Thanks for that Jakubclaret. I have twice cycled the 127 miles from liverpool to Leeds over 2 days in recent years. Last year the weather was horrendous. I've done plenty of challenges for charity, including the national 3 peaks twice in 24 hours and last year's cycle was harder (due to torrential rain and gale force winds).
I have noted the posts about weeds, shallow water and the locks. CRT staff have been furloughed and keeping water levels good is always a massive task, and of course some of the lock gates are over 200 years old.
I think the charity does a good job under the current circumstances, but I appreciate that some users may feel neglected. Don't forget that a large number of the staff and lock keepers are volunteers and don't deserve the insults they sometimes receive.
However, I've never seen a happy fisherman on there when walking past them, and cycling past them feels like a major crime.
But where else can you immediately be with nature and the open country after a few minutes walk. Heron, kingfishers, mink, voles, beautiful scenery, boats and something different around each bend.