Boater: A Life on England's Waterways

by Jo Bell

Step aboard Boater, a mesmerising voyage along the tranquil waterways of England, written by UK Canal Laureate, Jo Bell.

From her mooring in Macclesfield in the north-west of England to the storied Bristol Channel, Jo invites readers to join her on a 30-day odyssey, beginning with the end of a tempestuous relationship and echoing a journey previously taken by LTC Rolt, a legendary engineer and advocate of the waterways.

In this exquisitely crafted memoir, Jo Bell seamlessly weaves together personal anecdotes with the rich tapestry of British waterway culture. As a trained archaeologist and seasoned boater, Jo offers unparalleled insights into the lives of those who call the waterways their home, inviting readers to delve into the depths of its history, culture and society along the banks.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2025

Reviews

[Maggie Halpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glorious part memoir, part history, part call to action account of the wonderful Jo Bell’s adventures in her narrow boat. Who needs the Bourne films when you can read about plucky little Tinker’s hair-raising trip body surfing up the Severn tidal range!

I adored this book, huge thank you to the publisher for an advance reading copy.

[Jonathan Hopkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do read this enchanting story of life on water in all its magical forms Possibly best in hardcopy for Eric Gaskell's woodcut illustrations

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this autobiographical journey by narrow boat around England's canal system with some history, occasional poetry and sharp observations of people, loves, life, the universe and everything. But.... mostly canals.

Jo Bell writes her story well and you are drawn in quickly. Honesty, I'm sorry to finish this!

4-stars for definite and I did ponder making it 5 but decided not to. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'd recommend it!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir—not just for its engaging storytelling, but for how much I learned about narrow-boats, canals, rivers, and the vibrant communities that thrive along them. Listening to the audio-book version while walking, especially along the canal near my home, made the experience even more immersive. Bell’s poetic prose and deep affection for the waterways brought the scenes to life, making me feel as though I was cruising alongside her on her narrow-boat, Tinker. It’s a truly informative and heartfelt read (or listen), and I’d highly recommend it to anyone curious about life on the water or simply looking for a beautifully told story of resilience, adventure, and connection.

[John Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sparkling read. There are plenty of accounts of living on the canals but this one combines the storyline of the author with the history and archaeology of the waterways. Bell was employed as an acrchaeologist by the Canal and Waterways Trust so she knows her stuff. The book is well written and hilarious too. Highly recommended. If you are wanting a book which gives a flavour of what canal living is like this is a worthy addition.

[Alastair Gain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book, a sparkling writer, I have to say that Jo May be the best writer of any book I’ve ever read !
I’m only sad because she has no other books for me to read. Her descriptive emotive entertaining style of writing kept me loving this book all the way through, I adored the way she dipped into history without getting stodgy and then back to her own day to day canal way of life. An incredible book which I think should be winning awards, a classic.

[Hannah Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody is as surprised as me but this was an absolute belter. I found it hard at times to engage with the book as a whole because I kept tripping over individual lines. Absolute poetry (obviously, Bell is a poet) and delightfully human. And Bell’s voice, her wonderful personality was on every page. Even got me emotional over a bloody boat lmao. I loved it, who knew xxxx

[Eric Gaskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo is a fine poet, but she also writes wonderful prose. I learned a lot and laughed a lot in this great little book about a singular life on the canal filled with character and good sense.