'Canals and rivers offer accessible walking routes at all times of year. Aside from lock flights, your path is level and there’s little chance of getting lost! The unfolding scenery of a canal-side stroll also takes some beating. Where else could you find such a mix of wildlife, architecture, countryside and of course, the thing that brings it all to life, narrowboats.'

'In this comprehensive guide to waterway pubs, you will find: Pubs that are canal or riverside or a short walk within the waterway corridor; Pubs on waterway cruising rings; Many pubs included that are not shown in other canal and waterway pub guides; A developing photo reference of every pub; Pubs that are on or near waterways abandoned or under restoration.'

'Almost every British canal, whether navigable, derelict or under restoration is described here. Many river navigations (including all of the Norfolk Broads waterways) are also included.Each waterway also has a detailed description of its route. Where possible, we have included up to date instructions on where to find interesting features along the waterway. Brief descriptions on how to reach these features are often included.' ALERT Website Links not accessible at Review.

'Offer a range of self guided walking holidays which follow the beautiful waterways of England, Scotland and Wales.'

'Pennine Waterways is an independent non-profit-making website about the canals of the area ... Pennine Waterways is not connected with The Canal and River Trust (or the former British Waterways) and has no responsibility for the maintenance of canals or towpaths. I cannot provide information about moorings. Please do not email me about canal or towpath maintenance or about moorings ...'

'Walking along a canal path can give you a completely different view on a place, even somewhere you know well. Enjoy well maintained paths and a traffic free atmosphere, ideal whether you choose to run or walk.'

The 'Full A-Z Listing' provides for each Canal its Name, Navigation Authority (if any), and its (boat navigation) Status: Derelict, Open, Partly Open, Proposed Restoration, Restoration Proposed, Restored, Semi-Navigable, Under Restoration.

'The East Devon Way, one of the County's long-distance recreational walking routes, stretches for nearly 40 miles between Exmouth and Lyme Regis inland of and parallel to the South West Coast Path. There are a number of places where the two can be linked, thus creating a series of long-distance circular walks throughout East Devon ...'

'The idea behind the Airedale Way is that it provides a link between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales by following, as far as possible, riverside paths.'

'Walking trail following the county boundary of Norfolk and Suffolk, gently meandering from Great Yarmouth through to Thetford.'

'Long-distance walking route following the river Annan from source to sea ... The Annandale Way has been designed to be achievable in 4 to 5 days, with overnight stops envisaged in small market towns and villages: Moffat; Johnstonebridge / Annandale Estate; Lochmaben or Lockerbie and Annan. There is also the option of doing a shorter 2 or 3 day circuit or day walks by using local public transport.'

'Following the River Arrow from its source in the uplands of Powys, descending through Herefordshire hill country via Newchurch to Kington, and finally, through black and white villages of Pembridge and Eardisland to Leominster.'

Printed Guide available from Ramblers Mortimer Group

'Downstream from Aveton Gifford, the river Avon winds through its beautiful and secluded valley to the sea. This fine walk traces its course, and you are rarely out of sight of the river, or its rich birdlife.'

'Riverside walks never fail to be interesting, as rivers are havens for wildlife of all sorts and anything could drift past. Colourful narrowboats, shy waterbirds, the splash of a fish, eerie reeds as they sway in the breeze, if you stay alert all sorts of sights and sounds will delight you. These two fully waymarked walks along the River Avon will not disappoint, whatever time of year you visit. There are no stiles to negotiate on either walk.' Note that the URL originally used here has been replaced by another.

'Long-distance walking route that takes you from Salisbury – one of the most beautiful cathedral cities in England – to Christchurch Priory and the sea. It was opened in 1992 and runs from Wiltshire due south through Hampshire to finish in Dorset. The Path is named after the river whose course it follows.'

'Gives you the opportunity to explore the Severn Valley by following the route of the river Severn four miles upstream from Bewdley to the hidden gem that is Upper Arley village. The return leg offers the opportunity to return to Bewdley; either under your own steam by walking back along the opposite bank of the river or by steam power utilising the historic Severn Valley Railway.'

'The Birmingham and Fazeley Canal is a canal of the Birmingham Canal Navigations in the West Midlands of England. Its purpose was to provide a link between the Coventry Canal and Birmingham and thereby connect Birmingham to London via the Oxford Canal.'

'This is a linear walk along the scenic River Stort from Bishop’s Stortford to Harlow and returning by bus.'

