THESE days we take our transport for granted. We grumble at traffic jams, complain during road repairs and moan about public transport.

This week I took a canal trip along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, covering the section from Barden Mill to Brierfield.

As part of the commentary on the boat it was stated that in the 1830's it took four hours to cover the journey from Foulridge to Barden.

These days it takes around 15 minutes by road. It might take 20 if you get held up along the North Valley Road in Colne!

It would seem that all complaints about journeys are relative.

There are canal trips from the Weavers Triangle, from Barden Mill and from Foulridge Wharf and details of times and costs can be obtained from any of these three locations.

There is parking near all three places and there is no doubt that there is plenty of wildlife to be seen from a canal boat.

Birds, in particular, ignore the slow movement of the birds. On the day of my journey, three young swans followed the Marton Emperor and were rewarded by being given a share of butties and buns.

This was a lively sight but not so lovely was the amount of litter found floating on the water.

At Brierfield there was a boat moored by the side of a mill.

This boat contained equipment used to lift litter from the canal and take the rubbish away for safe disposal.

I had expected to see lots of cans, paper and some "natural" litter such as tree branches.

What I did not expect to see was old car engines, two motorbikes, numerous tyres and huge wooden boxes.

Over the last two years I have spent some time studying rivers and canals in several countries.

Our watercourses are now cleaner than most countries except for litter.

We are, I think, the worst place for dealing with litter.

People of all ages dump litter and throw away wrappings without thought and many otherwise lovely strolls are spoiled by unsightly litter.

The Tidy Britain Group are doing a wonderful job but they need help from all of us if things are to improve.

On the bright side there are wonderful stretches of open countryside between the East Lancashire towns.

During July and August, I would suggest that you enjoy a couple of canal trips sandwiched between walks along the canal bank.

Take away your memories and also take away the remnants of your picnic!