CanalAbility

CanalAbility Registered Charity - Offering specially adapted canal boat day trips for people with disabilities on the waterways of Essex and Hertfordshire.

A 2026 review of research into blue spaces found growing evidence that natural water environments can support wellbeing....
29/07/2026

A 2026 review of research into blue spaces found growing evidence that natural water environments can support wellbeing. It’s a reminder that access to nature matters — and that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy those moments.

Read more here :-Mental health benefits of specific blue space types and characteristics: A systematic evidence map

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41724225/

Thanks to Babaya Photography for the photo of our volunteers.

28/07/2026

Many people don’t realise what a beautiful natural space we have right here on the Herts & Essex border.

The River Stort offers peaceful views, wildlife and the chance to slow down and enjoy time together.

CanalAbility are a charity dedicated to providing the facilities for people with a wide range of disabilities, health conditions or anyone experiencing disadvantages, to enjoy boating on the river on our specially adapted canal boats.

From spotting wildlife and learning about the river, to taking part in steering and working the locks — everyone can be part of the adventure.

Have you discovered the River Stort yet?

Thanks to for allowing us to use their video from a CanalAbility trip.

A lovely start to the week on the water...Today we’re looking forward to welcoming the Moore family this morning, and l...
27/07/2026

A lovely start to the week on the water...

Today we’re looking forward to welcoming the Moore family this morning, and later this afternoon we'll be welcoming residents and staff from St. Vincents Nursing Home in aboard our accessible boats.

We hope everyone enjoys the chance to relax, take in the views, spot some wildlife and experience all that a day on the river has to offer.

Our volunteers will be on hand to help everyone make the most of their journey — whether that’s taking a turn at steering, helping with the locks or simply enjoying time together in the fresh air.

We hope you all have a wonderful day with us!

Could you be part of someone’s special day?Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. From helping prepare the...
23/07/2026

Could you be part of someone’s special day?

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. From helping prepare the boats and welcoming passengers, to supporting people as they experience the joy of being on the river, every role helps create memorable moments.

You don’t need to be an expert boater — our volunteers help crew the boats, learn new skills, support passengers to get involved with steering, and even help operate the locks along the journey.

All you need is a friendly attitude, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a difference.

Find out more about joining our team and becoming part of the CanalAbility crew.

https://www.canalability.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/

🦆 Have you ever stopped to see what’s happening along the riverbank?When you’re on, or near the water, there’s always so...
23/07/2026

🦆 Have you ever stopped to see what’s happening along the riverbank?

When you’re on, or near the water, there’s always something to spot.

A heron standing quietly by the edge, ducks swimming alongside the boat, birds singing from the trees, dragonflies darting along, or the first signs that the seasons are changing.

Our canals aren’t just places for boats — they’re home to a wonderful variety of wildlife too.

At CanalAbility, we love seeing people enjoy these little moments: taking a turn at steering, helping with a lock, spotting wildlife or simply enjoying time together on the beautiful Essex and Hertfordshire canals.

Whether it’s spotting wildlife, enjoying the view or simply spending time together, there’s always something to enjoy.

What wildlife have you spotted near the water?

Meet the CanalAbility fleet!Did you know our boats have been specially adapted to help people who may not otherwise be a...
22/07/2026

Meet the CanalAbility fleet!

Did you know our boats have been specially adapted to help people who may not otherwise be able to enjoy boating experience the freedom of being on the river?

From easy access boarding and hoists to accessible facilities, every detail has been designed to make a day on the water more welcoming and inclusive.

Our two adapted boats, Stort Daybreak and Stort Challenger, help bring people together for shared experiences, new adventures and memorable moments on the beautiful Essex and Hertfordshire waterways.

And we’re excited that our new fully accessible electric boat, Amply Accessible, will soon be joining our fleet — helping us welcome even more people on board while making our journeys more sustainable. 🌿

If you could spend a day cruising the river, which boat would you choose?

https://www.canalability.org.uk/our-canal-boats/

We had a fabulous time yesterday with Calm Futures Hertfordshire!Calm Futures support people with Learning, Physical Dis...
20/07/2026

We had a fabulous time yesterday with Calm Futures Hertfordshire!

Calm Futures support people with Learning, Physical Disabilities and associated complex needs.

Amply Accessible is taking shape!Our brand-new accessible electric boat, Amply Accessible, is looking more like a finish...
16/07/2026

Amply Accessible is taking shape!

Our brand-new accessible electric boat, Amply Accessible, is looking more like a finished boat every day.

The interior is really coming together, with the cabinetry installed, beautiful wood finishes taking shape, and large windows that will give everyone fantastic views of the beautiful Essex and Hertfordshire waterways.

It's been wonderful to see Amply Accessible taking shape with the skilled team at Colecraft Engineering Ltd.

There's still a little more work to do before Amply Accessible is ready to welcome passengers on board, and we can't wait to share more updates with you.

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

Thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, fundraisers, donors, and National Lottery players — whose contributions made a substantial grant from National Lottery Community Fund possible — along with sponsorship from and support from HFW (Holman Fenwick Willan LLP)

We all know that spending time outdoors makes us feel better, but did you know there's real evidence behind it?Being out...
16/07/2026

We all know that spending time outdoors makes us feel better, but did you know there's real evidence behind it?

Being out in nature can help reduce stress, lift your mood and improve your overall wellbeing. Whether it's a walk in the park, sitting by the water or enjoying time on a boat, those little moments outside really do make a difference.

That's one of the reasons we love what we do. Every trip along the beautiful Essex and Hertfordshire waterways gives our clients the chance to slow down, enjoy the fresh air, spot some wildlife and simply take in the peaceful surroundings.

How do you like to enjoy nature? We'd love to hear in the comments.

Want to learn more about the benefits of spending time in nature? Take a look at this article from EarthDay.org:

https://www.earthday.org/dont-deprive-yourself-of-natures-benefits/

Address

Lock View, Burnt Mill Lane
Harlow
CM202QS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 1:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 1:30pm
Thursday 9am - 1:30pm
Friday 9am - 1:30pm

Telephone

+441279424444

Website

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