'Follows the River Blackwater from its source in Rowhill Nature Reserve to Swallowfield, where it joins the River Whitewater to become the Broadwater for a short stretch before flowing into the River Loddon.' ALERT Link changed from Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership to Walking Englishman

'Recreational path shadowing the course of the River Bollin. The route starts at Macclesfield Riverside Park and finishes in Partington giving walkers a feel of the valley's variety. It takes in fields and woodlands, towns and villages, passes around Manchester Airport and ends up in the industrial area near the Manchester Ship Canal.'

'Follows some of the waterways of Boston including The Haven, the Hobhole drain and the Maud Foster drain, as well as passing through two nature reserves (Havenside and Hobhole Bank). A great walk to see a variety of wildlife. The walk uses drain and river side paths which may be muddy in places.'

Four walks around and about the Bude Canal.

'The area around the Caledonian Canal is superb walking country. With breathtaking scenery and so much wildlife, there is always something to enjoy. Take a relaxing stroll along the towpath, hike the Great Glen Way long distance route, or climb Britain's highest mountain. Watch the Great Glen Ways video and you will be persuaded!'

'Explore the glorious countryside near the Lancaster Canal'

'A walk to the south of Ely takes you along the bank of the River Great Ouse, a river which has been the life blood to Ely throughout the centuries.'

'A walk of 12 miles along the River Pinn from Pinner to the Grand Union Canal at Cowley, through green spaces, conservation areas and wildlife havens.'

'Linear walk through the Chilterns following the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham ...'

'Did you know that the city of Oxford is built on a series of islands? This walk is an opportunity to explore an intricate network of waterways that are often overlooked by visitors to the city.'

'The Cleddau Trail is an initiative of Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust to encourage local community access to, and involvement with, the Western and Eastern Cleddau rivers. Seven Sites are currently featured on each of the two rivers.' At each Site there is information about the Walks available around and about.

'Takes you on a 65km/40 mile journey, Glasgow City Centre to the World Heritage Site of New Lanark, passing through spectacular scenery and many interesting and important sites which offer insights into the rich cultural, natural and industrial heritage of the Clyde Valley'

'Starts at Rickmansworth and follows the River Colne southwards ending at Colnbrook. There is a link path to Langley from Cowley Lock. Plans are in hand to extend the Colne Valley Trail further south. Originally listed as two separate routes and now combined to form a 14 mile route from Rickmansworth to Colnbrook.' Two free leaflets cover the route and are available from the Colne Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre.

'A long-distance walk of up to 102 miles, with a choice of routes, exploring both sides of the part wooded Conwy Valley, one the most beautiful areas of North Wales.' Printed Guide available from Kittiwake Publications

'Path following the River Cray to the Thames from Foots Cray Meadows in the south to Erith in the north.' ALERT Could not find this PDF referenced on the re-designed Bexley Website; so I have changed the Link to Yumpu.

'Extends from the River Wye and Pavilion Gardens in Buxton to the confluence of the River Dane with the River Wheelock at Middlewich - a measured distance 40.6 miles. After the first 3 miles of climbing the rest of the route is generally downhill.' Note that Discover Cheshire no longer seem to provide access to a description of the full route via their Website.

Described in two Parts. The first Part follows the route up the right-hand side of the Dart from Kingswear - across the river from Dartmouth itself - to Greenway. (It is also possible to walk up the left-hand side of the River direct to Dittisham, but this is not so interesting.) The second Part continues from Dittisham up to Totnes.

'The River Dearne is a river in South Yorkshire, England. It flows roughly east for more than 30 kilometres (19 mi), from its source just inside West Yorkshire, through Denby Dale, Clayton West, Darton, Barnsley, Darfield, Wath upon Dearne, Bolton on Dearne, Adwick upon Dearne and Mexborough to its confluence with the River Don at Conisbrough ... The upper Dearne is followed by the Dearne Way, a footpath through the countryside from Dearne Head to Barnsley. The lower Dearne Valley is confusingly now also called Dearne Valley and is a regeneration area.'

'Follows the course of the River Dee between the picturesque towns of Corwen and Llangollen.'

'The route follows the River Dee along the Welsh or English sides of its estuary, through the historic city of Chester, the borderlands, Llangollen and the stunning Dee Valley, passing beautiful Llyn Tegid at Y Bala to the river's source in the mountains of southern Snowdonia.'

