I designed my first CanalOmeter to answer simple questions. How far can I cruise today?  How long will it take to reach the shops or the pub?  I didn't want to pore over spreasheets or do mental arithmetic from distances and locks in guide books. So I designed this simple circular "slide rule" to solve the problem.  Based on distance and lock data from Canalplan AC, the web based cruisng planner I've ended up with a simple low tech instant refernce tool to use on deck.

 

My first versions entailed a lot of hand drawing, and were a bit clunky but thanks to feedback and help of a number of friends I've now semi automated generation of new Ometers.  Thanks also to generous permission of Nick at Canaplan I'm now able to present them as free downloads in PDF form.  All you need to do is to download, print off, spend two minutes with a pair of scissors, and you have your own CanalOmeters to use at will.

 

 

The first CanalOmeters are available now for you to download. More are in the pipeline.

 

CanalOmeters are only a simple guide to cruising times.  They are designed for instant reference on deck, or in the pub.  CanaOmeters are developed  (with permission) using distance and lock data from Canalplan AC, the leading web based cruising planner.  Canalplan can give you much more detail and coverage at those times when you have access to a web connected PC. 

 

Download your CanalOmeter from the attachments section below.

 

The files are:

 

GUOmeterpart1       - Grand Union Canal -Brentford to Bulbourne

GUOmeter part2      - Grand Union Canal - Bulbourne to Braunston

LondonOmeter        - Through London - Paddington Arm and Regent's Canal

LeeOmeter               - Lee Navigation - Limehouse to Hertford

NeneOmeter            River Nene from Northampton to Stanground Sluice

SOxfordOmeter         Oxford canal (South) from Braunston to Isis Lock, Oxford

 

CanalOmeters are work in progress.  If you have ideas for improvement or requests for future versions please leave a comment below.  In particular I'd like to know about places that should be included on a particular stretch of canal. 

 

 

I've had a go at constructing a cruising map in the style of the London Underground Map and showing approx cruising times between places -plus railway stations

See cruise map 2009 below, which features the Southern Grand Union, The Thames from Brentford to Oxford, the Southern Oxford canal, the Nene, the Middle Levels and the Great Ouse and tributaries.  Phew!