The Water Road
Adam PorterJoin us as we travel the canals and rivers of England and Wales in our narrowboat. The podcast takes you to places and events around the canal network, meeting the people who live, work, or volunteer on the waterways. The Financial Times said The Water Road "takes nerdy delight in the minutiae of canal life". The Guardian described it as "a soothing sound effects-packed listen ... (that) wouldn't ... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 33 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Places & TravelSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
We're in London, moored in Paddington Basin and exploring the history of the area and nearby Little Venice. We chat to Julian Futter and Robert Bruce from the Paddington Waterways and Maida Vale Society about the area's history, how Little Venice got... more
On our journey south on the Grand Union Canal we've reached Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire. Next to Batchworth Lock is the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust, and we'll find out about their work in promoting the waterways and educating people about how th... more
The Aylesbury Arm, which branches off the Grand Union main line, is only just over six miles long but it's packed with interest. It starts at Marsworth Junction with the only staircase locks on the southern section of the GU, and it has sixteen locks... more
Braunston is at the heart of the canal network, and in this edition of The Water Road we explore its waterways history, including how the working boatmen adopted the village church as the Cathedral of the Canals. Plus we hear how the Braunston Canal ... more
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Reviews
One of my favourite canal podcasts. Each episode is just the right length of time and they give great ideas for places to visit.
Podcast Addict54 months agoMilesey- Excellent series of podcasts
Loving listening to the fortnightly podcasts. Shining a light on different parts of the canal system and taking a look into the area’s local history too.
Apple Podcasts5Boating Books
United Kingdom9 months ago - What a great idea for a podcast
I really enjoyed this podcast and have listened back to all the episodes since the first one in April 2025.
The water shortages of a very dry 2025 were well covered.
Listening to the podcasts in my car on regular journeys in my car or occasionally on a train, has been a particular pleasure, cetainly someting You tube and Tick Tock can't compete with.
Apple Podcasts5Kevin NewcastleUnited Kingdom10 months ago - Best podcast series on narrowboating
Excellent and professional podcast series on narrowboats and the UK’s canal network. I discovered this series last June as we were cruising the Four Counties Ring. Now my husband and I look forward to each episode.
Apple Podcasts5Ozzie Narrowboater
Australia10 months ago - Wonderful
Interesting and yet relaxing to listen to. A welcome change in our current world. Thank you
Apple Podcasts5Lilly DappsUnited Kingdoma year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #17 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Places & Travel |
Apple Podcasts | #120 | Australia/Society & Culture/Places & Travel |
Apple Podcasts | #72 |  New Zealand/Society & Culture/Places & Travel |
Apple Podcasts | #84 |  Ireland/Society & Culture/Places & Travel |
Apple Podcasts | #123 |  Denmark/Society & Culture/Places & Travel |
Apple Podcasts | #248 |  China/Society & Culture/Places & Travel |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Water Road
What is The Water Road about and what kind of topics does it cover?
- The show centers on England and Wales' canal network, blending on-site storytelling with interviews from people who live, work, or volunteer along the waterways. Episodes explore engineering feats, water management, restoration projects, and the lived experience of boating, living on the water, and engaging with river communities. A recurring thread is how canals shape local economies, culture, and sustainable transport, from historic sites to modern electric boating innovations. The tone tends toward calm, informative, and community-focused storytelling, with accessible explanations of technical topics and a strong sense of place.
- What stands out is a consistent emphasis on hands-on contexts: restoration efforts, water resource challen... more
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How many listeners does The Water Road get?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Water Road?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Water Road:
1. Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
2. Ramblings
3. THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST
4. The Food Programme
5. Last Word
How many episodes of The Water Road are there?
The Water Road launched a year ago and published 33 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Water Road?
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What guests have appeared on The Water Road?
Recent guests on The Water Road include:
1. Campbell Robb
2. David Wheeler
3. Reverend Laura Handy
4. Rosie Philpott
5. Ed Pilkington
6. Sue Ingham
7. Nick Atty
8. James Attwood
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