain's waterways. Our canals and rivers link into a diverse 3,000-mile-long network, and 101 Wonders of the Waterways shows you that wherever you find yourself in the country, there will be something nearby to give you a taste of this beautiful and nostalgia-infused world. Canal cruising experts Steve Haywood and Moira Haynes bring our waterways to life with their witty and lyrical prose, including many lesser-known and often ignored places – the best-kept secrets of Britain's canals and rivers. Some examples of wonders include: · Historic Hungerford in Berkshire, where William of Orange was staying when he was offered the crown after the Glorious Revolution · The world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, soaring spectacularly on slender tapered columns 126 feet over the River Dee below · Hest Bank, with its stunning views and the only place where a canal runs so close to the seashore that you can smell the seaweed from the back of your boat As well as lively personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on Britain's heritage and history, this guide includes handy recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to each wonder. This is the book you will want to have in the back of your car, or stuffed into your backpack, so you can find an idyllic place for a picnic, or the perfect day trip for a long weekend.
Canals of Britain is the most comprehensive and absorbing survey of Britain's canal network ever published. It provides a fascinating insight into the linked up waterways as well as the isolated cuts and quiet waters which may not be fully navigable by larger craft. Infinitely varied, it passes picturesque open countryside, wild moorland, coastal harbours, historic industrial buildings, modern city centres, canalside public houses and abundant wildlife. Stuart Fisher looks at every aspect of the canals - their construction, rich history, stunning scenery, heritage, incredible engineering, impressive architecture and even their associated folklore, wildlife and art. Enticing photographs give a flavour of each place and places of interest close to the canals are included. Each canal is intricately mapped. For those who are keen to explore that little bit further, the book goes to points beyond which others usually turn back, with information on little-known parts of the system, offering a new insight into this country's unique, surprising and beautiful canal network. Attractive, inspiring and also a practical guide, The Canals of Britain has proved very popular with walkers, cyclists, narrowboaters, canoeists, kayakers and others wanting to get the most out of Britain's canals. This fourth edition has been thoroughly revised to reflect the ever-changing landscape of Britain's canals, and includes many new colour photographs to help bring them to life.
National Geographic Traveler guidebooks contain must-know travel information, inspiring photography, insider tips, and expert advice you won’t find on the internet for bucket-list destinations around the world. Scotland’s rich history and culture offers incredible experiences you can’t find anywhere else, and this newly updated guidebook—part of a best-selling series—has everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to this fascinating country. Whether you’re seeking out the stunning landscape of the Highlands, witnessing a log toss competition at the Highland Games, cycling in picturesque Galloway Forest Park, or sampling famous Scottish whisky, this knowledgeable guide can help you experience it all. Drive the North Coast 500, one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the world; climb the summit of Ben Nevis; walk Edinburgh’s majestic Royal Mile; take in the breathtaking cliffs of the Isle of Skye; and learn about the Gothic architecture of Glasgow. With detailed itineraries, suggestions of can’t-miss sites, and 20 maps, this volume from the experts at National Geographic will help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Whether you take the high road or the low road, with Rick Steves on your side, Scotland can be yours! Inside Rick Steves Scotland you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Scotland Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the wild beauty of Orkney Islands and the Hebrides to cozy corner pubs in Edinburgh How to connect with local culture: Chat with experts on the Speyside Whisky Trail, attend a small-town Highland Games, or join the search for Nessie Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a dram of Scotch Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and historic sites Detailed neighborhood maps and a fold-out city map for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, a phrase book of Scottish slang, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 400 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, St. Andrews, the Scottish Highlands, Oban, Mull, Iona, Staffa, Glencoe, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Pitiochry, Balmoral Castle, the Isle of Skye, Wester Ross, the Orkney Islands, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Scotland.