Really into Leeds now!

Friday, 21 August 2009 09:57

The final stretch for us, for the moment

Alongside the canal just after here is the "private canal" of the now demolished Kirstall Power Station. It is used for moorings and appears to be well looked after. It is quite a long stretch!

Entrance to Power Station canal

Around Armley, BW contractors were working on the tow path - resurfacing it in Tarmac. As we approached Armley Road Bridge it became clear that this was an upgrade because of the Leeds Industrial Museum housed in the old mill right by the bridge.

Armley Mill Bridge

Spring Garden Lock was next - another lock on its own, followed quickly by Oddy 2 Locks, a staircase of two locks! Whilst waiting I admired the garden and murals on the Canal Mill building.

"Who's the dummy now?" (yes, the dummy is wearing a BW sweatshirt!)

We were well into Leeds by now as you can see from the skyline

These buildings gradually drew nearer until they were alongside the canal just before our last lock - St Ann's Ing Lock (3). I am not sure if I like coloured modern buildings or not but you can make up your own mind!

New development alongside the canal

Two BW Lock Keepers met us here and helped us through the lock, asking where we planned to moor and warning us that the next pound was very shallow. The canal then wiggles its way further into Leeds alongside the River Aire and the railway.

Bridge over River

We arrived above Office Lock (2) and doubled up with a wide beam on the 48 hour moorings here. At least the sun was shining again!

Moored at Office Lock

Now let me think, how many Lock Keepers have helped us with the stretch from Rodley into Leeds? Two for Newlay and Forge staircases and then two for the last lock, St Ann's Ing. They were quite happy for John to help and the last two gave us good advice! I am pretty sure the dummy doesn't count! With the waits at the top of the staircases and for the two boats ahead of us, it took us a bit longer than it might have.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Rodley to Leeds - 5 hours 14 minutes, 6.09 miles, 11 locks