'The Derby & Sandiacre Canal ran from the river Trent at Swarkestone and climbed through 3 locks to the Trent & Mersey Canal and Swarkestone Junction on the Trent & Mersey canal thence to Sandiacre on the Erewash canal, with a line to Little Eaton where it met a plateway.'

'Stretching from Ladybower Reservoir in the north to Shardlow in the south, the walk through the valley offers varied scenery and a way-marked route. Passing through the Peak District National Park via Chatsworth Park and the breath taking scenery around the Derbyshire dales and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the riverside path continues to Journey's End where the Derwent flows into the River Trent.'

'A rewarding and varied walk following Britain's longest river and one of its earliest canals. This walk takes in almost the entire length of the Droitwich Barge Canal, one of canal pioneer James Brindley's earliest works. It then follows the mighty River Severn on its way into Worcester, approaching the city on the little-walked east bank.'

Note from the Canal & River Trust: 'We’ve previously hosted the details of a number of different walking and cycling routes. However, when we looked at them closely we weren’t convinced that all of our routes were completely accurate. We don’t want you to get lost trying to follow one of our routes and so we have removed them for now. We would like to add them back onto our website for everyone to enjoy. If you think you could spare the time to go and check one of our old routes, make sure the distance is correct and fill us in on the best parking spots and transport links then please email us ... In the meantime you can find some great canal and river walking routes at iFootpath ...'

'A new walking route, following the course of the River Ecclesbourne in Derbyshire. The walk starts in Duffield, a few miles North of Derby, and runs for 11 miles to Wirksworth.'

'Follow the banks of the River Eden and the River Medway and along delightful paths and lanes, through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

'Liquid History is a self guided audio trail along one of the most picturesque stretches of the River Thames near Hampton Court. The trail contains original interviews with people who have lived and worked along the river in Elmbridge, and is narrated by historian and local houseboat resident Dr Toby Butler ...'

'Footpath linking Vernon Park in Stockport with the Longdendale Trail in the Peak District near Hadfield.'

'A river valley walk between source and sea along the beautiful River Exe.'

'Our favourite walks encompassing the very best of what the Fal River has to offer. Picture-postcard scenery waits to greet you at every turn of the path.'

'Walk between Cambridge and Kings Lynn following the Rivers Cam and Great Ouse. The main route mainly follows the western banks of the rivers, although there is an eastern alternative available between north of Cambridge and Ely. The route is mostly flat, with very little ascent or descent. '

'Follows footpaths along or near the river Foss, starting from its confluence with the Ouse in York [SE 605511] and finishing at its source, Pond Head [SE 528695] four miles from Easingwold ... '

'Fradley Junction is where the Coventry Canal joins the Trent & Mersey Canal. It's one of the busiest places on the waterways, where canals, boats and people meet.'

'Starting at Evershot, the second highest village in Dorset, this walk meanders close to the River Frome towards Poole Harbour.'

'The Frome Valley creates an important green corridor through the villages and farmland of South Gloucestershire and the dense housing of northeast Bristol. The parks, woodlands, meadows and waterways provide welcome recreational space for people and a valuable environment for wildlife. The Frome Valley Walkway is an important recreational path running along the river connecting communities and open spaces.'

'A way marked walk following the River Fynn from Witnesham to Martlesham Creek, through some of the most picturesque countryside in Suffolk.'

'The Trust has reached an agreement with MARPA (Mid-Anglia Rail Passengers' Association) and Roger Wolfe of the Ramblers Association to publish two of the Station to Station Walks which follow the route of the Stowmarket Navigation.'

'The four walks range from 1.5-5.5 miles and take in little known and glorious countryside on the doorstep of Gloucester ... '

'Walk from Chipping Norton, following the path of the River Glyme, to Woodstock.'

'This relatively easy walk belies its six miles and takes in both pretty villages (Old Burleston and Hamble) at the start, and some great coastal views out over the River Hamble later on.'

'A series of walks leaflets are available covering parts of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal through the two counties. There are now five walks available – all of which are proving very popular with both local people and visitors to the area. Each walk is illustrated with photos of points of interest and a clear map of the route.'

'This County Durham walk follows the most dramatic section of the River Tees, which begins life on the isolated flanks of Cross Fell in the North Pennines and enters the North Sea surrounded by industry.'

'The walk begins at the Cross Of Greet north of Stocks Reservoir near Slaidburn, and finishes where it joins the R. Ribble between Stonyhurst College and Gt. Mitton.'

'Circular walk ... which virtually encompasses the town of Horsham using paths alongside various watercourses.'

