Product Description

What the Telegraph says - "Perhaps, in their paean to canals, these two wacky, counter-cultural women really have captured something of the Zeitgeist. Coolness isn't a fast car any more. It isn't a crowded cocktail bar. It certainly isn't a Caribbean beach, rubber-necking at celebrities. It is knowing when to slow down, take time out, commune with nature, savour pleasures too precious to be rushed. " (The Daily Telegraph, September 2009) ............................................. Packed with great ideas for quiet getaways and slow adventures, uncovering different, eco and budget-conscious things to do on the inland waterways for a day, weekend or longer: from drifting away in a narrowboat to hiking the length of the Brecon Beacons' canal. 'Cool canals' inspires and gives all the essentials to plan time out on the canals - rural cottage retreats, city chic, quirky waterside festivals, floating B&Bs, even redefining the concept of 'slow' food, eating out at 4mph afloat. It's the eco-escape hiding under our noses, with untapped ways to slow down and chill out al fresco, from the sands of Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland. This is not a navigational guide, nor a gazeteer - it's an introduction to leisure time on or by the water. An exciting new look at the slow world of canals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14492 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-31
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
"As well as an inspiring story behind the publication, this book is an absolute delight... ...Highly Recommended as an essential guide, with beautiful photography and a great first publication." --Hot Brands Cool Places (July 2009)

"The book reminds me in its style of the highly popular Mr & Mrs Smith 'Hip Hotels' guides - it's well laid out with superb photography... ...'Cool canals' will open many fascinating, inspirational doors" --Canals & Rivers magazine (July 2009)

"...a splendid publication... Don't plan a holiday or a day out on the canals without getting hold of a copy!" --Waterways World magazine (June 2009)

About the Author
Phillippa and Martine are relentless waterways nomads and their passion for the slow culture of canals somehow always seems to take them to extremes - from living off-grid in a self-built eco narrowboat with their four cats, to escaping with backpacks on a mission to trek over 2,000 slow miles of towpaths across Britain, from Cornwall to Scotland.

Customer Reviews

must have book for waterways and coutryside lovers
This is such a fantastic book, I can't recommend it highly enough Its the only one of its kind; if you want to go on the inland waterways for a day trip, a weekend or a holiday or even just walking along the toe paths get hold of this book Its beautifully illustrated and crammed full of inspiring ideas, tips and recommendations It's written by people who know thier stff because they've actually lived it, not just been sent by a publisher to 'fact find'
Even if you just like reading about countryside pursuits and pictresque snippets of British life (or like to while away the odd summer lunchtime at a waterside pub), it's well worth the investment
Enjoy!

An Indispensable Companion for All who Love the Canals 12/7/09
An Indispensable Companion for All who Love the Canals 12/7/09
This is no ordinary guide. This is an explosion of colour and great ideas for anyone who is the slightest bit interested in the canals.

This book is for everyone. It is a comprehensive guide for the enthusiast wanting to explore further into the incredible secret world of the canal network.

The first-timer will find much to interest them in the wonderful diversity of information on all things canal-related to see and do.

This delightful book encompasses everything from towpaths, teashops and tunnels to the history and the wildlife central to canal life.

The profusion of informative facts is backed by superb photography, making this a cornucopia for experienced enthusiast and novice alike and is strongly recommended.

A Joyous Picture Book
This is such an joyous little book. Even if you never set foot on a towpath, the volume of wonderful photographs could keep an armchair boater happy for ages, but the book is more than a picture-book,it is jammed-packed with useful information for the traveller,be they on foot,wheel or water. And an ideal size to be taken along the trip.