The Water Road: An Odyssey Through England by Narrowboat

by PaulGogarty (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2002

  $3.25

  To escape the hurry-sickness of modern life, Paul Gogarty...acclaimed travel writer and TV presenter...disappears for 4 months into a maze of canals linking the Thames with the Severn, Mersey and Trent. On this magical journey across the face of backdoor England the author weaves a mesmerising tale packed with drama, hilarious encounters and illuminating reflection as he revels in the canals network's second golden age following more than a century of neglect. The Water Road is both a celebration of a secret England and a powerful personal odyssey, in which the author marks his own rite of passage.

• Used

  Paperback
  2011

  $3.25

  The Water Road is the story of a four month circumnavigation by narrowboat of 'The Grand Cross', the name given to the inland waterway linking the Thames to the Humber, Severn and Mersey. Starting in London, Paul Gogarty follows a figure of eight through Britain's major cities and across the Pennines. Entering the world's most concentrated canal network Gogarty sails into England's past and future. 'The Cut' (the name most commonly used for the canals) is a blueprint of when England was a big island and the inland waterways its motorway. But, after more than a century of neglect, 'The Cut' is now enjoying a second golden age with waterfront cities being regenerated and more inland waterways currently opening in Britain than were being built at the height of Canal Mania 200 years ago. 'The Cut' is a hidden garden flashed with kingfishers and traditional narrowboats; a parallel universe ringing with the laughter of water gypsies, the thin cries of bats and drunken congregations in waterfront pubs. This is a journey across the face of England with all its exultations and darkness; rave boats, glorious sunshine and sheeting rain: canals that have been resurrected and enjoying their new summer and those still abandoned like shameful secrets. The Water Road is a voyage that is poignant, illuminating and hilarious at every turn.