'The waymarked Gipping Valley River Path passes close to Ipswich railway station. Most of the route follows the towpath of the former navigation that linked the dock at Ipswich with Stowmarket from 1793 until the 1930s.'

'Follows the River Itchen from its source close to Hinton Ampner all the way to its mouth at Woolston, Southampton.'

'The Itchen Way and the guide book are promoted by the Eastleigh Group of the Ramblers Association who are largely responsible for the creation of the route. The route was amended in 2008 when a new guide was published written by Richard Kenchington who devised the original route.'

'A walk along the banks of the Thames in Kent, one of the most unknown and amazing walks in South-East England.'

'This is a delightful walk along the River Ivel from Baldock to Roxton. You start off at the source of the river at Ivel springs, Baldock, and follow the river north through Stotfold, Henlow, Langford, Biggleswade, Sandy and Blunham.'

'Linking Preston to Kendal, the Lancaster Canal is one of the country’s few coastal canals. Built along the natural lie of the land it offers 41 miles of lock free cruising - the longest stretch in the country. As the canal is naturally level, it also lends itself to gentle walking and cycling as well as canoeing and other outdoor pursuits.'

'Long-distance path located between Leagrave, the source of the River Lea near Luton, and the Thames, at Limehouse Basin, Limehouse, east London. From its source much of the walk is rural. At Hertford the path follows the towpath of the River Lee Navigation, and it becomes increasingly urbanised as it approaches London. The walk was opened in 1993 and is waymarked throughout using a swan logo.'

'A pleasant, waymarked 3½ mile (5½ km) walk linking Leamington and Warwick.'

'A walk along the canal towpath & Pennine Way, with some hills, stiles and muddy paths.'

'A twelve-mile long green corridor running through the city along the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal. It is regionally important for wildlife and comprises a network of open spaces, nature reserves and parks ...'

'The Letcombe Brook, much loved by local people, is a chalk stream that runs from Letcombe Regis to East Hanney, providing water for local use today. It is home to protected species such as white-clawed crayfish and water voles. Chalk streams are globally rare, so the Letcombe Brook Project was set up in April 2003 to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the Brook.'

'The Louth Navigation was a canalisation of the River Lud. It ran for 11 miles (18 km) from Louth in Lincolnshire, England, to Tetney Haven, at the mouth of the Humber.' Access to a selection of PDF Walks to view or download.

'Traces the course of the River Lune's lower reaches through some of the North West's finest lowland countryside. Bounded by high moors, limestone hills and shadowed by the distant peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Leck Fell, the route offers excellent, easy walking and is signposted and waymarked throughout.'

'Of course the Macclesfield Canal itself makes an enjoyable walk and very many people exploit this linear park by walking sections or even the whole of the 27½ miles of the canal, which is also one section of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk. There are plenty of guides to its course and I will not repeat them all here ... In these pages I will note some of the many walks that can be taken from the canal - the canal providing the start and finish point and maybe a short part of the walk.'

'Footpath along the side of the Mardyke from Ship Lane, Aveley to Bulphan, passing through Davy Down Riverside Park. It was opened in 2007 as part of the Thames Chase Community Forest.'

'With the canal walk completed, I cast around for another project. Then an idea began to take shape: to walk the Mersey from its source to the sea. The Mersey is formed from three tributaries: the River Etherow, the River Goyt, and the River Tame. The official start of the Mersey is at the confluence of the rivers Tame and Goyt in central Stockport, a few miles south of Manchester. Older definitions place its start a few miles up the Goyt ...'

'Gentle stroll, regular power walking or long-distance run. The Monkland Canal is a great place to stay active or up the pace for a bit of serious exercise. Along the way you are sure to spot some amazing wildlife!

'Long distance recreational route which follows the River Nene for some 70 miles through Northamptonshire.'

'The New River is neither new nor a river. It is a water supply aqueduct, completed in 1613, to bring drinking water from Hertfordshire to North London ...' ALERT I could no longer find a description of the Path on the Thames Water Website; so I have replaced the Link.

'This picturesque walk through the centre of Norwich links the Marriott's Way at Barn Road roundabout on the inner ring road with The Wherryman's Way and Boudicca Way at Norwich Railway Station.'

'Follows the River Great Ouse between Buckingham and Milton Keynes.'

'A great series of four easy circular walks from two to five miles. Most are easy walking and include sections along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath and through Alkincoates Park Nature Reserve. Admire the views whilst you watch beautiful wildlife and plants.'

