CanalAbility

02/03/2026

Did we meet you at The Spotlight in Hoddesdon for Robbie Cumming’s Canal Boat Diaries - Live?

If you’re new here because of that, hello 👋

Have you ever been on a canal boat before? Or are you hoping to one day?

Pop a comment and say hi — we’d love to hear from you.

01/03/2026

🌱 Hello March! 🌱

Spring is waking up along the waterways — and there’s so much to see!

You might spot kingfishers darting across the water, early butterflies on the wing, and flood meadows coming to life near Sawbridgeworth Marsh Nature Reserve, Hunsdon Mead Nature Reserve and Thorley Wash Nature Reserve.

Find out more about the wildlife, flora and fauna, you can spot along the riverbanks with and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

27/02/2026

Welcome to pupils and staff from Kingsdown School in Southend-on-Sea today, who will be enjoying the sights and sounds of the river on 2 of our specially adapted canal boats.

Kingsdown is a Special School for children aged 3 to 14 who have severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties.

Find out more 👇

https://www.canalability.org.uk/stort-experience/

26/02/2026

More Exciting Progress!

Our accessible electric boat is really coming together, and we’re thrilled to share the latest build photos 📸

Every stage brings us closer to welcoming you onboard — and we can’t wait to show you the next update…

https://www.canalability.org.uk/boating-without-boundaries/news/electric-boat-updates/

26/02/2026

We're delighted to welcome Action For Family Carers Maldon today who have booked 2 of our accessible canal boats for a day on the river.

If you're looking for a truly accessible and inclusive group day out visit our website for more:

https://www.canalability.org.uk/canal-boat-day-trips/

25/02/2026

Support CanalAbility with the Harlow Community Lottery! 🎉

Looking for an easy way to support a local charity bringing joy, calm, and unforgettable accessible canal experiences to people with disabilities and long-term health conditions?

By joining the Harlow Community Lottery and selecting CanalAbility as your cause, you could help us continue our work — and you might win fantastic prizes too!

Every ticket purchased supports:
🚤 Accessible canalboat experiences for people of all abilities
🤝 Inclusive community connections
🌿 Positive wellbeing moments on the water

👉 Join here:
https://www.harlowcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/canalability?utm_campaign=citybreak26&utm_source=cause-admin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Hyperlink

17/02/2026

🎥 Amazing moments on the water!

Check out this lovely video from DMD with George who recently enjoyed an accessible canal boat experience with his family.

Whether it’s steering the boat, taking in the views, working the locks, or relaxing with friends and family, everyone can take part in as much, or as little, as they wish.

👉 Watch the full video here:

CanalAbility part 2 is out now! Thanks for haveing us had a great time 👍😎
https://youtu.be/MQGONCsAqHQ?si=7F0r-TuYlRIEkY4l

16/02/2026

A lovely memory from last year on the River Stort 😍

We’re reminiscing about this wonderful day when Christine, a coach from Kinder Essex hosted a fantastic community cruise.

Organised in partnership with Kinder Essex Harlow, the trip brought local kindness supporters together for something a little different — a relaxing day on the water filled with laughs, friendship, and (thankfully!) no rain 🌥️😊

Moments like these are exactly why CanalAbility exists — creating opportunities for families, community groups, and support organisations to enjoy accessible boating experiences.

👉 Find out more about CanalAbility:
www.canalability.org.uk

13/02/2026

Back in December, we were delighted to welcome residents and staff from Hallmark Hutton View Luxury Care Home in Brentwood for a festive Christmas cruise on our accessible canal boat.

Here's what they had to say about their experience.

"It was really good. Residents had fun."
We asked what they most gained - "Lifted mood, everyone was happy. Residents were reminiscing and laughing."

Know a care home that would love this? Why not tag them?

11/02/2026

Feeling a bit overwhelmed or just needing a break?

Mind UK has shared some simple ideas around wellbeing and spending time in nature, which really resonated with us 💙

There’s something about being near the water that helps you slow down. A short walk along the canal, sitting for a few minutes, or just watching the world go by can be surprisingly calming.

If you get the chance today, why not take a few quiet minutes by the water - if you see one of our accessible canal boats why not snap a photo and pop in the comments 📸

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/wellbeing-ideas-to-try-in-nature

09/02/2026

If you’re new here, welcome to CanalAbility!

We’re a small charity, based on the Essex / Hertfordshire border, helping people with disabilities or disadvantages enjoy the magic of the waterways. Whether it’s steering a boat or just relaxing and taking in nature, we make sure everyone can take part.

Follow us to see our trips, volunteer stories, updates on our latest exciting accessible electric boat build, and how we make the canals accessible for all.

📸 Tag someone who should join us on the water!