Father’s Day is coming up and finding the perfect present can be tricky.
If you’re stuck for inspiration we’ve compiled some canal themed ideas that are sure to float your dad’s boat.
And there’s the added benefit that many of them will help raise funds for the future restoration of one of the most exciting canal restoration projects ever undertaken.
- For the rambling Dad
Take a walk with your dad along the miles of easy-to-access canal towpaths that run through the Stroud Valleys. Download a free Walking and Cycling trail map and choose a trail that takes you alongside the canal, or one that will introduce you to areas further from the towpath.
The themed maps have been developed in partnership with Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership linking the canal corridor to sustainable transport and active travel.
And there are plenty of benches along the canal route where less mobile dads can sit and enjoy the waterside.
2. For the foodie dad
A treat for you both! Treat your dad to lunch or a takeaway drink at one of the many venues along the canal including The Felt Café, Stroud Brewery, The Bowbridge Arms, Kitsch Coffee & Wine Bar, Stonehouse Court’s Canalside takeaway, the Falafel Pod – and many more in Stroud and Stonehouse town centres.
Eating Alfresco? There are plenty of benches and picnic spots along the canal, including Wallbridge Upper Lock (near the double roundabout in Stroud), at Queen Elizabeth II playing field (near Sainsbury’s) and at Ocean (behind the Stonehouse Court Hotel).
3. For the dad who loves engineering
See what a railway bridge looks like before it’s installed. The monolithic sections of a replacement bridge have been cast onsite near Ocean which Network Rail will be installing later this year. Take a walk through the existing railway tunnel behind Stonehouse Court Hotel to view them.
4. For the dad with an interest in the canal restoration
Gift a membership to the Cotswold Canals Trust. He’ll receive quarterly copies of the member’s newsletter ‘The Trow’, keeping him up to date with all the latest developments of the project.
5. For the dad with time on his hands
Volunteering will help your dad keep active, learn new skills and make new friends. Why not make memories and volunteer together? You’ll have the benefit of spending time together at the same time as helping us save the heritage and improve the local environment for the benefit of everyone.
6. For the book or music loving dad
Visit Cotswold Canals Trust’s online shop for a wide range of books, maps, guides and CCT merchandise or the new store in Brimscombe which holds a huge stock of books, vinyl and jigsaws.
7. For the adventurous dad
Make a day of it and charter a boat. All boats are crewed by volunteers and profits go to Cotswold Canals Trust.
8. For the dad who has everything
A unique, permanent legacy is ideal for the dad who’s hard to buy for, or as a special memorial.
You could sponsor a brick, a bench, a mooring bollard or heirloom shrub, or have your dad’s name engraved on a lock gate, with prices starting at £50. Or make a donation in your dad’s name.
Your gift will support the costs of the next part of the restoration – to open the four miles of disused canal known as Phase 1B.
Food Map 
Charter a boat as a Father’s Day treat. Photo by Mike Gallagher.
