Canal EGRESS

[Pointboy]

Hello all,

So, I live in the centre of a city and we have some canals running through and it got me thinking, would bugging out via canal routes on canal boats be possible?

There are 2,200 miles of canals throughout the UK. Most of the canals are connected and a fair few reach the coasts. I tracked one via google earth and it lead all the way through my city and out into the country side then up into the Humber.

What are people’s thoughts on the possibilities of bugging out like this with a few people with you, and what would be required to do so?

[pseudonym]

It is a possibility, also the footpath that runs alongside could be utilised. Any maps with their routes marked would also be of benefit.

[jansman]

Technically a brilliant idea! Yes, it is absolutely possible. However, having fished many inner city canals over about 50 years, I would want a sawn off shotgun whilst paddling through! I have encountered some real #?ucking nut jobs on towpaths down the years , so SHTF I would really be wary. As a way out of an urban area though, it is a good idea.

[Yorkshire Andy]

. I tracked one via google earth and it lead all the way through my city and out into the country side then up into the Humber.

What are people’s thoughts on the possibilities of bugging out like this with a few people with you, and what would be required to do so?

And when on the Humber then what? You'd not want to navigate that on a narrow boat even on a calm days..

Then there's the transition at the head of the Aire and Calder from canal to Docks/ port to the lock gates which they do charge a fee outside specific tide times into the Ouse then to the Humber been strongly tidal and littered with sand bars good luck

[grenfell]

Not impossible i guess and living close to a canal i could perhaps make us myself. I can think of a few potential problems . If there are abandoned or sunk boats blocking the canal that's an escape done for and even if it's clear progress is slow. The speed or lack of it puts me in mind of the tv program Zomboat where a group of people try to flee a zombie apocalypse on the canals around birmingham making their escape as the zombies shuffled along thectowpaths.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10404664/

[Trojanhorse]

As above

Your are self sufficient but also trapped if canal blocked.

Though I have also thought about doing the same and know the canal paths very well around me and have a few places in mind if I had to camp out

[omega man]

They really are a nice connecting network but in my mind there are too many drawbacks for them to be a viable 'get out of dodge' option.
Not only for all the reasons already stated. LOCKS take ages to fill and drain... sometimes the water levels need adjusting over more than one lock too, or simply are out of action

[ForgeCorvus]

They really are a nice connecting network but in my mind there are too many drawbacks for them to be a viable 'get out of dodge' option.
Not only for all the reasons already stated. LOCKS take ages to fill and drain... sometimes the water levels need adjusting over more than one lock too, or simply are out of action

Not forgetting that using a lock incorrectly can drain the whole section.

Good routes to know though

[featherstick]

Didn't one of the "Hunted" winners get out along the tow-paths at the start? They are a useful link but if you're on a towpath your options can be limited to forwards or backwards, if you're on a boat you're slow.

[diamond lil]

I'd think canals and riverbanks would always be a handy wee rat run if you wanted to move quietly. Just don't fall in.