THE weather may be intermittent with sunshine and showers but it is the time of year to get out and explore the great outdoors.

When pondering over places to visit the local canal may not be the first thing that springs to mind.

Although an extremely popular place for people to stroll and cycle, either for exercise or on route to their daily commute, it probably wouldn’t be the obvious day out.

However, canals pose the perfect place to explore the local area and to pursue pastimes too. Fishing, boating and simply strolling are among the popular activities - and what better place to be next to nature?

Climbing aboard a canal boat provides the opportunity to take a relaxing trip along the tranquil stretch of water which really has a history in itself.

Canals provided an early form of transportation and while the network is now taken care of by road and rail, they still have a purpose in our modern society.

In its heyday, the canal carried cotton, coal, wool, limestone, sugar and other vital commodities through the rapidly expanding industrial communities of Lancashire and Yorkshire. From the Second World War onwards, it suffered declining cargo traffic and narrowly escaped closure in the 1970s.

Two hundred years on, the canal remains an oasis for wildlife, a thriving centre for tourism, recreation and leisure and a catalyst for regeneration.

This year, in particular, the waterway criss-crossing our green and pleasant land commemorates a very special occasion - the bicentenary of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Launched on October 22 1816, it is Britain’s longest single man-made waterway, and to mark this special occasion the region is gearing up for a series of special events.

Now in its ninth year, the Leeds Waterfront Festival, which gets underway today and tomorrow (June 25 and 26)offers the perfect day out for families.

As well as the chance to see some beautiful boats and learn about the heritage there will be market stalls, arts and crafts as well as dance and music in various locations within the city including Granary Wharf; Victoria Wharf; The Calls; Brewery Wharf; The Tetley; Leeds Docks and Thwaite Mills Museum.

Of course, the event also offers the opportunity to enter the legendary Dragon Boat races. To find out more visit leedsdock.com

On July 3 visitors to Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre in Waters Road, Marsden, can walk in the footsteps of the original tunnel controller as part of the ‘Over & Under Adventure’ boat trip event which runs from 10am until 3.30pm.

Run in partnership with Marsden Moor National Trust, the Over & Under Adventure takes visitors on a waterway journey through Britain’s longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel.

Visitors are accompanied by a guide during this informative and educational trip which tells of the tales and tribulations of the navvies who built it.

‘Burnley’s Canal’ is a commemorative exhibition running throughout the summer as part of the bicentenary celebrations.

Other events to mark this special occasion include a heritage mile marker project; a new choral symphony; the pioneering Desmond family; Coast to Coast Canoe Trail; the Super Slow Way arts project and dozens of festivals and events will mark the special 200th anniversary year along the canal’s 127 mile route.

Led by the Canal & River Trust, which cares for the canal, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society, the Inland Waterways Association and the 12 boroughs through which it travels, the celebrations will culminate in October with the award-winning heritage education boat, Kennet, run by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society, re-creating the first complete trans-Pennine journey along the canal by the merchants of Yorkshire and Lancashire 200 years ago.

To get involved in the bicentenary celebrations email Canal & River Trust project manager, Sarah Knight, at sarah.knight@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

To find out more about events celebrating this special occasion visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.