Towpath Bug Out - Prepper Options (U.K.)

Alternative Bug Out Routes For The Prepper

As a prepper I consider and evaluate my options for different scenarios. Here, I highlight one of those options for movement, the Canal & River Towpath.

In U.K. We have a well established canal system = 200 years old and still in working order. The Well maintained canal and river system includes over 2000 miles of navigable waterways. Maintained in good condition and regularly used by many boaters for both commercial and pleasure use.

Although not covering the whole of the U.K. Its arterial routes flow through many cities and towns. They were in fact, the 'highways' of their time.
Every canal and most rivers have a 'towpath' - These paths were traditionally used by horses to pull commercially laden canal boats full of goods. They remain in place and in good condition!
One could quite easily walk or navigate around the canal and river system using these paths. Path dimensions in general vary in width and can range from 3 foot at the narrowest to 10 foot at their widest. In general though, most average at around 4 foot wide and are well maintained. Every towpath is easily travelled/navigated by foot, bicycle or in an SHTF situation, by moped or horse.

The U.K. Canal Network

These canal routes are also littered with resources such as:

• Edible plant life – Apple, Pear, Cherry, Plum trees.
• Foraging opportunities, particularly - Blackberry, Nettle, Hawthorn, Plantain, Cattail, and Dandelion.
• Plenty of Water (will require processing).
• Wood is in abundance.
• An abundance of hunting opportunities including a variety of fish and plenty of duck/geese and even shell-fish / crawfish.
• Facility stations – Called 'sanitary stations' offer potable water, toilets and even showers/washing machines (in some locations). At these locations a unique key is required. Singular water points can be found at regular intervals usually not further than 6 miles apart (key is required).
• Wooded areas for overnight camping are easy to find along the whole network.
  
  Threats and hazards
  These narrow paths are full of vulnerable areas that are ambush hotspots with limited escape opportunity during confrontations.
  Without regular use, the system will grind to a halt quickly and the canals will probably drain dry or completely flood, rendering travel troublesome.
  Uses for the Prepper:
• Enables a quick and alternate route out, during any confusion in the aftermath of disasters or terrorist incidents.
• Passage can be very quick and easy on the feet as all towpaths are well-worn, grass covered tracks.
• Navigation is easy.
• An abundance of resources from food to fuel.
• If still functioning, Sanitary stations can provide additional facilities.
• Towpaths are big enough to enable speedy travel by bicycle and moped or horse.
• Most if not all canals on the network are generally flat and follow the contours of hills, enabling quick and easy physical movement across the system.

With an extensive 'hidden network' of paths, the prepper can easily take advantage of this great resource. However, every option has its drawbacks. During an extensive collapse situation or SHTF scenario and without management, the system of canals and rivers may, over a period of months quickly become unusable either to drainage or flooding. This may lead to canal/river bank breaches and so further increasing risk. It is for this reason they should be utilised to their full extent at the earliest opportunity before deterioration kicks-in.

For the prepper, the main benefit of using these resource-rich Towpath routes is for quick movement during short term emergencies or events in which you may have to either Bug Out without a vehicle or to escape congested rail/road networks. Scenarios include using alternate routes during inner-city terror incidents or key infrastructure failure whilst bugging out. Whatever your plans are, always consider the alternative routes available.
Questions, comments or anything to add? Feel free to reply.