Locks and Hillocks, down we go

Wednesday, 05 August 2009 09:35

Out in the Yorkshire countryside

With a newly serviced engine, full of diesel, water and gas we set off towards the Yorkshire Countryside at last. However, first we had to skirt Barnoldswick. Apparently there is a shop near Long Ing Bridge (153). A hire boat was moored and the wife had been sent to find it - was it left or right?

Long Ing Bridge

If she had turned right she would have been able to walk up to the old Rain Hall Rock Branch, which joined the Leeds and Liverpool here. This branch was to a quarry where the limestone was loaded onto boats directly from the rock face. We did not stop to explore, but maybe it is worth a short walk to see the three arch viaduct there.

Finally we were out in the countryside!

Pretty soon we approached Greenberfield Locks. These were our first downhill locks since the trip into Liverpool a month ago. I like going down locks - most times! We pulled in to wait as a single hire boat went down. John went to help and suggested they wait for us so we could share the next two locks. We are conscious of the low water level here on the L and L, despite all the rain! (BW have just lifted the 10am-6pm restriction-Ed.)

Waiting at Greenberfield Top Lock

There were two other HBs moored off the lock landing and one of the crew came up and said they were next. They had shown no sign of moving as we passed them. I explained what we were going to do, explaining the need to save water - he seemed OK with it; I didn't really give him a choice! Anyway, John had already done all the work to fill the lock again!

We got to Lock 43 and joined the hire boat - his crew consisted of a small daughter and his partner. The small girl was determined to open the bottom paddles although she had to stand on tip toe! Mum had to help eventually.

In Lock 43 looking back to Greenberfield Lock Bridge 157

The locks were very wet - I was on the wrong side as the off side (our starboard) leaky walls were creating cascades of water as the lock emptied. I almost had a shower and the stern deck was awash. The gates were leaking too, so all in all it was a rather damp experience. The locks are only 60 foot long so at 57 foot plus fenders I did not have much room to manoeuvre.

Nicholson maps describes this section of the canal as "set in beautiful uplands - ... the canal winds through scenery that is composed of countless hillocks, some topped by clumps of trees"

Are these "Hillocks"?

The bends make it interesting to navigate, especially when there were other boats coming the other way, mainly in pairs as they had come up the next flight ahead. At some places the next bridge can be spotted around the next bend - shades of the Oxford Canal but in hilly countryside.

South Field Bridge 159 is right on a bend - we used our horn for the first time

We spotted what looked like a good mooring as we exited the next bend

Ideal - it has a good t'internet, TV and phone signal and is isolated enough for even me!

As we moored the sun came out and there was blue sky to be seen

The only down side was that John thought he could smell diesel so opened up the stern (false alarm we think) - hmm, the bilges were rather wet. A consequence of those wet Greenberfield locks, so it was "all hands to the bilge pump" and a good mop up!

The consequence of wet locks!

It is a lovely evening - the sun is streaming in, 23 degrees out and 20% humidity. There are a few walkers about, but for us it is time to relax and enjoy!

Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Lower Park Marina to East of South Field Bridge (159) - 1 hour 47 minutes, 2.89 miles, 3 locks