Beyond Wakefield on the Calder and Hebble Navigation

Monday, 31 August 2009 08:40

The Calder and Hebble Navigation feels more "river like"

Remember we had just turned out of Wakefield Flood Lock

Ahead of us was the first lock that apparently "needed a handspike" so it was with a focused mind that John grabbed our lump of wood and went to operate Thornes Lock! Here he demonstrated the use of this crude tool for posterity and information for enquiring boaters! Instructions are here and photos are here.

John and handspike

Handspike barrel on lock gate

There are lock bridges that overhang the bottom lock gates and it was now we began to be grateful that we had a 57 foot boat again (as on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Bingley).

The stern of Epiphany just out of harms way

Not a lot of room at the bows for avoiding the inrush of water

We lost the River Calder again as it flowed off to the left and we travelled through Thornes Cut, a pleasant well maintained half mile leading to Thornes Flood Lock.

These walkers were enjoying a good hike

After Thornes Flood Lock the river arrived from the left

Unsurprisingly it hived off right at Broad Cut Low Lock!

Now, Broad Cut Low Lock deserves a cautionary tale! There were a number of folks about including a "self appointed" volunteer lock keeper. He was very good at giving advice. Boaters need to beware as the outlets for both the ground paddles and the gate paddles are above the level of the lock water when going up. I was advised to keep to the left of the lock and as the water rushed in it pinned me there.

Apparently once the water settles, the boat should drift to the right hand side very gently. Ha ha! Not if the gate paddles on the right top are opened too quickly! I was more concerned about the overhanging lock gate bridge behind me. Anyway we got through with no damage incurred and no spike needed as the gear was windlass controlled.

Broad Cut ends with Broad Cut Top Lock. The pleasant short cut has moorings, facilities and a pub! Everything a passing boater could need. But not us today! We continued into Horbury Cut, a really lovely stretch before Horbury.

Is this an apartment for "high flyers"?A pallet on a pole!

Looking back down the Cut

These bullocks were enjoying a drink

The Harvest was cut near Beeston Bridge

The River Calder was still with us, but a little bit away to our right. As the trees closed in, we drew near to Horbury, our mooring for the night.

The end of Horbury Cut

Above King's Road Lock, Aire and Calder Navigation to Horbury on the Calder and Hebble Navigation - 3 hours 57 minutes, 8.11 miles, 8 locks