towpath

We enjoyed long walks on the tow-path past Melingriffith and down to the docks.

Sure enough, a mile down the canal tow-path, a cloud burst and deposited a deluge so great in its intensity that the cyclist was drenched from head to toe within ten seconds and resembled that 1970s image of England prop forward Fran Cotton during a match in New Zealand - two eyes peering out from a dirty puddle.

How about a canal tow-path? Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice so make the most of this resource.

Setting off on April 7 and riding along the Grand Union Canal tow-path, they are planning to stay at bed and breakfasts along the way before arriving at London's Regent's Park.

THE Monmouthshire Canal is now one of the best tow-path waters in the country.

Mrs Grieve has lived beside the Bridgewater Canal for the past 13 years and until recently spent many hours walking the tow-path with her dog Dazzel, now sadly departed.

"The tree was adjacent to a tow-path near the canal and was huge, weighing several tonnes.

The pair were walking along the tow-path at Bolehall, in Tamworth, when a cyclist, thought to be aged in his 50s, slipped and fell head first into the canal along with his bike.

The two-day protest has been organised by the Inland Waterways Association and will see boat owners, canoeists, cyclists and dog walkers bring the waterways and tow-path to a standstill to protest against the decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Venture in the other direction and you will find yourself strolling along the popular walking route of the Thames tow-path.

Just before reaching a canal bridge turn left along the tow-path (7).

Walk this easy canal tow-path all of the way back to the Bancroft Gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon.