Today was a turning point. Above you see Pete filling the last lock which took our boat up.
We have moved from Yorkshire to Lancashire, and from now on all the locks we enter, we will be going down.

We will miss Yorkshire, as we have been here for 5 weeks, and really enjoyed the hospitality and friendship of the people.

We are moored at Salterforth tonight, which the guide book states has a Post Office, telephone and stores. Well we have walked the length and breadth of the village and found nothing.

The weather has been very good today, overcast but with many sunny spells and no rain.



We woke up this morning and realised we were grounded. The water level in the pound we were in had dropped dramatically overnight. We were literally at an angle of 45 degrees. As we had heavy showers, we loosened our ropes and refloated the boat.

We waited until 11.00am, but decided to go for it. We had showers then bright sunshine followed by more showers.

We had a total of 4 miles and 9 locks to complete.

Wendy opened and closed the first 3 locks. Then we had a flight of 6 locks. Wendy took control of the boat, and Pete worked the locks.

Today has been the only day in our three months of travelling where we have both got really wet. We have had hailstones.

After 2-1/2 miles we decided enough was enough, so we moored up about 40 foot from two other boats. As we dried ourselves out, we saw another boat heading towards us. It moved alongside the boat in front of us. Then we saw the owners carefully manoever the boat between us and the space we had left before the next boat, so as to give them privacy.

A woman on the boat then walked towards us, as we looked on bemused, and said, "We love it here, we only went down to get water and turn around, but as we came around the corner we realised you had taken our place, but don't worry we have got in".

Now we have 2,000 miles of navigatable canals in the UK, why for the life of us, we cannot understand why they had to move in between us, when we had allowed a favourable distance for privacy. Well they do come from Doncaster.

The weather improved, and we are in an idyllic position, so we decided to walk to East Marston (where we were going to moor up for the night originally) As luck would have it, all the visitor moorings were full, so we had made the right decision.

If you ever get the chance to visit East Marston, do it. It is a hamlet, and probably the best place we have visited. The views are stunning. The Cross Keys Inn is so warming and friendly, we have voted it the best so far.

We are still at Gargrave.
Last night we went to the Mason's Arms for a meal, as it was Wendy's Birthday. We then returned to the boat to watch the Olympic opening ceremony.
Today we moved up two locks, but still in Gargrave. The weather is very sunny but heavy winds. Coming out of the second lock the boat was going up the canal sideways, so we moored up.
And glad we are. There are 3 boat hire companies within the area. With the high winds and multiple hire boats returning/setting off, we have seen boats disapearing into ovehanging trees, hitting locks, hitting each other, lock gates being left open, lock paddles being left open and a crew on a hire boat firing a home made missile at the ducks, whilst dressed as pirates.
Better safe than sorry. So we will continue tomorrow, after the mayhem receeds.

Wendy opening the last swingbridge on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

We left Skipton in bright sunshine this morning. We had 5 miles 5 swingbridges and 3 locks to complete before we reached Gargrave. Our most northern village of our trip.

The scenery and friendship has been fantastic.

As we came into Gargrave we passed this bridge

As we passed the compass pointed West. For the last 3 months we have been heading North. The bridge symbolises our most northern point. Tomorrow we will start our return journey.



As planned, we are still in Skipton today. The town is beautiful.
We set out to take some photographs, and for Peter to buy Wendy a present for her birthday tomorrow.
Well the present was bought.
If you can imagine Moreton In Marsh combined with a Cornish village, then that is Skipton. A long street filled with shops either side, with quirky alleyways leading to more shops.
The trouble with taking photographs is that cars are in every alleyway, satelite dishes are fixed on the most picturesque buildings,which really spoil the feeling.
So, although a lovely town, not very photogenic.
Tomorrow we move to the most northern part of our journey, "Gargrave" Where we hope to spend 2 days as everybody has told us how nice it is. After that we start to head South for the first time in 3 months.

Following a very nice evening in Silsden, we set off this morning. The weather has changed from glorious sunshine to cloudy and overcast. (looking at weather forecasts, we are consistently 5 degrees colder up here)

We had 6 miles and 10 swing bridges to complete before reaching Skipton. Some of the swing bridges are ingenious. For example on one swing bridge the instructions are as follows "Insert BW key and turn clockwise to lower barriers. Once barriers are down turn BW key anti-clockwise to release key.  Using windlass turn left hand key 18 times anti-clockwise to release bridge wedge. Then use windlass and turn right hand key 36 times clockwise to open bridge. To close bridge reverse the procedure" All good fun,but not to the motorists we are holding up.

Out of the 10 swing bridges, Wendy worked 2 whilst Pete managed 1. This is because for the first time since Stone in Staffs in May, we have met traffic. The canals have been that quiet.

Skipton is a really nice town, and we have decided to explore it tomorrow, as it is raining here at the moment. So sorry no pictures today. But we will make up for it tomorrow

We left Riddlestone this morning after visiting Puffa Parts Chandlery. (and spending a small fortune, topping up filters etc etc)

We have had a busy few days catching up since leaving Leeds, so we decided to have an easy day today. In fact we have travelled a total of 4 miles, which included opening/closing 5 swing bridges and topping up the water tank.

We are now in a little village called Silsden. A far cry from the hustle and bustle around Leeds. We are literally surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales  "Proper Emmerdale country" In fact we are not far from the set of Emmerdale. And, the Bronte family estate.

Tonight we are going to listen to a folk/jamming session in a local pub.

Tomorrow we are going to Skipton

Entering the Dales

View from the towpath

Sorry programme playing up.
Here is the picture of Saltaire

We are now moored at Riddlesdon

Bingley 5 Rise Locks

After a pleasant evening in Shipley, we did some early morning shopping, then set off.

The firt place of interest was Saltaire see below

As described in a guide "An estate village that owns its existence to the Utopian dream of Sir Titus Salt, a wealthy Victorian mill owner. He was so appalled by the working and living conditions of his workers in Bradford that he decided to build the ideal industrial settlement, including housing and recreational facilities. This he did in 1850 on the banks of the canal and the River Aire - hence the name Saltaire"

We then went through Bingley, the town that nobody knows until you mention Bradford & Bingley. It is also the main headquarters and production centre for Damart. Using a restored mill and dominating Bingley.

We then had to wait for a BW man to supervise the Bingley 3 rise locks, which we completed in about 40 minutes. Shortly after we had to wait for a boat to descend the Bingley 5 Rise, before entering with another boat called "Milly Molly Mandy" (a strange couple who have never been outside of Yorkshire in their entire lives, and they are retired) We completed the 5 rise in about an hour, with lots of people watching and helping.

We now have a long stretch before any more locks but lots of swing bridges.  We have climbed  304ft since leaving Leeds on Saturday.



After a very pleasant evening in Rodley Barge Inn, we set off again around 10.00am.

Once again we needed a pump-out, which we had done at Calder Valley Marine at Apperley Bridges.

As we were having the weekly task completed, we noticed a familiar narrowboat trying to negotiate its way out of the marina. It was the "Juliana", which used to be moored two boats away from us at Saul Junction Marina.

The new owners joined us through a number of locks, and were delighted we could tell them the history of the boat, especially the fact that it had been blessed by the bishop of Gloucester.

We are now moored at Shipley. Tomorrow we will be doing the Brindley 3 and 5 locks. Hopefully we will provide some interesting photographs

We set off this morning at 8.00am in glorious sunshine. The river level had dropped overnight and was very calm.

We have now joined the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Leeds Lock. The start of the Leeds & Liverpool and the end of the Aire & Calder Navigaton.
We have completed 7 miles and 13 locks. And we are now in Rodley.

Two sets of locks were 3 rise lock (see below)

These locks  are manned by BW staff to assist you and preserve water.
Each lock leads into the other, so the top two locks must be full before entering the bottom lock, as the water in the locks above fill the lock below.

We are now going for a well earned pint in one of the pubs

We are once again stuck!!!!!!

We woke up yesterday to find that the flood lock gates at the entrance of Clarence Docks, were locked shut.

The water within the basin had risen over 1ft, and the river was flowing very fast and was in red condition.

As it was a very sunny day, we decided to explore Leeds again. This time we had a goal. We had heard that the Queen was visiting the City Centre.

We arrived in the City Centre to find thousands of people lining the streets. Large screens had been erected and live pictures were being shown of her arrival.

She did a walkabout to the cheering crowd, and then performed some civic duty which we couldn't see. Then she left. But we did get a real close view of her in her car.

We then went exploring the City, including visiting the oldest pub in the City. Whitelocks est 1715..

The Corn Exchange is a fine feature building

So today we are once again waiting for a river to subside, but we have plenty to keep us busy.

It is wet and miserable, but we are optomistic about continuing early tomorrow morning.







Clarence Docks, Leeds

We have finally reached Leeds.

We left Woodlesford around 10.00am, having just 4 miles and 4 locks to complete.

Although the weather was bright, it was very windy.  Wendy did most of the driving and even took the boat through a lock. (her first rver lock)

The final lock before Clarence docks proved to be challenging. The mooring stage before the lock was very low in water and the back became stuck, after freeing it the wind blew us against the stage and held us there. As Wendy prepared the lock for entry, Pete had to push the front of the boat right out, then use a pole to free us again at the back, but we made it eventually.

On entering Clarence Dock there was only 1 mooring available at the very end of the pontoon. The wind was very strong, so we stopped the boat mid water and let the wind push us sideways to the pontoon. (who needs bow-thrusters?)

In the docks are electrical hook up points. Which is very unusual. Pete noticed that one near us had .80p credit, so we have plugged in. (we have bought a £1 top up)  We also have water next to the boat. (So Wendy is now on her third load of washing)

We are staying in Leeds today to have some retail therapy, and, much needed haircuts.





Last night we had a meal in what is claimed to be the second largest pub in Yorkhire, and believe me it was huge.  Food and drinks up here are really cheap. 2 courses plus drinks £27.00.

We filled up with diesel this morning before setting off. Although Stanley Ferry was a very nice place, and one which we could have both stayed at for another day.

After 1/2 mile we encountered our first wide lock, joined shortly by two other boats.

Following the other two boats we soon moved into lock 2. Shortly after that the third lock that joins the river, had a problem, which BW men were trying to solve.  It was soon sorted and we then had five boats enter the lock.

As we entered the river section we passed a gravel wharf. This is where they load 600 ton barges with gravel. One barge was being loaded, and to be honest we would not like to meet one of those on a corner.

We then turned left before Castleford. And joined the Aire & Calder Navigation.

At this point it started to rain.

After 4 miles we and two other boats entered the Lemonryod Lock. This is used by oil tankers taking fuel to the depot less than 1/2 mile up river. Luckily none were in our vicinity.

The rain continued so we stopped for lunch.

After lunch the sun came out and we moved another mile to the next lock at Woodlesford.

We have decided to stay here the night as we are now only 4 miles and 4 locks away from Leeds City centre.

Near the end of the Calder & Hebble with 3 of our 4 companions in front

Gravel boat being loaded

Moored by Woodlesford Lock

As a point of interest over 2000 views have been made to this blog. So thank you to everybody showing an interest in our journey

2 Pete's in lock

We set off from Horbury this morning in blustery conditions although sunny and quite warm.

The Calder & Hebble navigation is like the Sharpness canal. In sections you leave the river to join a stretch of canal, then join the river again, and so on, avoiding weirs.

Today we had 3 river sections to complete. After the second section we bid farewell to Peter & Lynn our travelling companions for the last 3 weeks, who were going to visit Wakefield tomorrow.

Wendy has also been steering the boat on the rivers, and has done an excellent job, especially her manoevering through the flood lock gate at Wakefield, despite heavy winds and the current, she guided us through with only one lock gate open.

With the delays through bad weather and flooding, we are behind schedule, so we are pressing on.

The locks are now longer and wider and work using a BW key to operate the hydraulic gates. Wendy sold our handspike to a passing boat, as we no longer need it.

We are now at Stanley Ferry near Castleford, after covering over 7 miles today (our furthest distance in 4 week).

Tomorrow we hope to be in Leeds.

Lynn organising the locks

Even on canals there are reminders of family

We moved from Thornhill Lees this morning.

We were getting desperate for a pump out, so we rang the marina in Dewsbury to see if they were open on a Saturday and if the they had pump out facilities. After 2 yes's we decided to make the 3/4 mile detour up the Dewsbury arm.

We had two locks before the Dewsbury arm. After the first lock we met a man coming up the next lock. He told us that the turning up to the Dewsbury arm was very tight, and that we should reverse into the lock.

We both looked at the situation, and it was very tight. But if we reversed in, we could not gauge the front of the boat in relation to the cill as we descended. (we are still in 57.6ft locks and have to go in diagonally)  We did not want the front of the boat catching the cill and leave us hanging and causing damage, so we entered the lock normally.

As we left the lock, we turned slightly right, then straight ahead to a bridge wall. Once we had made light contact with the front fender, we were able to turn the boat, with just enough room to get around.

After we had our pump out we rejoined the Calder & Hebble, and shortly met up again with Blue on Blue.

We are now moored up at Horbury. A small village between Dewsbury and Wakefield.

The weather has improved and we are in sunshine and short sleeves. Not sure how long it will last though.

Sychronized boating with Blue on Blue

We went and had a meal at the Pear Tree Inn last night. It is situated beween the Canal and the River Calder. A very nice friendly pub serving good food.
After our meal, it was a pub quiz. So we decided to stay on, even though in the past we have always finished in the lower end. (hence we call ourselves "Crap at Quizzes")
True to form we came last. But not all was lost. As a bobby prize, we received 2 £7.00 vouchers, which covered our meals. Result!

This morning the Calder had descended another 6". So at 9.00am a decision was taken that we would move on.

We had looked at the lock the previous evening, and decided that both ourselves and Pete & Lynn on Blue on Blue would both go in the lock together. This worked well untill I had to pick Wendy up on a landing stage just outside the lock. Having drifted past her with the current, I decided to turn the boat around and go upstream to collect her.  Once Wendy was on we proceeded.

We stopped at Mirfield to do some shopping, then continued to Shepley Bridge, where, according to our guide book was a Boatyard. We are low on water and diesel, plus we need a pump-out. We found the BW station and filled up with water. Pete walked to the boatyard only to find that they had ceased trading. (We have enough diesel for at least 2 week, but the pump-out is getting desperate)

We have now moored at Thornhill Lees, just outside Dewsbury (Dewsbury is where Wallace was born) And, just for a change it has started raining.

At least we are moving again.

Approaching a flood lock gate (note the weir to the right)

View of weir when passing

Negotiating a 57.6 ft lock with a 58ft narrowboat 

We have finally finished the Huddersfield Broad Canal and moved on to the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

But not far.

The River Calder is in Amber condition, which means you can proceed with caution.

Whilst in the last lock of the Huddersfield joining the Calder we saw a boat heading towards the lock we were in. The river current was quite strong, and his engine was unable to slow him down in time. So he hit the lock gate.

After we had descended and opened the lock gates to join the river,  the boat awaiting to enter the lock had only tied up using a centre rope. This meant that the back was out, blocking our passage.

As we had to negotiate around this boat and entering a strong current, we also had to go under a bridge.

As we left the current started to take us.We had to use full throttle to enable us to manoever and continue.

The next problem was less than 200 yards ahead. We had to do a U turn to go through the flood lock gates, which luckily were open. Gauging this is always difficult, as you have not become accustomed to the river current. We had gone past the turning as to allow the current to, in effect take us around. However it was so strong we had to once again use full throttle, and going sideways, we went through the gates, only touching the front as we did it.

We then went through a lock to join the river again. This went well.

As we travelled downstream we saw a sign on a bridge. "Weir ahead turn right"

What we didn't see was the right turn straight after the bridge.

So once again we had to turn against the current, and pass the turning going sideways. Full throttle and waiting for the bang, somehow we went through unscathed. 

At the next lock we were informed that the river had once again risen and we could not proceed.

So after 2 miles we are once again waiting for a river to subside.

River Calder

River Lock



We moved from Huddersfield on Monday morning on hearing the Calder & Hebble navigation was open.
After completing 7 locks and 3 miles, we stopped due to heavy rain. We also heard that the C&H had again closed.
So here we are again, waiting for a river to drop in level, so we can continue.
Luckily our new found friends Peter & Lynn are with us on their boat  "Blue on Blue". So we have good company in the evenings.
One interesting point about the Huddersfield Broad Canal is the locks. They are 57'.6" in length. Our boat is 58' in length. But, being a broad canal means that they are wide locks 14'.2" So we have to go in at an angle so we are in diagonally.
Once the boat has descended, the lock gates open inwards, towards the boat. This means we have to open one gate then push the boat across to clear the other lock gate before exiting. All good fun.

PEEWEE & Blue on Blue Moored up and waiting

Calder & Hebble in Flood

Sunday evening and still at Huddersfield.

The heavy rain on Friday has caused the Calder & Hebble to flood.

We have heard that the navigation will be opened again tomorrow. Hopefully we can continue.

Calder & Hebble in flood

Our current mooring in Huddersfield

We arrived at Huddersfield yesterday afternoon, and once again, we had problems.
The first was when we got up in the morning. Because the water had dropped overnight due to leaking locks, we were virtually leaning at 45 degrees.  I discussed this with the people moored up behind us Pete & Lynn, whom we had been travelling with for the last week.
I walked up to the last lock we had come through and it was half full, but the pound above it was empty. I then walked up to the lock before that and it was empty but the pound above it was full. So I filled the lock then emptied it into the empty pound below.
Still no water had entered our section of canal. So I proceeded to fill the lock again.
This time I heard a woman shout that they were coming down. I duly filled the lock and opened the gate for them, although by now the pound they were about to enter was really low, but the water they would release from the lock above would see them through.
I returned to the boat and untied as did Pete & Lynn.
When the other boat had descended we were afloat once again and moved to the middle of the canal once it had passed.
So now it was a hoping game for the 3 of us, to see if there would be enough water in the canal to allow a convoy of 3 boats down.

We did manage to ground ourselves on a couple of occasions, but we got through most of it.

As we entered Huddersfield, the last lock on the narrow section. It was closed.

British Waterways were undergoing repairs.

After a delay of over an hour (In which time Wallace had run off and became a fellow of the University of Huddersfield) We proceeded.

We are moored up an Aspley Basin, and have stayed here all day. The weather has been lovely, hot and sunny reaching 23 degrees.

Below are photographs from our mooring.
Tomorrow we set off on the wide canal up to the Calder & Hebble navigation.

The last lock on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal (after repair) Wendy & Lynn in action

We are now 1-1/2 miles from Huddersfield. Tomorrow we will join the Huddersfield Broad Canal, which means double locks ie 2 boats width.
We travelled 2.5 miles today including 13 locks which took us 4 hours, and we were only grounded twice, which is a record. (The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is only 3ft deep, however with locks opening and closing it can get as low as 1ft 6ins. Our boat is in 2ft of water)
We are really sorry to see the end of this canal as it has been so picturesque, and a real experience, especially standedge tunnel (pronounced Stanedge by locals)

We are moored at Milnbridge, a suburb of Huddersfield. 2 Indian restaurants, kebab house, pizza takeaway and a run down pub, which neither of us want to go inside. Our highlight of the evening is waiting for a fox to appear on the opposite side of the canal, to receive his cheese supper, as eveybody has told us.

We are still in Slaithwaite.
Pete had stubbed his toe whilst opening a lock on Saturday. This morning his toe had become very swollen and was black and blue. We suspect it is broken. So we decided the best bet was to rest it for the day.
Hopefully we will set off again tomorrow.
The Huddersfield Narrow canal is 19-3/4 miles long with 74 locks. We have been on it for 2 weeks and still have 21 locks to go. It is by far the best canal we have been on. The views are stunning and the people are really friendly.