'This new (2010) long distance walking route follows the course of the River Avon by linking existing rights of way from Pewsey to Salisbury. In Salisbury the trail connects to the existing 34-mile Avon Valley Path to Christchurch. The trail is accompanied by a walking guide.'

'This Project aims to enhance and stimulate public understanding of Canals: by encouraging you to visit these wonderful places, by guiding and informing your presence, and by illuminating history that does not immediately or easily reveal itself.' Note that the Audio Trail Link did not function on review - so I have replaced it with one to the Canal Society Website which had a brief description of the Trail on its (rather long) Home Page.

'Footpath following the River Ribble along the beautiful Ribble Valley from its mouth to its source. The footpath traverses the counties of Lancashire and North Yorkshire and is divided into 7 sections each approximately 10 miles long.'

'Starts in Avonbridge and follows the river downstream to Inveravon, crossing the river several times. The route takes you through gorge woodland and one of the high points is rising to meet the Union Canal and crossing it using the canal aqueduct.'

'Passes through the historic harbour village of Pill, the spectacular Avon Gorge, the modern city and ancient port of Bristol, the beautiful countryside where the Avon Valley meets the Cotswold Hills and ends at the famous Pulteney Bridge in the Georgian city of Bath. Although the Trail goes no further, the river continues upstream to its source near Sherston in the Cotswold Hills.'

'East Ayrshire ... just waiting to be enjoyed! Experience Ayrshire’s most varied and beautiful countryside, enjoy relaxing accommodation, welcoming pubs and award winning restaurants.' ALERT Website Link changed from original.

'Walk along the banks of the River Don from the River Tyne at Jarrow to West Boldon'

'Long-distance footpath, following the route of the River Parrett in Somerset, England. The trail, which is 50 miles (80 km) long, runs from Chedington in Dorset to the mouth of the river in Bridgwater Bay where it joins the West Somerset Coast Path.'

'The River Rea travels through the many diverse communities of south west Birmingham. Rising on the Waseley Hills the river heads across the city towards its confluence with the River Tame near Spaghetti Junction (The Gravelly Hill interchange).'

'To encourage everyone to make the most of the Thames Path, National Trails and the Environment Agency have published 12 walks along different parts of the River Thames, all with level and wide paths, gentle slopes and rest areas.'

'Numerous local footpaths link up with some historic long distance paths. Many of these paths cross some of the most scenic landscapes and waterscapes in the Broads and Upper Waveney valley, sometimes following the water's edge, at other times skirting fenland or passing through grazing marsh.' ALERT The Trust has changed its Website, and unfortunately commentary on existing and planned Walks around and about seems to have disappeared.

'As Britain's longest river, the Severn offers explorers the opportunity to discover a wide variety of landscapes ranging from the dramatic Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales, through deep gorged valleys and onto the rolling pastureland of its southern reaches before meet the confluence with the Celtic Sea.'

'Beginning at the source of the Avon in Naseby, Northamptonshire, this 88 mile fully waymarked path follows as near as possible the course of the river.'

'Signposted walk along the River Shuttle, a small tributary of the River Cray, which it joins at Hall Place near Bexley. The walk then joins the Cray Riverway, which follows the Cray through to the Darent at Crayford Marshes and through the marshes to the Thames.' ALERT I could no longer find the description of this Walk on the re-engineered Bexley Council Website; so I have cited the description from Annierak instead.

'These walks are a series of scenic, predominantly level, walks centred on the Navigation. These encompass chalky uplands to the West of Sleaford and Fenland to the East ... '

'Follows the route of the River South Tyne from the source to Haltwhistle. Open to walkers and cyclists it is almost 23 miles (36.5km) long and is a fantastic two-day experience in the North Pennines.'

'River Routes in Stockton is a new 3 year project that is dedicated to getting local people enjoying and involved in their local green spaces. The project's main work will be aimed at developing areas that people can enjoy which are close to the River Tees and the becks that flow through the Borough.'

Note: Not clear what happened to this Project ... The Website URL now leads to details of a related series of Projects badged as River Tees Rediscovered.

'There is excellent public access to the Stort Navigation. A public footpath runs all the way along the Navigation from Bishops Stortford to the confluence with the Lea. For much of this stretch the path is part of the Stort Valley Way, a 28-mile circular walk around Harlow and Sawbridgeworth. For information on walking in the Stort valley, and to download a leaflet, click here.'